Acts 19 9

Acts 19:9 kjv

But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

Acts 19:9 nkjv

But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.

Acts 19:9 niv

But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.

Acts 19:9 esv

But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.

Acts 19:9 nlt

But some became stubborn, rejecting his message and publicly speaking against the Way. So Paul left the synagogue and took the believers with him. Then he held daily discussions at the lecture hall of Tyrannus.

Acts 19 verses

Acts 19 9 Meaning

Acts 19:9 describes a pivotal moment in Paul's Ephesian ministry where, due to persistent Jewish hardening and public opposition to "that Way" (Christianity), he strategically separated the believing disciples from the synagogue. Consequently, he moved his daily teaching and disputation to a public lecture hall, the school of Tyrannus, allowing for concentrated instruction for believers and broader outreach.

Acts 19 9 Context

Acts chapter 19 describes Paul's significant and extended ministry in Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its idol worship, magic, and the grand temple of Artemis. Paul's arrival followed that of Apollos and his initial encounters with John the Baptist's disciples, whom he baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-7). Paul then continued his established pattern of preaching in the synagogue for three months (Acts 19:8). The specific verse, Acts 19:9, marks a critical turning point within this Ephesian ministry. Despite Paul's earlier persuasive efforts, some in the synagogue hardened their hearts against the Gospel, publicly slandering "the Way" of Christ. This hostility necessitated a strategic adjustment in Paul's ministry approach, leading to a new venue and a more focused ministry towards the believers.

Acts 19 9 Word analysis

• But: Denotes a change or contrast from the previous success Paul had in speaking boldly and persuading for three months (Acts 19:8).

• when divers: Refers to 'some' (Gk. tines) from the group Paul was ministering to, implying not all, but a significant portion, reacted negatively.

• were hardened: (Gk. sklerunō - σκληρύνω) Implies a spiritual stubbornness or obstinacy that resists truth, making one impervious to persuasion. This hardening can be self-imposed (human resistance to God's word) or divinely permitted/orchestrated in judgment (as with Pharaoh). Here, it indicates their will had become rigid against belief in Christ.

• and believed not: (Gk. apeitheō - ἀπειθέω) Directly signifies disbelief, disobedience, or resistance to conviction. This spiritual resistance stemmed from the heart's hardening.

• but spake evil: (Gk. kakologeō - κακολογέω) Literally, "to speak evil," meaning to revile, malign, or slander. Their opposition escalated beyond mere disbelief to public denigration of Christianity. This indicates hostile and verbal assault against the Christian message and its proponents.

• of that way: (Gk. tēs hodou - τῆς ὁδοῦ) "The Way" was an early and common self-designation for the Christian movement (Acts 9:2; 24:14). It refers to the new covenant life centered on Christ, who declared Himself "the way" (Jn 14:6), distinct from other philosophical or religious paths. This public "speaking evil" was a direct polemic against the distinct claims and teachings of Christ and His followers.

• before the multitude: Emphasizes that the opposition was public and potentially damaging to the spread of the Gospel, as it was expressed in front of the assembled Jewish and possibly Gentile synagogue attendees.

• he departed from them: (Gk. apochōreō - ἀποχωρέω) Indicates a strategic withdrawal or separation from those who were actively hostile and unyielding. This reflects a consistent pattern in Paul's ministry where, after persistent rejection by Jews, he would pivot his focus.

• and separated the disciples: (Gk. aphorizō - ἀφορίζω) To set apart, distinguish, or define boundaries. Paul intentionally demarcated the believing community from the resistant synagogue. This protected new converts from hostile influence and allowed for focused discipleship.

• disputing daily: (Gk. dialegomai kath' hēmeran - διαλέγομαι καθ' ἡμέραν) Implies engaging in reasoned discussion, debate, and systematic instruction on a regular, consistent basis. This was an intensive, continuous teaching ministry.

• in the school: (Gk. scholē - σχολή) Refers to a place of learning, a lecture hall, or a public meeting place used for teaching. It was likely rented. This signifies a move from the religious sphere (synagogue) to a more public, and perhaps more neutral or secular, setting open to Gentiles.

• of one Tyrannus: The owner or director of the school. The specificity gives historical grounding. Its identification as a "school" suggests it was a venue for philosophical or rhetorical teaching, now repurposed for the "daily" teaching of the Way.

• "were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil": This sequence describes a progression of spiritual resistance: an internal hardening of the heart leading to unbelief, which then manifests in open, vocal opposition and slander against the Gospel message. This highlights the dangers of persistent spiritual stubbornness.

• "departed from them, and separated the disciples": This signifies a deliberate strategic shift in ministry. Instead of continuing to contend where the message was consistently rejected and maligned, Paul redirected his energy towards nurturing those who had responded. This ensured the preservation and growth of the nascent Christian community and avoided unproductive conflict.

• "disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus": This phrase underlines the intensity and nature of Paul's ongoing ministry. Moving to a public 'school' signifies accessibility and the academic nature of the Gospel's teaching, while 'daily disputing' emphasizes sustained, intellectual engagement with the truths of the Christian faith. It indicates an intentional and systematic teaching of God's Word.

Acts 19 9 Bonus section

The "school of Tyrannus" may have offered sessions at specific times. Some ancient manuscripts specify that Paul taught from "the fifth hour to the tenth hour" (i.e., 11 AM to 4 PM), which was often a time when schools or lecture halls might be available after a morning's work or studies. This detail, if accurate, suggests Paul utilized a non-peak time, making it economically feasible and potentially accessible for those whose work concluded earlier or permitted a mid-day break. This extended, consistent engagement points to an intensive theological training school for the Ephesian believers, contributing significantly to the rapid growth and deep roots of Christianity in the region.

Acts 19 9 Commentary

Acts 19:9 vividly portrays a moment of crucial ministerial discernment by Paul. After an initial period of successful synagogue preaching in Ephesus, he encountered entrenched spiritual opposition characterized by a hardening of hearts, open disbelief, and public denigration of the Christian faith. This response, described as "speaking evil of that Way before the multitude," moved beyond mere intellectual disagreement to active slander, necessitating a strategic withdrawal. Paul's decision to "depart from them, and separated the disciples," illustrates a pragmatic and principled approach: when the Gospel is met with consistent, public, and hostile rejection in one setting, resources should be redirected to nurture those who believe. This protected the fledgling Ephesian church from corrupting influences and allowed for unhindered growth.

The move to the "school of one Tyrannus" was revolutionary. It shifted Paul's ministry from a traditional Jewish context (synagogue) to a secular, public space. This facilitated daily, in-depth teaching (disputing), likely covering complex theological arguments and moral instruction. This adaptation demonstrates Paul's flexibility in ministry, prioritizing consistent biblical education for believers and opening the doors to a broader, Gentile audience beyond the constraints of the synagogue. The two-year period in this location (Acts 19:10) became the foundation for the widespread dissemination of the Gospel throughout Asia Minor, demonstrating the power of focused and sustained teaching in nurturing spiritual growth and expansion. This account also reminds us of the reality of opposition to the Gospel, and the wisdom needed to respond strategically to preserve the flock and advance God's kingdom.