after these days we got ready and went up to jerusalem. and some of the disciples from caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of mnason of cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we should lodge. [acts 21:15-16]
the first thing that comes to mind when i look at this text is how God provides for his children by way of the body of Christ. paul and however many were in his cohort were led to the house of mnason, who would put them up for however long their stay was going to be, which probably included rooms, beds or mats, food, possibly supplies, and definitely encouragement!
in the same way that paul was ready and willing to lay down his life for the gospel, mnason was ready and willing to lay down his. we don’t know much about mnason, whether he lived long or died young, whether he was persecuted for the gospel, although it’s probable since jerusalem had been such a hostile place toward christianity. but setting aside fear and comfort, mnason opened up his home for the sake of the gospel.
although he is not well known, i’m encouraged by mnason. this is exactly what the church is supposed to look like, two thousand years ago, and today. practicing hospitality, providing for the needs of the saints, playing our part in the furthering of the gospel of Christ. we are all called in the unity of the Spirit to build up the body with our gifts and resources. some have houses to share, some food, some wisdom, some encouragement, some exhortation, some prayer. paul later tells the corinthians, “to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” [1 cor 12:7]
how are you doing at practicing hospitality for the common good of God’s church? how are you doing at providing time and energy, skills and service, gifts and resources for the building up of the body of Christ? what more can you give and where can you bless the body? if right now you’re listing twenty reasons why you cannot practice hospitality, it’s a conversation to be had with the Lord, and it’s probably a conversation to be had with someone you trust (like your lot family leader!) to challenge you in the Lord and encourage you toward obedience! God calls each child to play his role in the family for the glory of the Father. be compelled by the blood of Christ! love him and love his!
for as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. let love be genuine. abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. love one another with brotherly affection. outdo one another in showing honor. do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. [romans 12:4-13]
~ arwen eastman