Acts 19:9

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.

But {G1161} when {G5613} divers {G5100} were hardened {G4645}, and {G2532} believed not {G544}, but spake evil {G2551} of that way {G3598} before {G1799} the multitude {G4128}, he departed {G868} from {G575} them {G846}, and separated {G873} the disciples {G3101}, disputing {G1256} daily {G2596}{G2250} in {G1722} the school {G4981} of one {G5100} Tyrannus {G5181}.

But some began hardening themselves and refusing to listen; and when these started defaming the Way before the whole synagogue, Sha’ul withdrew, took the talmidim with him, and commenced holding daily dialogues in Tyrannus’s yeshivah.

But when some of them stubbornly refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way, Paul took his disciples and left the synagogue to conduct daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.

But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.

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Commentary

Commentary on Acts 19:9

Acts 19:9 captures a pivotal moment in the apostle Paul's ministry in Ephesus, illustrating his strategic adaptability and commitment to the spread of the gospel despite significant opposition. This verse marks a shift in Paul's evangelistic approach, moving from the traditional synagogue setting to a more public and accessible forum.

Context

Paul had initially begun his ministry in Ephesus by entering the synagogue, as was his custom (Acts 19:8), teaching and persuading about the Kingdom of God for three months. Ephesus was a major city in the Roman province of Asia, known for its temple to Artemis (Diana) and its diverse population. The synagogue served as a natural starting point for sharing the message of Christ with fellow Jews and God-fearing Gentiles.

Key Themes

  • Opposition and Hardening: The phrase "when divers were hardened, and believed not" signifies a willful resistance to the truth. This was not mere skepticism but a deliberate closing of minds and hearts to the message of salvation. Their opposition escalated to "spake evil of that way before the multitude," publicly slandering Christianity, which was then referred to as "the Way". This public denouncement created a hostile environment, hindering further outreach within the synagogue.
  • Strategic Departure: Paul's decision to "departed from them, and separated the disciples" was a wise and necessary move. It reflects a principle of not casting pearls before swine, as Jesus taught (Matthew 7:6). When faced with persistent, public rejection and hostility, Paul recognized the need to reallocate his time and resources to receptive hearts.
  • Focused Discipleship and Teaching: By separating the disciples, Paul protected new believers from the negative influence and public scorn within the synagogue. This allowed for more concentrated teaching and nurturing of the nascent Christian community. The shift to "disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus" indicates a move to a public lecture hall or a philosophical school, a common venue for public discourse in Greco-Roman cities. This new setting provided an open platform for Paul to continue teaching and debating the truths of the gospel, leading to widespread impact throughout the province of Asia (Acts 19:10).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "divers were hardened" translates the Greek tines esklērynonto (τινὲς ἐσκληρύνοντο), implying that some individuals became rigid or obstinate in their unbelief. The term "that way" (hē hodos) was an early and common designation for the Christian movement, emphasizing its distinctive path or lifestyle based on following Christ. "Disputing daily" (dialegomenos kath' hēmeran) suggests Paul engaged in reasoned arguments, discussions, and teaching sessions, indicative of a comprehensive and intellectual approach to sharing the faith.

Practical Application

Acts 19:9 offers several lessons for believers today. It teaches us the importance of discernment in ministry; not all ground is equally fertile, and sometimes it is necessary to move on from those who are willfully resistant. It also highlights the value of protecting and nurturing new believers, ensuring they are separated from hostile environments that might undermine their faith. Furthermore, Paul's adaptability in finding new venues for teaching reminds us to be creative and flexible in sharing the gospel, always seeking effective ways to reach people with the truth, even when traditional methods face roadblocks. Just as Jesus instructed his disciples to shake off the dust from their feet when rejected, Paul demonstrates a similar principle of redirection and perseverance.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 19:23

    And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

  • Acts 9:2

    And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

  • Acts 14:4

    But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

  • 2 Peter 2:12

    But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

  • Acts 18:6

    And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your blood [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

  • Acts 18:8

    And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

  • Acts 22:4

    And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
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