Tyrannus
LocationsGeographical Setting
A lecture hall or school building in ancient Ephesus associated with the rhetorician Tyrannus.
What is the meaning of Tyrannus in the Bible?
The school of Tyrannus was a lecture-hall or teaching-room where Paul preached his teachings for two years, separating from the synagogue due to opposition.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this location clarifies the logistical shift in Paul's missionary strategy in Ephesus, highlighting how he utilized secular educational infrastructure to disseminate his message after initial rejection by the local Jewish community.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Tyrannus (located near modern Ephesus, Turkey) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Tyrannus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tyrannus clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Tyrannus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tyrannus/