Acts 19:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} this {G5124} continued {G1096} by the space {G1909} of two {G1417} years {G2094}; so {G5620} that all {G3956} they which dwelt in {G2730} Asia {G773} heard {G191} the word {G3056} of the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}, both {G5037} Jews {G2453} and {G2532} Greeks {G1672}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This went on for two years; so that everyone, both Jews and Greeks, living in the province of Asia heard the message about the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in the province of Asia, Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord.

American Standard Version

And this continued for the space of two years; so that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:10 marks a significant phase in Paul's third missionary journey, detailing his sustained and strategic ministry in Ephesus. For two years, Paul consistently taught the word of the Lord Jesus from the school of Tyrannus, resulting in the widespread proclamation of the gospel throughout the entire Roman province of Asia, reaching both Jewish and Greek populations. This verse underscores the remarkable effectiveness of focused, persistent evangelism in a major urban center, leading to a profound regional impact.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's initial three-month period of teaching in the synagogue at Ephesus, where he "spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God" ([Acts 19:8](/acts/19-8 "Acts 19:8 - Paul in the Synagogue at Ephesus")). However, when some became hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, Paul "departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of Tyrannus" ([Acts 19:9](/acts/19-9 "Acts 19:9 - Paul Teaches in the School of Tyrannus")). Acts 19:10 then specifies the duration and remarkable outcome of this new phase of ministry, setting the stage for the powerful miracles and the significant opposition that would arise in Ephesus, as described in the subsequent verses of [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia, a highly influential and populous city, known for its magnificent Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As a major port city and commercial hub, it attracted people from across the Roman Empire, making it a strategic center for gospel dissemination. Paul's move from the synagogue to the "school of Tyrannus" (likely a lecture hall or public auditorium) was a pragmatic adaptation. This public venue would have been accessible to a broader audience, including non-Jews, and allowed for sustained, daily instruction, contrasting with the Sabbath-only teaching in the synagogue. The mention of "Jews and Greeks" reflects the diverse demographics of the Roman Empire, where Jewish communities often lived alongside a majority Greek-speaking Gentile population.
* **Key Themes:** Paul's ministry in Ephesus, as highlighted by this verse, exemplifies several key themes central to the book of Acts. Firstly, it showcases the **adaptability and strategic nature of early Christian missions**, as Paul shifts his teaching venue to maximize reach. Secondly, it underscores the **power and spread of the "word of the Lord Jesus,"** demonstrating how consistent proclamation can lead to widespread spiritual transformation, even in hostile environments. This aligns with the overarching theme in Acts of the gospel's unstoppable advance, from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). Thirdly, the inclusion of "both Jews and Greeks" reinforces the **universal scope of the gospel**, emphasizing that salvation is offered to all humanity, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers, a truth powerfully articulated by Peter in [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **continued (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, meaning "to come into being," "to become," or "to happen," here signifies the ongoing, sustained nature of Paul's teaching. It implies not just a static state, but an active, dynamic process that unfolded over the two-year period, indicating the consistent and persistent effort Paul invested in his ministry.
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** More than mere auditory perception, "heard" in this context implies attentive listening, understanding, and often, an internal response to the message. It suggests that the "word of the Lord Jesus" was not just spoken, but effectively communicated and received by a vast audience, leading to an impact on their lives.
* **Greeks (Greek, _Héllēn'_):** While literally referring to inhabitants of Hellas, this term broadly designates Greek-speaking people, particularly non-Jews in the Roman world. Its inclusion alongside "Jews" emphasizes the universal reach of the gospel, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries, a core tenet of the early Christian message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this continued by the space of two years":** This phrase establishes the duration of Paul's intensive teaching ministry in the school of Tyrannus. The "this" refers to the daily disputing and teaching mentioned in [Acts 19:9](/acts/19-9 "Acts 19:9 - Paul Teaches in the School of Tyrannus"). The two-year period indicates a significant and sustained investment of time and effort, which was crucial for the deep rooting and widespread dissemination of the gospel.
* **"so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus":** This clause highlights the remarkable outcome of Paul's persistent ministry. "Asia" here refers specifically to the Roman province of Asia Minor, with Ephesus as its capital. The phrase "all they which dwelt in Asia" is a hyperbolic expression indicating a widespread and pervasive exposure to the gospel message throughout the entire region, radiating from Ephesus. The "word of the Lord Jesus" signifies the core message of Christianity, centered on Christ's life, death, resurrection, and lordship.
* **"both Jews and Greeks":** This final phrase emphasizes the comprehensive and inclusive nature of the gospel's reach. It underscores that the message was proclaimed without partiality, appealing to and being heard by people from both the Jewish community and the broader Gentile (Greek-speaking) population, demonstrating the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extensive reach of the gospel, stating "all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word." While literally impossible for every single individual in the vast Roman province to have heard Paul personally, the phrase effectively conveys the widespread and pervasive nature of the Christian message emanating from Ephesus. This hyperbole serves to underscore the remarkable success and impact of Paul's strategic ministry. Additionally, the phrase "both Jews and Greeks" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where "Jews and Greeks" represent the totality of humanity, signifying the universal target audience of the gospel message, transcending all ethnic and cultural distinctions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:10 powerfully illustrates the sovereign work of God in expanding His kingdom through dedicated human instruments. It reveals that strategic, consistent, and adaptable ministry can yield extraordinary results, allowing the "word of the Lord Jesus" to penetrate deeply into a region and transform lives across diverse populations. The widespread hearing of the gospel in Asia foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of the Great Commission, where the good news is proclaimed to "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). This passage also highlights the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, a central theological theme in the New Testament, demonstrating God's impartial love for all humanity.

* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Power of the Gospel")
* [Colossians 1:6](/colossians/1-6 "The Gospel Bearing Fruit")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Will Not Return Empty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 19:10 serves as a profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that sustained, diligent effort in ministry, even when faced with initial opposition or the need for adaptation, can lead to far-reaching and transformative impact. Paul's commitment to daily teaching for two years in a public forum underscores the importance of consistency and accessibility in sharing the gospel. We are called to be intentional in our evangelism, seeking strategic opportunities to proclaim the "word of the Lord Jesus" in our own spheres of influence, whether in our workplaces, neighborhoods, or communities. Recognizing that the message is for "both Jews and Greeks"—indeed, for all people—compels us to overcome personal biases and reach out with the love of Christ to everyone, trusting that God's word will not return to Him empty but will accomplish His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's adaptability in moving from the synagogue to the school of Tyrannus inspire our own approaches to sharing the gospel in contemporary contexts?**
* **What does the "two years" of consistent teaching signify about the importance of diligence and patience in ministry?**
* **In what ways can we, like Paul, strategically ensure that "the word of the Lord Jesus" is heard by "all" in our own "Asia" (our sphere of influence)?**
* **How does the inclusion of "both Jews and Greeks" challenge us to broaden our understanding of who needs to hear the gospel and to whom we should be sharing it?**

### FAQ

**What does "Asia" refer to in Acts 19:10?**

Answer: In Acts 19:10, "Asia" refers specifically to the Roman province of Asia, not the continent. This province encompassed the western part of modern-day Turkey, with Ephesus serving as its capital city. It was a densely populated and strategically important region, making it an ideal hub for the spread of the Christian message throughout the wider Roman Empire. Paul's ministry in Ephesus thus had a radiating effect across this entire province.

**What was the "school of Tyrannus," and why was it significant?**

Answer: The "school of Tyrannus" (Greek: `σχολῇ Τυράννου`, _scholē Tyrannou_) was likely a public lecture hall or auditorium in Ephesus. While its exact nature is debated (perhaps a rented space, a public building, or even a private philosophical school), its significance lies in its accessibility. After facing opposition in the Jewish synagogue, Paul shifted his daily teaching to this venue. This allowed him to reach a broader, more diverse audience, including Gentiles, and to conduct sustained, daily instruction for two years. It represents a strategic adaptation in Paul's ministry, moving from a religiously exclusive setting to a more public and inclusive platform for gospel proclamation, enabling the widespread hearing of the "word of the Lord Jesus" by "both Jews and Greeks" ([Acts 19:9-10](/acts/19-9-10 "Acts 19:9-10 - Paul Teaches in the School of Tyrannus")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 19:10, while describing Paul's missionary efforts, ultimately points to the universal Lordship and redemptive work of Christ. The "word of the Lord Jesus" that was heard by "all they which dwelt in Asia" is the very message of salvation centered on Jesus Christ, who is "Lord of all" ([Acts 10:36](/acts/10-36 "Acts 10:36 - Jesus is Lord of All")). This widespread proclamation in Asia foreshadows the global reach of the gospel, fulfilling the prophetic vision that "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The breaking down of barriers between "Jews and Greeks" in hearing the gospel is a direct outworking of Christ's atoning work, which has "broken down the middle wall of partition between us" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Barriers")), creating "one new man" in Himself ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Man")). Thus, Paul's ministry in Ephesus, as depicted in this verse, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of Christ's redemptive work, extending His kingdom and bringing people from every nation, tribe, people, and language into His saving embrace ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude Worships God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 20:31

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

2 Timothy 1:15

¶ This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

1 Corinthians 1:22

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

1 Corinthians 1:24

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Romans 10:12

¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.