Book of Acts - Chapter 19 - Verse 9

This verse comes from the book of Acts in the New Testament and describes a situation where some individuals became hardened in their hearts and refused to believe in the message being preached by the disciples. Instead, they spoke evil of the teachings and caused discord among the followers of the Way. In response to this resistance, the disciples, led by Paul, made a decision to separate themselves from those who opposed them. They continued to spread their message, engaging in daily discussions and debates in the school of a man named Tyrannus. This move allowed the disciples to focus on teaching and nurturing those who were receptive to their message, without being hindered by the negative influence of the dissenters. By standing firm in their beliefs and persevering in the face of adversity, the disciples were able to grow the early Christian community and spread the message of Jesus Christ to a wider audience.

One key aspect of the theological interpretation of this verse lies in the concept of hardening of hearts. The verse refers to divers, or some translations use the term "certain men," who were hardened and did not believe. This hardening of hearts is a recurring theme in the Bible, often signifying a resistance to God's message and a refusal to change one's ways. In this context, the divers' hardened hearts led them to speak evil of "that way," which likely refers to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. Despite their disbelief and opposition, the disciples continued to spread the message, engaging in daily disputes and discussions in the school of Tyrannus. This highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity and the necessity of standing firm in one's faith even when faced with opposition. The separation of the disciples from those who did not believe also underscores the need for believers to surround themselves with fellow Christians for support and encouragement in the face of challenges.