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The Lecture Hall of Tyrannus
“The lecture hall of Tyrannus” was mentioned in holy scriptures only once, in conjunction with the opposition of Jews to Paul’s teaching in synagogues.
Acts (19:9):
“But some became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and discussed daily in Tyrannus’s lecture hall.”
Who is Tyrannus?
Nothing is exactly known about Tyrannus’s background or the function of his “lecture center.” His name is Tyrannus in Greek, meaning “ruler” or “prince.” Based on this information, some scholars claimed that Tyrannus was a philosopher and an expert in persuasive speech. The lecture hall was possibly named in honor of a former building owner.
Possible Theories About Tyrannus’ Role
Alternatively, Tyrannus may not have been alive during Paul’s time in Ephesus and might have been a respected teacher of the lecture hall in the past. The place could have been called “Tyrannus Lecture Hall” in the same way that universities today are named after famous individuals.
Was Tyrannus a Christian?
It is also possible Tyrannus was simply a businessman who rented his hall to traveling lecturers. Whether Tyrannus was originally a Christian or not remains unclear. Since such issues are not specified, all sources are estimates made by historians and scholars, taking into account the conditions of the time.
Paul in the Lecture Hall of Tyrannus
Paul’s Teaching in the Synagogues
Paul taught in the synagogues for three months about the kingdom of God. As a result of the Jews’ negative response, Paul and his followers withdrew to the lecture hall of Tyrannus.
Transition to the Lecture Hall of Tyrannus
Here, he preached daily for two years. According to details added by Western scripts, “from the 5th hour unto the 10th” meant eleven o’clock in the morning to four o’clock in the afternoon. If this is correct, Paul engaged in an apologetics mission when those in trade were at leisure after the midday meal. Instead of resting, Paul lectured during the hottest hours of the day, continuing this for two years.
Impact of Paul’s Ministry in Asia
As a result of Paul’s ministry in the lecture hall of Tyrannus, all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
Acts (19:10):
“This went on for two years so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.”
Paul’s Trade and Resourcefulness
Paul likely took advantage of the rest hours of other traders. Preferred hours for the lecture hall would have been the cooler morning hours, leaving the hall vacant at midday. Perhaps rent was also cheaper during this time, allowing Paul to work at his trade outside lecture hours.
Acts (20:34):
“You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.”
Where is the Lecture Hall of Tyrannus in Ephesus?
Paul’s Arrival in Ephesus
St. Paul came to Ephesus with Aquila and his wife Priscilla after spending a year and a half working in the tent-making trade in Corinth. The couple stayed in Ephesus when Paul left and established a church in their home.
1 Corinthians (16:19):
“The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.”
Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla as Tentmakers
Both Paul, Aquila and his wife Priscilla were tentmakers and likely held the same trade in Ephesus. Central Agora was the commercial center of Ephesus, where Paul and Aquila likely worked together.
The South Gate of Agora and Philosophers Square
The South Gate of Agora is connected to Philosophers Square, a learning hub in Ephesus famous throughout Asia. Students from Athens traveled here to learn from philosophers and thinkers. In 110 AD, construction of the Celsus Library began, eventually occupying the Philosopher Square.
Philosophers Square During Paul’s Time
In 52 AD, when Paul arrived in Ephesus, the library was not yet built. Philosophers Square was a meeting place for philosophical debates and discussions, including those involving the city’s Jewish community. Some scholars believe that an open-air synagogue was located near here before the construction of the Celsus Library.
The Stairway to Tyrannus’ Lecture Hall
Just beside Philosopher Square (in front of the Celsus Library in Ephesus Ancient City), a set of stairs leads up to a platform. Many scholars believe this was the location of the school of Tyrannus.
