King James Version

What Does Acts 21:16 Mean?

Acts 21:16 in the King James Version says “There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old discipl...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Acts 21:16 · King James Version


Context

14

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

15

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

16

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.

17

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

18

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


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Certain of the disciples of Caesarea went with Paul, bringing him to Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple (ἀρχαῖος μαθητής, archaîos mathētḗs)—The description 'old disciple' suggests Mnason was among the earliest converts, possibly from Pentecost or shortly after. His Cypriot origin links to Barnabas (also from Cyprus, Acts 4:36), suggesting the interconnected network of first-generation believers. That Paul's companions arranged lodging with this veteran believer shows the early church's hospitality infrastructure and the honor given to long-faithful disciples.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Cyprus had strong early Christian connections through Barnabas and Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 13:4-12). An 'old disciple' from Cyprus living near Jerusalem suggests the diaspora Jewish community's significant role in early Christianity. Mnason's established household could accommodate Paul's large traveling party.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your church honor and utilize the wisdom of 'old disciples' who have walked with Christ for decades?
  2. What does the practice of arranging hospitality through Christian networks teach about interdependence in the body of Christ?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
συνῆλθον1 of 18

“There went”

G4905

to convene, depart in company with, associate with, or (specially), cohabit (conjugally)

δὲ2 of 18
G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ3 of 18

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν4 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθητῇ5 of 18

“certain of the disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

ἀπὸ6 of 18

“of”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Καισαρείας7 of 18

“Caesarea”

G2542

caesaria, the name of two places in palestine

σὺν8 of 18

“with”

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

ἡμῖν9 of 18

“us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ἄγοντες10 of 18

“and brought”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

παρ'11 of 18

“with them”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ᾧ12 of 18

“with whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ξενισθῶμεν13 of 18

“we should lodge”

G3579

to be a host (passively, a guest); by implication, be (make, appear) strange

Μνάσωνί14 of 18

“Mnason”

G3416

mnason, a christian

τινι15 of 18

“one”

G5100

some or any person or object

Κυπρίῳ16 of 18

“of Cyprus”

G2953

a cyprian (cypriot), i.e., inhabitant of cyprus

ἀρχαίῳ17 of 18

“an old”

G744

original or primeval

μαθητῇ18 of 18

“certain of the disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 21:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 21:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study