Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Tyrannus is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. He is associated with the city of Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul conducted a significant portion of his missionary work. The reference to Tyrannus is found in Acts 19:9-10, which provides insight into the early Christian church's expansion and the methods employed by Paul in spreading the Gospel.Biblical Reference: Acts 19:9-10 : "But when some of them became obstinate and refused to believe, maligning the Way before the congregation, Paul withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, holding daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord." Context and Significance: The mention of Tyrannus occurs during Paul's third missionary journey, a period marked by extensive evangelistic activity and the establishment of Christian communities across Asia Minor. Ephesus, a major city in the Roman province of Asia, served as a strategic location for Paul's ministry due to its cultural and commercial significance. The "lecture hall of Tyrannus" is believed to have been a public or private space used for teaching and philosophical discussions. The name "Tyrannus" itself suggests a Greek origin, possibly indicating a local philosopher or teacher who owned or operated the hall. The use of such a venue highlights the early Christian movement's engagement with the intellectual and cultural life of the time, as well as its adaptability in utilizing available resources for the proclamation of the Gospel. Paul's decision to use the lecture hall came after facing opposition in the synagogue, a common occurrence in his ministry. By relocating to a more neutral setting, Paul was able to reach a broader audience, including both Jews and Greeks, thus facilitating the spread of Christianity throughout the region. The two-year period of teaching in the hall of Tyrannus underscores the importance of Ephesus as a center for Paul's missionary efforts and the effectiveness of sustained, daily instruction in establishing a strong Christian presence. Historical and Cultural Insights: The practice of using lecture halls for teaching was common in the Greco-Roman world, where philosophers and rhetoricians would gather students and audiences for instruction and debate. This setting would have been familiar to both Jews and Gentiles in Ephesus, making it an ideal location for Paul to present the message of Christ in a manner that resonated with the cultural norms of the time. The reference to "all the residents of Asia" hearing the word of the Lord through Paul's efforts in the hall of Tyrannus suggests the far-reaching impact of his ministry. Ephesus, being a hub of trade and travel, allowed for the dissemination of the Gospel message beyond the immediate vicinity, contributing to the growth of the early church across the region. Theological Implications: The account of Paul teaching in the hall of Tyrannus illustrates the early church's commitment to evangelism and discipleship. It reflects the importance of perseverance in the face of opposition and the strategic use of available opportunities to further the mission of the church. The passage also highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel, as it was proclaimed to both Jews and Greeks, breaking down cultural and religious barriers. In summary, Tyrannus, though a minor figure in the biblical narrative, represents a significant aspect of Paul's ministry in Ephesus. The use of his lecture hall for daily discussions exemplifies the early church's engagement with the surrounding culture and its dedication to spreading the message of Christ to all people. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary TyrannusSmith's Bible Dictionary Tyrannus(sovereign), the name of a man in whose school or place of audience Paul taught the gospel for two years, during his sojourn at Ephesus. See (Acts 19:9) (A.D. 52,53.) The presumption is that Tyrannus himself was a Greek, and a public teacher of philosophy or rhetoric. ATS Bible Dictionary TyrannusThe name of a person at Ephesus, in whose school Paul publicly proposed and defended the doctrines of the gospel, Acts 19:9. By some he is thought to have been a Greek sophist, a teacher of rhetoric or philosophy, converted to Christianity; while others suppose him to have been a Jewish doctor or rabbi, who had a public school. Easton's Bible Dictionary Prince, a Greek rhetorician, in whose "school" at Ephesus Paul disputed daily for the space of two years with those who came to him (Acts 19:9). Some have supposed that he was a Jew, and that his "school" was a private synagogue. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TYRANNUSti-ran'-us (Turannos): When the Jews of Ephesus opposed Paul's teaching in the synagogue, he withdrew, and, separating his followers, reasoned daily in the school of Tyrannus. "This continued for the space of two years" (Acts 19:9, 10). D Syriac (Western text) adds after Tyrannus (Acts 19:9), "from the 5th hour unto the 10th." Schole is the lecture-hall or teaching-room of a philosopher or orator, and such were to be found m every Greek city. Tyrannus may have been Greek 5181. Turannos -- "absolute ruler," Tyrannus, an Ephesian ... "absolute ruler," Tyrannus, an Ephesian. Part of ... Word Origin of foreign origin Definition "absolute ruler," Tyrannus, an Ephesian NASB Word Usage Tyrannus (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5181.htm - 6k Library Have Learned not Only from Your Letter but from those of Many ... Two Fruitful Years Acts XIX The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense. The Conversion of Apollos, his Character, and the Ministry of Paul ... The Distinguished Ecclesiastics of Our Day, and which of them ... How Eurycles Falsely Accused Herod's Sons; and How their Father ... Acts xix. 8, 9 Hymnus Post Cibum Hymnus Epiphaniae Thesaurus Tyrannus's (1 Occurrence)...Tyrannus's (1 Occurrence). ... So Paul left them, and, taking with him those who were disciples, held discussions daily in Tyrannus's lecture-hall. (WEY). ... /t/tyrannus's.htm - 6k Tyrannus (1 Occurrence) School (3 Occurrences) Obstinate (12 Occurrences) Lecture (2 Occurrences) Lecture-hall (1 Occurrence) Grew (133 Occurrences) Withdrew (55 Occurrences) Tyrannized (1 Occurrence) Tyranny (4 Occurrences) Resources What happened on Paul's third missionary journey? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a seminary? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tyrannus (1 Occurrence)Acts 19:9 Subtopics Tyrannus: Paul Taught in the School of, for Two Years Related Terms |