Mnason - An Early Disciple

by I. Lithgow, Innerleithen, Scotland | Category: General | Jul 1987

There are several varying descriptions applied to disciples of Christ in the New Testament Scriptures. For instance, Joseph of Arimathaea was a secret disciple, until he came out into the open at the cross (John 19:38). In Acts 9:36 we read about "a certain disciple named Tabitha", and in the Gospel by John we read of the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 21:20).

The description of Mnason as "an early disciple" or "an old disciple" (AV) is found in Acts 21:16 in the narration of events that occurred during Paul's travels.

We are told three things about Mnason: his place of birth, that he had been a disciple for a long time, and that he was to render a service to Paul and his companions. Mnason was born in Cyprus, the birthplace of Barnabas. Perhaps they knew each other! There is a great deal written about Barnabas in the Scriptures, but very little about Mnason. The Spirit's description of Mnason as "an early disciple" or "an old disciple" is an interesting one. It does not refer to his age, although he probably was elderly. The word "early" (Gk. archaios) means original (Vine), and from this we would conclude that Mnason was one of the first to become a disciple in the locality in which he lived. To be named in the word of God and described as a disciple is a great honour. It seems reasonable to assume that from the day he became a disciple until the time reference is made to him in Acts 21 Mnason had been a loyal disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We are not told if Mnason was gifted in any particular way, but we do know that he used what he had for the Lord's servants. He opened his home to Paul and his fellow travellers and attended to their needs; that is the thought behind the word "lodge" in verse 16.

Mnason's name is never mentioned again in the Scriptures. He was not in the forefront like his gifted fellow countryman, Barnabas, but he was willing to help in whatever way he could, and he gladly put at the disposal of others what he had for use in the Lord's service. He did, however, share with Barnabas the honoured name of disciple.

What about you and me? Are we still showing by what we say and do that we truly follow the Master? True discipleship is not a matter of gift, but a matter of faithfulness to the One who has called us to walk with Him until He comes for us or until He takes us home. A founder editor of this magazine, Dr. C.M. Luxmoore, who was much used in the Master's service, requested that all that should appear on his headstone when he was called home would be, his name, relevant dates and this statement, "A disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ". The inscription on the headstone of his grave in Flaybrick Cemetery, Birkenhead, shows that his wish was complied with.

I. Lithgow, Innerleithen, Scotland | Jul 1987
General