In brief
Tyrannus is a man of Ephesus mentioned only once in the Bible, in Acts 19:9. After three months of preaching in the synagogue, Paul faces the hardening of some listeners who speak evil of the Way before the crowd. He then withdraws with the disciples and teaches daily in the school of a man named Tyrannus. This teaching lasts two years, and all the inhabitants of Asia, Jews and Greeks, hear the word of the Lord.
What does the name Tyrannus mean?
Tyrannus is a Greek name, generally linked to the word for a sovereign or absolute master, from which the English word tyrant comes. The Bible does not comment on the name and says nothing more about him than the existence of his school in Ephesus (Acts 19:9).
The story of Tyrannus
Paul arrives in Ephesus
Acts 19:1-7While Apollos is in Corinth, Paul arrives in Ephesus. There he meets about twelve disciples who had received only John's baptism. Paul announces Jesus to them; they are baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and when he lays his hands on them, the Holy Spirit comes upon them. It is the beginning of a lasting work in the city.
Three months in the synagogue
Acts 19:8-9Paul enters the synagogue and speaks boldly there for three months, reasoning about the things concerning the kingdom of God and trying to persuade his hearers. But some remain hardened and unbelieving, and speak evil of the Way before the crowd. Paul withdraws from them and separates the disciples.
The school of Tyrannus
Acts 19:9-10Paul then teaches daily in the school of a man named Tyrannus. The Bible does not say whether Tyrannus was a believer, or how this place was made available. It reports only that this went on for two years, so that all who lived in Asia, Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.
A word that grows
Acts 19:11-20During this period God does extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul. Many believers come and confess what they have done, and people who had practiced magic arts burn their books in front of everyone. The account concludes that the word of the Lord continued to grow and prevail mightily.
What Tyrannus teaches us
- When one door closes, God often opens another so that his word continues to be proclaimed.
- An ordinary place can become a center of influence for the gospel.
- Regular, patient teaching of the Word bears fruit well beyond a single city.
- God can use people about whom almost nothing is known to accomplish a great work.
Key verses
Faced with opposition, Paul does not persist: he withdraws with the disciples and teaches daily in the school of Tyrannus. Changing places is not giving up the mission.
This went on for two years, so that all who lived in Asia, Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord. Faithful, daily teaching reached an entire region.
Bible verses to meditate on
Sermons about Tyrannus
Frequently asked questions
Who was Tyrannus in the Bible?
Tyrannus was a man of Ephesus to whom a school was attached, in which Paul taught daily for two years (Acts 19:9-10). The Bible says nothing else about him: not his exact occupation, nor his faith, nor his ties with Paul. His name remains attached to this place of teaching.
Why did Paul teach in the school of Tyrannus?
After three months in the synagogue of Ephesus, Paul met opposition from some who remained hardened and spoke evil of the Way before the crowd. He then withdrew with the disciples and continued his teaching in the school of Tyrannus, daily for two years (Acts 19:8-10).
Where is Tyrannus found in the Bible?
Tyrannus is mentioned only once, in Acts 19:9, during Paul's stay in Ephesus. For context, one can read all of Acts 19, as well as Paul's address to the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20:17-38, where he recalls having taught publicly and from house to house.