Acts 19:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 19:9 marks a decisive turning point in Paul's Ephesian ministry, illustrating his strategic discernment and unwavering commitment to the gospel in the face of escalating opposition. After three months of teaching in the synagogue, a segment of the Jewish community hardened their hearts and publicly maligned "the Way," prompting Paul to separate the disciples and relocate his daily teaching to the school of Tyrannus, thereby establishing a more focused and accessible center for Christian instruction and evangelism.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a three-month period where Paul "entered into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God" ([Acts 19:8](/acts/19-8 "Acts 19:8 - Paul's Ministry in the Synagogue")). Acts 19:9 describes the negative culmination of this phase, forcing a strategic shift in Paul's approach. The subsequent verse ([Acts 19:10](/acts/19-10 "Acts 19:10 - Paul's Ministry in the School of Tyrannus")) reveals the remarkable fruit of this new methodology, stating that "all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks." This progression highlights Paul's adaptability and God's providence in opening new avenues for the gospel when traditional ones become closed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its immense Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a hub of commerce, culture, and pagan worship, making it a strategic center for gospel dissemination. Synagogues served as primary points of entry for early Christian missionaries, offering a ready audience of Jews and God-fearing Gentiles familiar with the Old Testament. Public lecture halls or "schools" like that of Tyrannus were common in Greco-Roman cities, providing venues for philosophical debate, rhetoric, and public discourse. Paul's move from the synagogue to such a public setting reflects a practical adaptation to the local intellectual and social landscape, leveraging existing cultural institutions for spiritual purposes.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 19:9 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores the persistent **opposition to the gospel**, particularly from those who harden their hearts against divine truth, a theme seen throughout Paul's missionary journeys (e.g., [Acts 13:45-46](/acts/13-45-46 "Acts 13:45-46 - Opposition in Pisidian Antioch")). Secondly, it exemplifies **Paul's strategic flexibility and discernment** in ministry; he knew when to persist and when to pivot, recognizing that continued engagement with those who "spake evil of that way" would be counterproductive. This echoes the principle of shaking off the dust from one's feet as taught by Jesus in [Matthew 10:14](/matthew/10-14 "Matthew 10:14 - Shaking Off the Dust"). Thirdly, the verse highlights the **separation and focused discipleship** of new believers, protecting them from hostile influences and providing an environment for deeper instruction, a crucial aspect of early church growth. Finally, it demonstrates the **unhindered advance of the gospel** despite resistance, as God opens new doors for His Word to spread widely, even in a pagan stronghold like Ephesus, leading to the evangelization of the entire province of Asia as noted in [Acts 19:10](/acts/19-10 "Acts 19:10 - The Spread of the Word in Asia").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hardened (Greek, _sklērýnō'_):** From G4645, meaning "to indurate, i.e. (figuratively) render stubborn." This term denotes a deliberate and willful resistance, a stiffening of the neck against the truth. It implies not merely intellectual disagreement but a moral and spiritual obstinacy, making one unresponsive to persuasion.
* **Spake evil (Greek, _kakologéō'_):** From G2551, meaning "to revile;--curse, speak evil of." This indicates active, malicious slander rather than simple disagreement. The opposition escalated from internal unbelief to public denouncement, aiming to discredit Paul and "the Way" before the broader community.
* **Disputing (Greek, _dialégomai'_):** From G1256, meaning "to say thoroughly, i.e. discuss (in argument or exhortation):--dispute, preach (unto), reason (with), speak." This word describes Paul's method of teaching, which involved reasoned argumentation, dialogue, and persuasive presentation of the gospel. It suggests an intellectual engagement, not merely a proclamation, indicating Paul's robust defense of Christian truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when divers were hardened, and believed not":** This clause introduces the primary challenge Paul faced. "Divers" (G5100, _tìs'_) refers to "some" or "certain" individuals within the synagogue who, despite Paul's three months of teaching and persuasion, willfully chose to become obstinate and refused to accept the message of the Kingdom of God. Their unbelief was not a passive state but an active hardening of their hearts.
* **"but spake evil of that way before the multitude":** The opposition escalated from internal unbelief to public hostility. These hardened individuals actively "spake evil" (G2551, _kakologéō'_)—they reviled and slandered—"that way" (G3598, _hodós'_), an early and common designation for the Christian movement, emphasizing its distinctive path or lifestyle. This public defamation, occurring "before the multitude" (G4128, _plēthos'_), aimed to undermine Paul's ministry and prevent others from embracing the faith.
* **"he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus":** In response to this escalating and public opposition, Paul made a strategic and decisive move. He "departed from them" (G868, _aphístēmi'_), withdrawing from the hostile synagogue environment. Crucially, he "separated the disciples" (G873, _aphorízō'_), isolating the new believers from the negative influence and public scorn. This allowed for focused teaching and nurturing. The new venue was "the school of one Tyrannus" (G4981, _scholḗ'_), a public lecture hall, where Paul continued his ministry of "disputing daily" (G1256, _dialégomai'_ combined with G2596 _katá'_ and G2250 _hēméra'_), indicating a consistent, reasoned, and public presentation of the gospel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, highlighting the stark difference between the hardening of some and Paul's continued, diligent "disputing daily." This sets up the opposition that necessitates Paul's strategic shift. The phrase "that way" functions as a powerful **Metonymy** or **Metaphor**, representing the entire Christian movement and its distinct lifestyle, rather than a literal path. It encapsulates the early church's self-understanding as following a unique "way" of life and truth centered on Christ. The public nature of the opposition, "before the multitude," serves as **Hyperbole** to emphasize the widespread and open hostility, underscoring the necessity of Paul's departure. This strategic withdrawal also demonstrates **Prudence**, a practical wisdom in ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 19:9 underscores the persistent reality of human resistance to divine truth and the necessity of discerning spiritual receptivity in ministry. While God desires all to come to repentance, the hardening of hearts is a recurring biblical theme, illustrating humanity's capacity for willful unbelief even in the face of compelling evidence. Paul's response demonstrates a Spirit-led wisdom, recognizing that continued engagement with those who deliberately malign the gospel can hinder the work among the receptive. This strategic pivot allowed for concentrated discipleship and broadened the reach of the gospel beyond traditional Jewish settings, showcasing God's ability to work through new avenues when old ones close.

