And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. Acts 19:8
“I had a shot and I took it.”
Not to equate the Word with a Hollywood script, but Paul was given an extended hearing in the Ephesus synagogue where he spoke out boldly (Gk. dynamei, with great power) about the kingdom of God, reasoning (Gk. dialegomai, to dialogue) and persuading (Gk. peithō, to convince), not for a tumultuous day or two as in the past, but for three straight months.
This says something about seizing opportunities. When your opportunity comes, take it and run with it until the door closes. But this doesn’t mean the absence of obstacles or opposition.
For a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 1 Corinthians 16:9 (written from Ephesus).
That door did close.
But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the people. he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. Acts 19:9
This “school” was more like a rental hall, where Paul had particular hours of operation, and he and partners Aquila and Priscilla likely had to foot the bill. It’s ironic that the building was called “the school of a tyrant.” Taking up residence in a school or storefront is commonplace for churches these days.
Bringing light into dark places, that’s what we do!
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