Charles Ellicott Commentary Acts 19:9

"But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus." — Acts 19:9 (ASV)

When divers were hardened and believed not.—A better rendering (since the verb implies continuous action) is, when some were growing hardened and disobedient.

Spoke evil of that way before the multitude.—A better rendering, as before, is of the way (see Note on Acts 9:2). The unbelieving Jews acted at Ephesus as they did at Thessalonica and tried to wreak their hatred against St. Paul by stirring up suspicion among the Gentiles, especially, as before, among those of the lower class, who were always ready for a tumult.

Disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.—The Greek word for “school” had a somewhat interesting history. Originally meaning “leisure,” it was applied to leisure as devoted to study. Then, as here, it came to mean the place in which study was pursued. Lastly, as in our phrase, “the school of Zeno or Epicurus,” it was used as a collective term for the followers of a prominent teacher. In this case, it was probably a lecture-room that, as the private property of the owner, was lent or rented to the Apostle.

Of the Tyrannus mentioned here, nothing more is known with certainty. However, the name is connected with one or two interesting coincidences that are more or less suggestive.

Like its Latin equivalent, Rex, the name Tyrannus was not uncommon among the class of slaves or freedmen. It is found in the Columbarium of the household of Livia on the Appian Way, belonging to one who is described as a Medicus, or physician.

Both names and professions in this class were very commonly hereditary. This supports the hypothesis that this Tyrannus was also a physician. If so, he may have known St. Luke or, possibly, may have been among the Jews whom the decree of Claudius (Acts 18:2) had driven from Rome, and thus shared the faith of Aquila and Priscilla. This hypothesis aligns with and explains the recorded facts.

An unconverted teacher of philosophy or rhetoric was not likely to have lent his classroom to a preacher of the new faith (see also Note on Acts 19:12).