Lessons from the School of Tyrannus

“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.And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.” — Acts 19:9-10

Upon arriving to Ephesus, Paul was preaching in the synagogue. Visiting and speaking at the synagogue was his common practice when entering into a city (Acts 9:20; 13:5; 14:1; 17:1-2; 18:4). This time he was run out of the synagogue within a short time, so he began teaching at the “school of one Tyrannus.” 

Some seem to think this was a Bible college, but this was not the case. Tyrannus was a philosopher during Paul’s day, and had a school of philosophy. Since custom of that region was to work and do business in shifts (probably four hours in the morning, break in the afternoon, and four more hours of business before concluding the work day), Paul took advantage of using the school during the break time. While some were sleeping during the hot part of the day or enjoying free time, Paul found his new favorite teaching spot. Whether he used the inside or outside of the school, the location and timeframe made it possible to speak to the most people possible. 

Paul did this “daily,” staying for a period of two years. No wonder that such a great impact was made to the point that “all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (vs. 10). There are notable ministerial lessons we can implement from this passage: 

  1. Find a Solution. 

He was kicked out of the synagogue but didn’t quit. Just as Paul had to go to pivot to find what would work in that area, so you must find what works best in your area and then work it. 

When your plan doesn’t work, it’s easy to get down and want to quit, but Paul didn’t stop. Proverbs 24:16; Psalms 37:23-24

Paul found a spot where he could talk to people, and he worked that area. It’s easy to find excuses of what doesn’t work, but you must find what does work and work it. In the synagogue, where he was disputing, he could most likely only do it once a week, but now in this school he could dispute every day. In the synagogues, the Gentiles were excluded, but now in this school, both Jews and Gentiles were welcomed. He found a solution. 

  1. Make an Investment. 

What you put into something will determine what you receive from it. Paul taught many hours, days, weeks, and years. If he would have only taught once a week, he would likely not have same results he was seeing now. Remember that after he taught “daily,” over a period of two years, “all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (vs. 10)

Whatever you invest in will yield fruit. Spend more time reading the Bible and you will learn the Bible more. The same with witnessing, reading other books, exercising, and any other area. It’s the sowing and reaping process, which should be a warning to be purposeful about what areas we are sowing, or investing most time, in our lives. 

As a missionary, we should invest in Bible teaching opportunities, more church services, more discipleship, and more evangelistic efforts. The more we make an investment, the more impact it will yield. 

  1. Use Wisdom. 

Work smarter, not harder. By teaching many people for many hours, Paul was recruiting help. He could not do the work alone, so recruiting help was essential. A missionary can’t do it alone, he must pray and seek out future Timothy’s and Titus’ to help him. But he must be willing to put the work in if he’s going to see the results. 

  1. Focus on Equipping. 

After finding the solution to preach where he could make the biggest impact, and wisely invest his time by teaching many hours, he found his focus. If he was to equip others for the work of the ministry, more would be done in an efficient manner. After Jethro asked Moses, “Why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?” (Exodus 18:14), he responded by saying, “The thing that thou doest is not good” (Exodus 18:17).  His wise recommendation was, “thou shalt teach them… the work that they must do” (Exodus 18:20). Moses changed his focus, and as a result, it changed his future

Later, Paul told the church of Ephesus that God gave spiritual leaders to equip the saints for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). Who are you teaching right now? Paul’s strategy was the same as the Lord’s, he was “teaching faithful men” (2 Timothy 2:2). The ministerial focus of the leader should be to equip others so more lost can be reached, more saints can serve, and the Gospel can advance. 

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