Acts 21:15-17 · Bible study
Acts 21:15-17 Commentary: Preparation and Welcome
Greek · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explore Acts 21:15-17: Paul's packing, the company of disciples, and the glad reception in Jerusalem.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Paul's final journey to Jerusalem demonstrates resolute faith, community support, and Christian hospitality.
- Key words: ἐπισκευασάμενοι (packing up), Μνάσων (Mnason), ἀρχαίῳ μαθητῇ (early disciple), ἀσμένως (gladly).
- Main debate: Did the disciples bring Mnason from Caesarea (i.e., he accompanied Paul) or did they bring Paul to Mnason in Jerusalem? The Greek phrase ἄγοντες is ambiguous.
- Theological theme: The fellowship of believers displayed through hospitality and readiness to suffer together.
- Best use: Teaching on preparation for trials, the value of Christian companions, and welcoming the misunderstood.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
15After these days, we packed up and went on to Jerusalem.
16Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to stay at the home of Mnason the Cypriot, an early disciple.
17When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us joyfully.
WEB World English Bible 2000
15After these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.
16Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.
17When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
KJV King James Version 1769
15And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.
16There went with us also certain of the disciples of Cesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
17And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
15And after these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.
16And there went with us also certain of the disciples from Cæsarea, bringing with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge.
17And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
15And after these days, having taken our vessels, we were going up to Jerusalem,
16and there went also of the disciples from Caesarea with us, bringing with them him with whom we may lodge, a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an aged disciple.
17And we having come to Jerusalem, the brethren did gladly receive us,
Darby Darby Bible 1890
15And after these days, having got our effects ready, we went up to Jerusalem.
16And [some] of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing [with them] a certain Mnason, a Cyprian, an old disciple, with whom we were to lodge.
17And when we arrived at Jerusalem the brethren gladly received us.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
15And after those days, being prepared, we went up to Jerusalem.
16And there went also with us some of the disciples from Caesarea, bringing with them one Mnason a Cyprian, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
17And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · Acts 21:15
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that the verb ἐπισκευασάμενοι (having packed our baggage) signals Paul's deliberate readiness for the journey. Barnes notes that the King James translation “took up our carriages” is archaic; the word denotes preparing oneself and packing belongings. Calvin adds that Paul's companions, after initially trying to dissuade him, now share his resolve. On verse 16, the consensus is that Mnason of Cyprus was an early disciple, possibly one of the converts from Pentecost, according to Matthew Henry. The phrase “early disciple” (ἀρχαίῳ μαθητῇ) indicates long-standing commitment rather than advanced age. Regarding the reception in verse 17, Gill and the Cambridge Bible emphasise that the brothers received Paul “gladly” despite negative reports. This welcome reflects the church's willingness to overlook rumours and embrace their brother in Christ.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Paul, accompanied by disciples from Caesarea, traveled to Jerusalem, lodged with Mnason (an early disciple), and was gladly received by the Christian community there.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of ἐπισκευασάμενοι | The verb means to pack up, prepare, or equip oneself for a journey. | A minor textual variant (ἀποσκευασάμενοι) exists, but both convey the same basic sense. |
| Mnason's identity | Mnason was a Cypriot and an early convert to Christianity. | Some think “old disciple” means aged (elderly), others that it means a long-standing disciple (early in church history). The Greek ἀρχαῖος can support both. |
| The role of disciples from Caesarea | Some disciples from Caesarea accompanied Paul to Jerusalem. | Did they bring Mnason with them (i.e., Mnason came from Caesarea) or did they bring Paul and his group to Mnason's house in Jerusalem? The grammar of v.16 allows either reading. |
| The glad reception | The Jerusalem believers received Paul and his companions with joy. | Whether this reception was universal among all church members or only by those who first learned of his arrival (e.g., at Mnason's house). The text does not specify the scope. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The journey from Caesarea to Jerusalem was about 75 miles, a three- to four-day walk. Luke's phrase “went up to Jerusalem” reflects both the physical ascent (Jerusalem sits on a ridge) and the spiritual significance of the city as the centre of Jewish worship. Paul was carrying the collection for the saints in Judea, a symbol of unity between Gentile and Jewish believers. The disciples from Caesarea who accompany him likely did so out of concern; they had heard prophecies of his suffering (Acts 21:11-12). Their presence provided both practical support and a demonstration of solidarity. The text highlights hospitality: Mnason, a Cypriot now living in Jerusalem, opens his home. In the early church, such hospitality was vital for travelling missionaries. The “old disciple” designation suggests Mnason had been a follower since the earliest days, possibly from the Pentecost event or even before. The Roman centurion Cornelius had been baptized in Caesarea (Acts 10), and Philip had settled there, so a strong Christian community existed. Their decision to accompany Paul shows remarkable courage. When Paul arrives in Jerusalem, he is met not with suspicion but with joy (v.17). This glad reception stands in contrast to the later riot and demonstrates that despite rumours of Paul teaching against the Law (v.21), those who knew him personally welcomed him as a brother.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note a minor textual variant: some manuscripts read ἀποσκευασάμενοι (aposkeuasamenoi) instead of ἐπισκευασάμενοι (episkeuasamenoi). Both verbs mean 'pack up' or 'prepare,' and the difference does not change the meaning. The best critical texts (e.g., NA28) adopt ἐπισκευασάμενοι. No other significant variants are noted for these verses.