* [Proverbs 29:1](/proverbs/29-1 "Proverbs 29:1 - He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck")
* [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - God gave them over to a reprobate mind")
* [2 Timothy 3:8](/2_timothy/3-8 "2 Timothy 3:8 - Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 19:9 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and ministers. It reminds us that not everyone will receive the gospel, and some will actively resist and even malign it. When faced with such persistent, public opposition, wisdom dictates that we discern when to reallocate our time and resources to more receptive hearts. This doesn't mean giving up on people, but rather recognizing that continued engagement in a hostile, unproductive environment can be detrimental to the overall mission and to the spiritual well-being of new believers. Paul's decision to separate the disciples highlights the critical importance of protecting and nurturing those who have embraced the faith, providing them with a safe and conducive environment for growth and instruction. Furthermore, Paul's adaptability in finding new venues for teaching—moving from the synagogue to a public school—challenges us to be creative, flexible, and innovative in our evangelistic and discipleship efforts, always seeking effective ways to share the truth of Christ in diverse cultural contexts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between genuine skepticism and a hardened heart in my interactions with others about faith?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I be "casting pearls before swine," and where might I need to strategically reallocate my efforts?**
* **How can I better protect and nurture new believers, or those exploring faith, from hostile or undermining influences in their environment?**
* **What creative or non-traditional avenues might God be calling me to explore to share the gospel in my community today?**

### FAQ
**What was "the Way" that was spoken evil of?**

Answer: "The Way" (Greek: _hē hodós_) was an early and significant self-designation for the Christian movement. It emphasized that following Jesus was not merely adopting a new set of beliefs, but embarking on a new path of life, a distinctive lifestyle and moral conduct guided by Christ's teachings and the power of the Holy Spirit. This term appears several times in Acts (e.g., [Acts 9:2](/acts/9-2 "Acts 9:2 - Saul's Persecution of The Way"), [Acts 24:14](/acts/24-14 "Acts 24:14 - Paul's Defense of The Way")), highlighting the early church's understanding of itself as a unique and transformative journey with Christ.

**Who was Tyrannus, and what was his "school"?**

Answer: Tyrannus (Greek: _Týrannos_) was an individual in Ephesus who owned or operated a public lecture hall or philosophical school (Greek: _scholḗ_). While his identity beyond this is unknown, his "school" was likely a common venue for public discourse, debates, and lectures in Greco-Roman cities. It was a place where rhetoricians, philosophers, and teachers would rent space to instruct students or engage with the public. Paul's move to this venue indicates his willingness to adapt his methods, utilizing a secular public space to continue his daily "disputing" (reasoned discussions and teaching) about the gospel, reaching a broader and perhaps more diverse audience than was possible in the synagogue.

**Why did Paul separate the disciples?**

Answer: Paul separated the disciples for several crucial reasons. Firstly, the public "speaking evil of that way" in the synagogue created a hostile and potentially damaging environment for new believers, who were still vulnerable in their faith. Separation protected them from constant ridicule, slander, and negative influence. Secondly, it allowed for more focused and intensive discipleship. By gathering the believers apart, Paul could dedicate uninterrupted time to teaching, nurturing, and solidifying their faith, building a strong community of Christ-followers away from the opposition. This move was a strategic decision to ensure the health and growth of the nascent Christian community in Ephesus, enabling them to mature and become effective witnesses themselves, as seen in [Acts 19:10](/acts/19-10 "Acts 19:10 - The Word Spreads from Ephesus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 19:9, though describing Paul's ministry, profoundly points to Christ. The hardening of hearts against "the Way" foreshadows the ultimate rejection Christ himself faced during His earthly ministry, as many refused to believe in the [Light that came into the world](/john/1-9-11 "John 1:9-11 - The Light Rejected"). Just as Paul encountered those who "spake evil" of the gospel, so too was Jesus reviled and slandered by those who opposed His truth ([Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - Pharisees Accuse Jesus")). Yet, Christ, the true "Way, the Truth, and the Life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")), did not cease His mission. He strategically withdrew from hostile environments ([John 6:15](/john/6-15 "John 6:15 - Jesus Withdraws from the Crowd")) and focused on discipling His chosen few, preparing them to carry on His work even in the face of rejection. Paul's actions in Acts 19:9 mirror Christ's own example of discerning when to persist and when to pivot, always with the ultimate goal of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. The separation of disciples in Ephesus reflects Christ's gathering of His church, a people set apart for His purposes ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), to be taught and nurtured under His headship, ensuring the continued advance of His gospel despite all opposition. Ultimately, the success of Paul's ministry in Ephesus, even after facing rejection, testifies to the sovereign power of Christ, who builds His church and against whom the gates of hell shall not prevail ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")).

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 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.