School of Tyrannus
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Topical Encyclopedia
The School of Tyrannus is a significant location mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles. It is associated with the Apostle Paul's missionary work in the city of Ephesus during his third missionary journey. The reference to this school is found in Acts 19:9, which states: "But when some of them became obstinate and refused to believe, maligning the Way before the congregation, Paul withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, conducting discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus."

Historical and Cultural Context

Ephesus was a major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its commerce, culture, and the famous Temple of Artemis. It was a hub of philosophical and religious thought, making it a strategic location for Paul's ministry. The School of Tyrannus is believed to have been a lecture hall or a place of learning, possibly owned or operated by a teacher named Tyrannus. Such schools were common in Greco-Roman cities, where philosophers and teachers would engage in public discourse and instruction.

Paul's Ministry in Ephesus

Paul's use of the School of Tyrannus highlights his strategic approach to spreading the Gospel. After facing opposition in the synagogue, Paul chose to separate the disciples and continue his teaching in a more receptive environment. The daily discussions in the school allowed Paul to reach both Jews and Gentiles, facilitating the growth of the early Christian community in Ephesus. Acts 19:10 notes the impact of this ministry: "This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks."

Significance in Early Christianity

The School of Tyrannus represents a model of adaptive ministry, where Paul utilized available resources to effectively communicate the Gospel. It underscores the importance of teaching and discipleship in the early Church, as Paul dedicated significant time to instructing believers in the faith. The success of this ministry is evident in the spread of Christianity throughout the region, as well as the establishment of a strong church in Ephesus, which later received one of Paul's epistles.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the School of Tyrannus episode illustrates the perseverance and adaptability required in Christian ministry. It reflects the early Church's commitment to sound teaching and the importance of engaging with culture to communicate the truth of the Gospel. Paul's work in Ephesus, including his time at the School of Tyrannus, serves as an example of how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome opposition and bear witness to Christ in diverse settings.

Legacy

The legacy of the School of Tyrannus is seen in the enduring influence of the Ephesian church and its role in the spread of Christianity in Asia Minor. The account in Acts serves as an encouragement to believers to seek opportunities for teaching and discipleship, even in the face of resistance. The School of Tyrannus remains a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of faithful ministry in the advancement of God's kingdom.
Nave's Topical Index
Acts 19:9
But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spoke evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Have Learned not Only from Your Letter but from those of Many ...
... I have learned not only from your letter but from those of many others that
cavils are raised against me in the school of Tyrannus. ...
/.../i have learned not only.htm

Two Fruitful Years
... It was a bold step to gather the disciples in 'the school of Tyrannus.' He was probably
a Greek professor of rhetoric or lecturer on philosophy, and Paul may ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/two fruitful years.htm

The Conversion of Apollos, his Character, and the Ministry of Paul ...
... After withdrawing from the synagogue and resuming his labours in the school of Tyrannus,
he remained there "by the space of two years; so that all they which ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter viii the conversion of.htm

Days of Toil and Trial
... The company of believers who met in the school of Tyrannus were an inharmonious
note in the festive chorus, and ridicule, reproach, and insult were freely ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 28 days of toil.htm

Acts xix. 8, 9
... 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.". ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xli acts xix 8.htm

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
... (2) Three months work among the Jews. (3) Two years of teaching in the school of
Tyrannus. (4) A "season" after he sent Timotheus and Etastus into Macedonia. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xx from antioch to.htm

Ephesus
... of the truth, Paul separated from them and gathered the disciples into a distinct
body, continuing his public instructions in the school of Tyrannus, a teacher ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 27 ephesus.htm

Acts XIX
... unbelieving, and spoke evil of the way before the multitude, he departed from them
and separated the disciples, discussing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xix.htm

Paul in Ephesus.
... Finding that it would be neither expedient nor safe to continue in the synagogue,
the Apostle withdrew with the disciples to the school of Tyrannus, in which ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm

Gospel Missions
... to militate against what I have said, if the common translation be true"the passage
which says that Paul "disputed in the school of one Tyrannus." But this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/gospel missions.htm

Resources
What is the Unity Church / Unity School of Christianity? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about cheating in school? | GotQuestions.org

What is See You at the Pole (SYATP)? | GotQuestions.org

School: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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School of Gamaliel

School of the Prophets, at Naioth

School of Tyrannus

School: Beth-El

School: Crowded Attendance At

School: Gilgal

School: Jericho

School: Jerusalem, Probably

School: Like a Bible School

School: Schoolmaster (Tutor, RV)

School: State

Statecraft: School In

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School of the Prophets, at Naioth
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