4. MNASON: AN OLD DISCIPLE

Acts 21:16 "There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, ..."

Many are the distinguished heroes of the Bible. Often known for their deeds.

	Adino (2 Samuel 23:8 ) slew 800 enemy troops with his spear in one encounter.
	Shammah (2 Samuel 23:11,12 ) defended a field of lentils against the Philistines and slew many of them, winning a great one man victory.
	Benaiah (2 Samuel 23:20 ) slew a lion in a pit during a snowstorm.

But Mnason is not distinguished for heroics, not for anything that he did. He stands out for what he WAS, "An old disciple". May we be remembered for our discipleship. Like Mnason, known for what we are.

4.1. MNASON BEGAN AS A YOUNG DISCIPLE

He was a native of Cyprus. Probably knew Barnabas. He was a jew not born in the promised land.

"Old disciple", indicates that he was an early follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. May have been a Pentecostal convert (Acts 2:5 ). He was a "born again" one.

John 3:3 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

John 1:12,13 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: ¹³ Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

A believer is one who comes to Christ for salvation. A disciple is one who learns of Christ, follows, grows in grace.

The Lord said,

Matthew 11:28,29 "Come unto me, ... ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; ..."

If we would be old disciples of Christ, we must begin now by making Jesus the Lord in our lives. Mnason accepted the Lord's discipline - His authority - His Lordship for his life. HAVE YOU? Paul was proud to be a disciple of Gamaliel - but more so of Christ. If we would be an "old disciple" we must begin now.

4.2. MNASON WAS A FAITHFUL DISCIPLE

Mnason was no great preacher like Paul or eloquent Apollos. Nor famous or well known like Peter. He was simply an "old disciple". Faithful. Unlike so many of his day, who in later years failed God, he overcame the temptations of a beckoning worldly life. The accounts of the later years of some of the Bible characters make sad reading. We do well to note the temptations of old age:

	Noah fell after 10 years of faithful walk with God (Genesis 6:9; 9:21 ).
	Abraham resorted to carnality at 85 years (Genesis 16:3 ).
	Moses, rigorously schooled in self-mastery for 100 years, at last allowed himself to be "provoked" into an outburst of anger (Psalm 106:32,33; Numbers 11:1 ).
	Samuel allowed family interests to come ahead of loyalty to God (1 Samuel 8:1-7 ).
	David., nearing the end of his activities yielded to unholy lusts, fell into terrible sins (1 Kings 15:5 ).

These are examples from the 0ld Testament. But what about the New Testament? We read of those who began well.

Demas -

2 Timothy 4:10 "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world ..."

Phygellus and Hermogenes -

2 Timothy 1:15 "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes."

Hymenaeus and Alexander -

1 Timothy 1:20 "Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."

All were professed disciples at one time. How refreshing to read of faithful "old disciple" Mnason. We may not be outstanding, but like Mnason, we too can be faithful.

4.3. MNASON WAS AN ENDURING DISCIPLE

He is an example of God's sustaining grace. Grace sufficient in trials and temptations, both in youth and later years. He remained a disciple, not because difficulties were removed, but in spite of them. He came to the Throne of Grace for help in ever time of need.

Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

This is the secret of continued discipleship. Drawing upon the Lord's grace, we can know God's keeping power. Mnason's perseverance should be an encouragement to young Christian followers. We need not fear old age - God keeps.

4.4. MNASON WAS A VALUED DISCIPLE

In declining years he was still a blessing to the Church and a gracious host, beloved of the brethren. The greatest preacher of that day came to Mnason to refresh himself. A man's company reveals his character. Not only was he honoured by his guests but his guests were honoured by the privileged fellowship with an "old disciple."

Fellowship with old disciples is a privilege:

	Because of their knowledge of the Lord. They have been feeding on the Word for a long time.
	Because of their experiences. They have known help in time of trouble. Comfort in times of sorrow. Provision in time of need.
	Because they are qualified to help and encourage. We are thankful for them.
	Because they are nearer to heaven in their thoughts. More taken up with their spiritual home.

Let us honour the aged disciples. Let us assure them that they are of precious value to us.

4.5. MNASON WAS A HOSPITABLE DISCIPLE

Acts 21:16 "... with whom we should lodge. "

Mnason was given to the ministry of hospitality and helping God's people.

1 Peter 4:9-10 "Use hospitality one to another without grudging. ¹⁰ As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Paul exhorted believers to be "given to hospitality" (Romans 12:13 ), "A lover of hospitality" (Titus 1:8 ), "Given to hospitality" (1 Timothy 3:2 ).

One of the things which qualified a widow for relief funds from the Church was if she had "lodged strangers" (1 Timothy 5:10 ). The need for hospitality was great in the early Church. The main part of the word "hospitality" is "hospital". Though all believers are to be hospitable, some possess a special ability. Mnason was such a disciple.

---

Hospitality Brings Blessings To The Recipients

It ministers the joy of acceptance - fellowship, love. Single adults - students - Forces - distressed - missionaries - travelling preachers and teachers, all profit from hospitality. It is the best when simply expressed. The good host "appreciates the guest" and is not out to impress.

---

Hospitality Brings Blessings To The Hospitable Person

No genuinely hospitable person entertains with the hope of getting a return invitation. Jesus said to invite those who cannot repay.

Luke 14:12 "... "When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid."

Our reward will come from above.

Hebrews 13:2 "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. "

Strangers - angels - Abraham experienced this. The house in Bethany received the resurrection of Lazarus. Often healing comes to the hospitable home.

Luke 10:9 "And heal the sick that are therein, ... "

Publius - governor of Melita received the healing of his father (Acts 28:7-8 ). Zaccheaus received "salvation of his whole house", (Luke 19:9 ).

Mnason gave blessing and received blessing. Do not let us lose out - be a blessing and receive a blessing.

4.6. MNASON WAS AN ACTIVE DISCIPLE

Mnason was aged, but active. He knew victory over the infirmity of later years. He had an active mind for God - moved with the times. Embraced the ministry of Paul when younger men failed to appreciate him. He was among the grand company of saints who made achievements in old age.

	Moses - began his principal work at 80.
	Caleb began his conquests at 85.
	Antonio Stradivari produced thousands of violins, was past 60 when he made his first.

Thank God for the active aged disciples who are today helping by prayer, by hospitality and by helping younger ministers.

Old age can be a time of achievement for God. There is no retirement from God's service. When our earthly race is almost run, and a stranger should come to our door and ask, "Who lived here?" May it be possible for the answer to be given - "An old disciple". One of the Lord's faithful ones.