Synagogues and Schools

Acts 19:8-12 Paul teaches in the synagogue and the school of Tyrannus

Verse 8: Following his encounter with the disconnected disciples at Ephesus (1-7), Paul spent three months teaching at the synagogue. He took the witness recorded in the Old Testament, and with boldness laid out its teachings concerning the kingdom of God.

Verse 9: The simple expression “that way” describes the faith and practice of the followers of Christ (cf. v. 23; 18:25-26; 24:14, 22). Because of the hardness of hearts and opposition, Paul determined to move out of the synagogue and teach from the school of Tyrannus.[1] He did something similar in Corinth (cf. 18:4-7). His discourses at the school of Tyrannus were conducted on a daily basis.

Verse 10: The word went forth from Paul at Tyrannus’s school, spreading out from Ephesus across Asia, and among both Jews and Greeks. This continued for two years. Paul’s total stay in Ephesus was about three years (Acts 20:31). The three-year period includes the preliminary visit to Ephesus (18:19-21), meeting the twelve disciples (19:1-7), three months at the synagogue (19:8), two years at the school of Tyrannus (19:9-10), and the season after Timothy and Erastus left for Macedonia (19:22).

Verses 11-12: Paul preached in Ephesus, and the Lord worked through him – “confirming the word with signs following.” Miracles are not “normal,” they are outside the realm of the natural. “special miracles” indicate things that even stand out as unusual among things already outside the realm of the natural. Handkerchiefs or aprons that touched his body were carried to sick folks. The miraculous effect included cures for diseases and driving out evil spirits. This is reminiscent of a woman healed by touching the hem of Jesus’s garment (Luke 8:43-44), as well as miracles under the shadow of Peter (Acts 5:15). See also Romans 15:18-19. In contrast to Paul’s “special miracles” the Ephesians practiced “curious arts” (v. 19).

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[1] Notice and contrast the initial contact with and reception of Paul in the synagogue at Ephesus, which was positive. See Acts 18:19-21.