"Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 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 19:8-10

Paul’s first recorded work there was to pray for the Spirit to fill the disciples in Ephesus (6). Twelve men received the Spirit and they formed the nucleus of the Ephesian church. Paul’s synagogue preaching led again to a mixed response, mostly negative ways (9) toward the message of Jesus. He decided to move out of the synagogue with the disciples and began teaching the gospel in a Greek lecture hall instead. This went on two full years.

As the result, the church in Ephesus was well established, widely connected, and strategic (10); the evangelization of Asia Minor was accomplished. The lecture hall of Tyrannus became a center for training and developing new Christians. It was also a place of powerful acts of the Holy Spirit. As the word of God gained power, God did extraordinary healings (vv. 11, 12).

Closing Prayer

Thank you, Father, for your word and the Spirit work together in power. Help us to dedicate ourselves to the ministry of the word like Paul did in Ephesus. Holy Spirit, I praise you for the ways you move in our life and throughout the world (edited from Encounter with God).