act 21v16 An Old Disciple

"AN OLD DISCIPLE"

Acts 21:16

"An old disciple" - Those are charming words as well as instructive. If I live to be an old man, let me live to be "as old disciple". I want no more. This old disciple's name was "Mnason". It means "one who remembers". He had seen, heard, learned, and experienced much of Christ, his redemption and his grace. His heart was full of precious memories. When Luke tells us that Mnason was "an old disciple", he certainly implies that this man was advanced in years. But quite literally he is saying, "Mnason was one of the few disciples left who had seen Christ in the flesh and had been taught by the Savior's own gracious words." Peter, James, and John were still alive. But most of Mnason's old buddies were gone. They had long ago entered into their rest.

Though Mnason was an old man, HE WAS STILL A DISCIPLE. He was still learning of his Master, still following in his Master's steps, and still growing in his Master's grace. He had not outgrown his need of Christ, his desire to hear of Christ, or his love of the gospel. Though he grew old, he did not grow weary of Christ; he persevered in the way of faith. And though he was an old disciple, MNASON WAS A USEFUL DISCIPLE. As he grew in years, he grew in grace. He was a generous, hospitable man. When Paul and his friends came to Jerusalem, Mnason put them up in his house. And this old man's acceptance of Paul carried such weight that the other Jewish brethren readily received him too (v. 17). Because Mnason, the honorable old disciple, opened his heart, his hand, and his house to Paul, the church at Jerusalem received him with joy.

God, help me as I grow old to grow wise. As my strength declines, let my faith increase. As my eyes grew dim, let my vision be clear. As my hair turns gray, let my heart be warm. As my joints swell with arthritis, let my soul swell with love. When my body is filled with weakness, let my spirit be filled with Christ.