8 “And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.” (Acts 19:8–10)
As was the Apostle Paul’s practice, he began his ministry of preaching and teaching God’s Word in the Jewish synagogue of Ephesus. Luke records that Paul spoke in the synagogue for three months. While there he spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading the Jewish congregation about the kingdom of God.
To speak boldly (ἐπαρρησιάζετο; eparresiazeto) means to speak openly and with courage. In other words, to preach fearlessly. Paul did this consistently and personally.
The word reasoning (διαλεγόμενος; dialegomai) is a present active participle. It means to present a reasonable, logical and persuasive argument. Paul did this for three months. He never wavered.
Finally, the word persuading (πείθω; peitho) is also a present active participle. To persuade means to convince and to provide assurance that what you say is indeed true. Paul did his best to persuade the Ephesians that he spoke the truth from God’s Word concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ.
However, in spite of his best and noble efforts, some of the Jews became hardened and obstinate in their hearts. They continued to not exert trust in, commitment to, dependence upon and worship of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
This hardened unbelief evidenced itself when they spoke evil of the Gospel, otherwise known as the Way. They voiced their opposition while in the midst of the synagogue congregation.
Paul’s response was to withdraw from the synagogue (Acts 13:46; 18:6). As he did so, he took with him those who became disciples of Jesus. They then began to meet daily in the hall of Tyrannus. Not much is known about Tyrannus, but Paul and the disciples met in this particular lecture hall or school for two years.
Consequently, many residents of Ephesus, and the surrounding region, heard God’s Word taught by the Apostle Paul. This included both Jews and Gentiles. It is possible that some of Paul’s students included Epaphras (Colossians 1:7; 4:12-13), Tychicus (Acts 20:4; Colossians 4:7), Trophimus (Acts 20:4), along with Philemon and Archippus (Philemon 1-2).
God works through the faithful and consistent preaching and teaching of His inerrant Word. While some want fireworks, God provides truth which stirs a fire of conviction and commitment within the redeemed and regenerated heart of the believer in Christ. Never settle for less. Never settle for anything else.
Take time today to ask the Lord to equip and strengthen you to disciple those in your life who are young in their faith. This will in turn enable them to disciple others. And so it goes.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 