Reception History
Early church writers used this passage to exemplify Christian hospitality, especially the figure of Mnason who opened his home to Paul and his companions. John Calvin focused on the moderation of the Jerusalem brethren who did not believe false rumours about Paul, seeing this as a model for withholding judgment and receiving fellow believers warmly. Later commentators, like Matthew Henry, highlighted Paul's courage in the face of known danger. The passage contributes to the broader biblical theme of fellowship among the saints, though it does not appear prominently in creeds or liturgical texts.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Packing: Paul and his companions prepare themselves for the journey. The Greek verb implies thorough preparation. This challenges believers to approach trials with intentional readiness.
- The Company: Disciples from Caesarea accompany Paul, and Mnason provides lodging. Christian community supports difficult missions.
- The Reception: The Jerusalem church welcomes Paul gladly despite rumours. Forgiveness and hospitality triumph over suspicion.
Five-point outline
- Determination: Paul packs and sets out even knowing the danger (v.15).
- Fellowship: The disciples from Caesarea travel with him (v.16a).
- Hospitality: Mnason, an early disciple, hosts the group (v.16b).
- Welcome: The brothers receive Paul gladly (v.17a).
- Contrast: This joy sets the stage for the later conflict.
Illustration hooks
- Packing for a difficult trip when you know the destination holds hardship, like traveling for a medical appointment or a difficult conversation.
- Friends who accompany you to a daunting event, standing with you in solidarity.
- Welcoming a controversial figure to dinner despite what others have said.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Why would Paul walk into danger when he could have avoided it?
- How can I prepare spiritually for challenges I know are coming?
- Am I quick to believe rumours about fellow Christians, or do I receive them with open hearts?
Leading a Discussion
This passage shows the final stage of Paul's journey to Jerusalem, a city that holds both joy and danger. The disciples from Caesarea accompany him, and Mnason provides a place to stay. When Paul arrives, the Jerusalem believers welcome him cheerfully. But this peace does not last. What can we learn about hospitality, community, and courage from these verses? Picture yourself travelling with Paul, knowing the risks.
Discussion questions
- What does Paul's action of packing tell you about his state of mind?
- Why do you think the disciples from Caesarea went with Paul?
- What does the description of Mnason as an “early disciple” suggest about his faith journey?
- How does the glad reception in verse 17 challenge or encourage you?
- In what ways can we support brothers and sisters who are walking into difficult situations?
- How might our church community show hospitality to those who are misunderstood?
- What risks are you willing to take for the sake of the gospel?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Acts 18:22 | When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the assembly, and went down to Antioch. |
| Acts 25:1 | Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. |
| Acts 25:6 | When he had stayed among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he sat on the judgment seat, and commanded Paul to be brought. |
| Acts 25:9 | But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and be judged by me there concerning these things?” |
| Psalms 71:17 | God, you have taught me from my youth. Until now, I have declared your wondrous works. |
| Psalms 71:18 | Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me, until I have declared your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come. |
| Psalms 92:14 | They will still produce fruit in old age. They will be full of sap and green, |
| Proverbs 16:31 | Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke clarifies that the Greek phrase translated "took up our carriages" simply means they packed their belongings, not that they carried vehicles. He also suggests the verse likely means disciples from Caesarea brought Paul and his companions to Mnason's house in Jerusalem, where they would lodge, rather than Mnason traveling with them.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes notes that the King James translation "we took up our carriages" is misleading, since "carriages" then meant baggage or travel gear, not a vehicle. He also clarifies that Mnason was not a traveling companion but a long-time Christian disciple living in Jerusalem, whose home hosted Paul and his group.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin highlights that Paul's companions chose to share his danger even after failing to dissuade him, proving their devotion to God's will over self-preservation. He then stresses that James and the elders warmly received Paul because they refused to believe false rumors, urging readers to shut their ears against wicked reports about faithful ministers.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
This commentator highlights the practical wisdom of the advance lodging arrangement with Mnason, an early disciple from Cyprus who likely belonged to the wealthier Hellenist members of the Jerusalem church. The private joy of the brethren at Mnason's house contrasts with the public apprehension of the church leaders about Paul's presence during the crowded feast.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill draws attention to the Greek name Mnason, meaning one who remembers, and notes that Mnason is called an old disciple. He speculates Mnason may have seen Christ or been among the seventy, though Gill questions whether fifteen years since Paul's Cyprus ministry is enough to explain that description.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange stresses a critical distinction: the Spirit revealed to the Tyrian disciples that Paul would suffer in Jerusalem, but their plea for him to avoid it came from human affection, not the Spirit. This mixture of divine truth with human fear, he notes, mirrors Peter's rebuke of Christ and is a subtle danger believers still face.
Vincent's Word Studies Evangelical 1887
Vincent clarifies that "carriages" in old English means baggage, not vehicles, and points to a textual variant suggesting Paul equipped himself rather than packing items. He also argues that the disciples were not bringing Mnason along but escorting Paul to him, and that "old" means longstanding, not aged.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley clarifies that the "carriages" mentioned are the group's baggage, likely sent ahead by sea, and includes the alms they were bringing to Jerusalem. He identifies Mnason as a native of Cyprus who lived in Jerusalem, calling him an old disciple and likely one of the earliest converts.