Act of the Apostles 19:9 (NASB)
But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took the disciples away, and had discussions daily in the school of Tyrannus.
The setting for this encounter is in a Jewish synagogue, where Paul had been presenting the gospel of Christ (known as "the Way") for about 3 months. So the "people" were probably Jews, who had been taught a very different religious view. And even though Paul was persuading several of them, others, "some of them" were becoming hardened.
Our first issue to consider is some people are initially open to hearing alternate views, but when they realize many of the "truths" they hold dear are being said to be bogus, their pride intrudes and they start looking for ways to discredit the alternate view. Sound familiar? Might they refer to Paul's viewpoint as "Paulology?"
After giving the effort to reach those unwilling to abandon their previously held views, Paul took his ministry to more fertile grounds, not within the synagogue of the Jews. This behavior, is also described in Acts 18:5-7.
Our second issue to consider is just who were the "disciples" Paul took with him to the school of Tyrannus. Might this mention be referring to the "about 12" mentioned in Acts 19:7, or also include those Paul had persuaded during the three months he taught at the synagogue? I expect Paul took all the converts to the "Way," both Jews and Gentiles.
For the next two years, Paul taught openly and the message of gospel was spread to that entire coastal region of Asia.
But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took the disciples away, and had discussions daily in the school of Tyrannus.
The setting for this encounter is in a Jewish synagogue, where Paul had been presenting the gospel of Christ (known as "the Way") for about 3 months. So the "people" were probably Jews, who had been taught a very different religious view. And even though Paul was persuading several of them, others, "some of them" were becoming hardened.
Our first issue to consider is some people are initially open to hearing alternate views, but when they realize many of the "truths" they hold dear are being said to be bogus, their pride intrudes and they start looking for ways to discredit the alternate view. Sound familiar? Might they refer to Paul's viewpoint as "Paulology?"
After giving the effort to reach those unwilling to abandon their previously held views, Paul took his ministry to more fertile grounds, not within the synagogue of the Jews. This behavior, is also described in Acts 18:5-7.
Our second issue to consider is just who were the "disciples" Paul took with him to the school of Tyrannus. Might this mention be referring to the "about 12" mentioned in Acts 19:7, or also include those Paul had persuaded during the three months he taught at the synagogue? I expect Paul took all the converts to the "Way," both Jews and Gentiles.
For the next two years, Paul taught openly and the message of gospel was spread to that entire coastal region of Asia.
Last edited: