Acts 19:9
But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
when
G5613
ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 26
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐσκληρύνοντο
were hardened
G4645
ἐσκληρύνοντο
were hardened
Strong's:
G4645
Word #:
4 of 26
to indurate, i.e., (figuratively) render stubborn
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν
of that way
G3598
ὁδὸν
of that way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
9 of 26
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλήθους
the multitude
G4128
πλήθους
the multitude
Strong's:
G4128
Word #:
12 of 26
a fulness, i.e., a large number, throng, populace
ἀποστὰς
he departed
G868
ἀποστὰς
he departed
Strong's:
G868
Word #:
13 of 26
to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
14 of 26
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀφώρισεν
and separated
G873
ἀφώρισεν
and separated
Strong's:
G873
Word #:
16 of 26
to set off by boundary, i.e., (figuratively) limit, exclude, appoint, etc
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθ'
daily
G2596
καθ'
daily
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
19 of 26
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἡμέραν
G2250
ἡμέραν
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
20 of 26
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
διαλεγόμενος
disputing
G1256
διαλεγόμενος
disputing
Strong's:
G1256
Word #:
21 of 26
to say thoroughly, i.e., discuss (in argument or exhortation)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σχολῇ
the school
G4981
σχολῇ
the school
Strong's:
G4981
Word #:
24 of 26
properly, loitering (as a withholding of oneself from work) or leisure, i.e., (by implication) a "school" (as vacation from physical employment)
Cross References
Acts 19:23And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.Acts 9:2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.Acts 14:4But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.2 Peter 2:12But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;Hebrews 3:13But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.Acts 7:51Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.Acts 22:4And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.2 Peter 2:2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.Jude 1:10But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
Historical Context
Paul's separation initiated the pattern where Christianity became increasingly Gentile-dominated. He moved to 'the school of Tyrannus,' a lecture hall where he could teach daily without synagogue restrictions.
Questions for Reflection
- When is separation from unbelievers necessary versus premature?
- How does persistent unbelief harden hearts and harm faith communities?
- What does it mean to speak evil of 'the way' (Christianity)?
Analysis & Commentary
When 'divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude,' Paul 'departed from them, and separated the disciples.' This separation from the synagogue marked Christianity's emergence as distinct from Judaism. Paul's withdrawal prevented unbelievers from hindering believers' growth. Sometimes separation is necessary for gospel advance.