Paul wished to go into the amphitheater and face the people, but the disciples would not let him,
While some of the chief religious officials of the province, who were friendly to him, sent repeated entreaties to him not to trust himself inside.
Some of them, however, hardened their hears and refused to believe, denouncing the Cause before the people. So Paul left them and withdrew his disciples, and gave daily addresses in the lecture-hall of Tyrannus.
"No," said Paul, "I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of a city of some note; and I beg you to give me permission to speak to the people."