In brief
Mnason is a Christian from the island of Cyprus, mentioned only once in the Bible. Luke presents him as an “early disciple,” that is, a believer of long standing. Near the end of Paul's third missionary journey, disciples from Caesarea bring Paul and his companions to him, since they are to stay at his house on this trip up to Jerusalem (Acts 21:16). What we remember is a man faithful over the long term, who opened his home to the apostle as trial drew near.
What does the name Mnason of Cyprus mean?
The name Mnason is Greek in origin; it is generally linked to a verb meaning “to remember.” The Bible gives no explanation of it and says only that he was from the island of Cyprus (Acts 21:16).
The story of Mnason of Cyprus
The journey up to Jerusalem
Acts 21:10-15At Caesarea, the prophet Agabus announces that Paul will be bound in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles. The disciples beg the apostle to give up the journey, but Paul declares himself ready to die for the name of the Lord Jesus. After these days, the group makes its preparations and goes up to Jerusalem, knowing that chains await Paul there.
Taken to Mnason's house
Acts 21:16Some of the disciples from Caesarea go with Paul and bring him to one Mnason of Cyprus, “an early disciple,” with whom the group is to stay. Luke says nothing else about him. Yet his hospitality covers a whole group of travelers: Paul, Luke himself, who narrates the scene, and other companions of the apostle.
The welcome of the brothers
Acts 21:17-20On arriving in Jerusalem, Paul and his companions are received gladly by the brothers. The next day, Paul goes to James, where all the elders are gathered, and recounts in detail the things God has done among the Gentiles through his ministry. Those who hear him glorify God. Mnason's hospitality is part of this brotherly welcome.
Before the storm
Acts 21:27-33A few days later, Jews from Asia see Paul in the temple, stir up the crowd and accuse him of defiling the place. Paul is beaten, then arrested by the commanding officer and bound with two chains, as Agabus had announced. The apostle's last days of freedom were spent among brothers who had welcomed him.
What Mnason of Cyprus teaches us
- A faith that perseveres over many years is precious in the eyes of God and of his church.
- Opening your home is a real service to the work of God, even when it is nothing spectacular.
- Supporting a servant of God who is walking toward trial means sharing in his struggle.
- God does not forget those who have served quietly, even when Scripture mentions them only once.
Key verses
The only verse that speaks of Mnason. It presents him as a man from the island of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom Paul and his companions were to stay.
“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Mnason illustrates this concrete hospitality toward servants of God.
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” Peter makes welcoming others an ordinary practice of Christian life, as seen in Mnason's home.
Frequently asked questions
What does “early disciple” mean for Mnason?
The expression describes a believer of long standing, a disciple for a long time rather than a church leader. Luke does not say when Mnason was converted. Some think he came to faith in the earliest days of the church, but the text does not say so. It stresses above all his faithfulness over time.
Why is Mnason important?
Mnason appears only once, but he receives Paul at a decisive moment, just before his arrest in Jerusalem. His example is a reminder that hospitality is part of Christian service, and that God uses quiet believers to support those who carry the gospel in the midst of opposition.
Where is Mnason found in the Bible?
Mnason is mentioned in Acts 21:16. For the context, read the whole of Acts 21: Paul's stay with Philip at Caesarea, Agabus's prophecy, the journey up to Jerusalem, the meeting with James and the elders, and then Paul's arrest in the temple.