But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. (Acts 19:9, NIV)

Have you ever walked in on a disagreement? Both sides are eager to convince you they are right, yet even the strongest statement does little to convince the other of their point. It is difficult for the average onlooker to discern who is correct. More discomforting is the expectation that anyone witnessing the exchange must choose a side.  

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In our Scripture today, we read about Paul teaching and arguing persuasively as some challenged him. Some onlookers are choosing the side they believe is correct. Although Paul had been preaching in the synagogue for months, some stubbornly opposed him to discourage other would-be believers. Some in opposition were Paul’s former equals in the Jewish faith; I imagine they just knew Paul had lost his mind. However, Paul also knew he was right: he had a direct encounter with Jesus himself and spent three days blind to prove it. Rather than spend his time arguing the same arguments daily, he finally took those who were eager to listen and left the synagogue.  

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This action parallels Matthew 10:14 in which Jesus says, “and if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.” Paul must have been encouraged by those who were listening to his words; he chose to stay in the area but leave the synagogue and teach in the hall of Tyrannus for two years.  

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Given what we know about Paul, it seems uncharacteristic for him to pull away from confrontation. After all, Paul was once a Jewish leader who maliciously countered the gospel movement. So, what gives? Now knowing he is on the right side of the gospel message, Paul found himself a rival of his own people and was tasked to help them see the truth, but he leaves. It is unlikely that he thought those in the synagogue were a lost cause, as he refers to himself as the worst of all sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). It seems more likely that Paul knew he had already won several souls, and these new believers were eager to hear more.  

Instead of the image of him abandoning those needing the gospel, I see Paul instead strengthening these eager believers away from any naysayers, protecting them so they have a place to hash out their beliefs without opposition or distraction. I am struck by the provision of God in this moment. He knew there would be many instances in which these new believers would need to be able to defend their faith and withstand the harsh opposition they would face. First, they needed to solidify what they believed. Thanks to God providing the hall of Tyrannus, the new believers listening to Paul had such a place.  

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It is unknown if Tyrannus was a believer, a sympathizer, or if this lecture hall was named after him in his memory, much like buildings on college campuses. What we do know is that Paul was welcomed here, teaching primarily to Gentiles and Greeks while he was rejected by many Jews in the synagogue. God provided a space and time for these believers to have a solid foundation to grow spiritually with Paul as their teacher.  

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We all need someone who will stubbornly oppose those trying to tear down our faith and pull us aside to get strong in the truth for the battles to come. Do you have somewhere or someone to bring your doubts to, where naysayers are not welcome? Those who surround you may make it hard to recognize God’s voice. Perhaps you feel like you are still caught in the synagogue in the middle of an argument with both sides vying for your loyalty. Wherever you find yourself today, it is my prayer that you find a “Hall of Tyrannus” where your faith can grow. Ask God to provide such a place/person. It may be a life group, or a close, faith-filled friend. It is also possible you may relate more to Paul in this Scripture. You may need to BE a “Hall of Tyrannus” for a new believer. Of all the uncomfortable places we, as Christians, find ourselves, alone in our doubts or questions should not be one.  

Gracious God, we are so thankful for your provision in the moments we need a Hall of Tyrannus – time and space to grow in you. When the noise of this world gets too loud, we can center ourselves in you. Thank you for the people you have put in our path. God, help us to be that place for those questioning faith in you. Help us to point others lovingly to you and teach them about you. We are so thankful for your love and all the ways you provide. Amen.