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Acts 21

And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purifcation, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

What does Acts 21:16 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:16 depicts a moment during the Apostle Paul's travels, specifically during his return to Jerusalem.

The verse illustrates the Christian fellowship and hospitality of the early Church.

"Certain of the disciples of Caesarea" refers to Christian believers from Caesarea who accompanied Paul and his companions.

They also brought along "Mnason of Cyprus," described as "an old disciple," suggesting that he was a long-standing believer possibly converted during the early days of the Church.

The fact that Mnason is identified as someone "with whom we should lodge" indicates that he provided hospitality by offering Paul and his fellow travelers a place to stay.

This small detail underscores the practice of Christian hospitality and the bonds that united the early Christians across different cities and cultures.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts was written by Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke, and serves as a sequel describing the growth and spread of the early Christian Church following Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

The book details the missionary work of the Apostles, with a special focus on Paul's travels and teachings.

Caesarea was an important city in the Roman Province of Judea located on the Mediterranean coast.

It was the administrative center of the Roman governor and a significant port. The mention of Caesarea in this context reflects the geographical spread of Christianity beyond Jerusalem. The city housed a Gentile as well as Jewish Christian community.

Cyprus, the homeland of Mnason, is an island in the Mediterranean and was an early recipient of Christian teaching, partly due to its proximity to Palestine.

Theological Insights

This verse is often cited when discussing the early Christian practice of hospitality, showing how believers would support and provide for one another, especially for those in ministry or traveling on missionary work.

Theologically, the term "old disciple" might indicate not just age but maturity in the faith, and the readiness and willingness of such individuals to serve the body of believers.

Furthermore, the cooperation of different believers from various locales illustrates the unity of the Church despite geographic and cultural differences.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a model for modern Christian behavior, particularly in terms of hospitality and support for missionaries or pastors traveling to spread the gospel.

The spirit of openness and generosity shown by Mnason and the Caesarean disciples can inspire contemporary believers to open their homes and provide practical support to those in ministry.

It also emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship in the Christian faith.

Cross-References

There are several verses in the New Testament that discuss hospitality and supporting fellow believers, such as:

Romans 12:13: "Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."
Hebrews 13:2: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
3 John 1:8: "We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth."
1 Peter 4:9: "Use hospitality one to another without grudging."

Language Study

The key phrase "an old disciple" originates from the Greek "archaios mathetes." "Archaios" means ancient, original, or old, which implies that Mnason was among the first or early followers of Christ.

"Mathetes," on the other hand, means disciple or student, suggesting someone who follows the teachings of another. These terms together give us insight into Mnason's background and status in the early Christian community.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of hospitality was common in the ancient world and was considered a sacred duty across different cultures.

In Greek mythology for example, the concept of xenia entailed the hospitality accorded to guests by hosts, which was sometimes thought to be divinely ordained.

In Judaism, hospitality to travelers and the poor is a recurrent theme, as seen in the stories of Abraham and Lot in the Hebrew Bible where they entertain angels unknowingly, reflecting similar values to those discussed in Hebrews 13:2.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the act of hosting or being generous may be analyzed in terms of its psychological and evolutionary benefits.

Social cooperation and altruism are subjects extensively studied in the fields of psychology and evolutionary biology.

These behaviors are believed to contribute to the survival of a community, strengthening bonds within a group and ensuring mutual aid.

Commentaries

Commentators view Acts 21:16 as an illustration of the strong sense of community among the first Christians.

William Barclay notes the readiness with which the early church gave and received hospitality.

John Calvin comments on the need for hospitality, especially as a support to those like Paul who were engaged in spreading the gospel.

Many commentators also remark on how this single verse encapsulates the interconnectedness of the early Church and the personal sacrifice implied in such hospitality.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:16 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 21:16 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?