Tyrannus
“Sovereign, ruler”
Summary
Tyrannus was a man in Ephesus in whose lecture hall Paul taught the Gospel daily for two years after being expelled from the synagogue.
☩The School of Tyrannus
When opposition from the Jews in the Ephesian synagogue became intolerable, Paul withdrew with his disciples and began teaching daily in the 'school' (Greek schole) of a certain Tyrannus. The term schole refers to a lecture hall or place of instruction where philosophers or rhetoricians taught. Some Western manuscripts add that Paul taught 'from the fifth to the tenth hour' (11 AM to 4 PM), suggesting Tyrannus used the hall in the morning hours for his own lectures, then made it available to Paul.
☩Identity and Setting
Tyrannus was probably a Greek teacher of philosophy or rhetoric rather than a Jewish rabbi, since his Greek name suggests Gentile origin and Paul withdrew to this place specifically after leaving the Jewish synagogue. Whether Tyrannus was a believer, a sympathizer, or simply rented out his hall is uncertain. By teaching in this venue, Paul gained access to the broader Greco-Roman population of Ephesus. The results were remarkable: 'so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.'
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Tyrannus," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Tyrannus," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Tyrannus," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.George Morrish, "Tyrannus," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).