In brief
Dionysius the Areopagite and Damaris were two residents of Athens who believed in Jesus after Paul's speech at the Areopagus, around AD 50. While many mocked the announcement of the resurrection or put the question off until later, a few joined Paul. Luke names only these two: a member of the famous council of Athens and a woman. Their conversion shows that the gospel also reaches intellectual circles.
What does the name Dionysius and Damaris mean?
Dionysius is the Greek form of the name, derived from Dionysus, a Greek god. The title Areopagite shows that he sat on the Areopagus, the council of Athens. The meaning of Damaris is uncertain: it is sometimes linked to a Greek word meaning heifer. The Bible comments on neither name.
The story of Dionysius and Damaris
A city full of idols
Acts 17:16-18In Athens, Paul is distressed at the sight of a city full of idols. He reasons in the synagogue and every day in the marketplace. Epicurean and Stoic philosophers meet him: some call him a babbler, others think he is announcing foreign gods, because he speaks of Jesus and the resurrection.
Paul before the Areopagus
Acts 17:19-23Paul is brought to the Areopagus so that the council can learn about this new teaching. Paul starts from what he has observed: an altar bearing the inscription to an unknown god. He tells them that what they worship without knowing it is what he is proclaiming to them. He then presents the true God to these educated listeners.
The Creator God calls for repentance
Acts 17:24-31Paul proclaims the God who made the world, who does not live in temples built by human hands and who gives life to all. He calls all people to repent, because God will judge the world through the man he has appointed, and he has given proof of this by raising him from the dead.
Mixed reactions
Acts 17:32-33When they hear about the resurrection of the dead, some mock, while others say they will hear him again on the subject. Paul leaves them. The message of the cross and the resurrection seems like foolishness to many of these wise men.
Dionysius, Damaris and others believe
Acts 17:34A few, however, join Paul and believe. Luke names Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them. In the midst of indifference and mockery, God opens hearts. These first believers of Athens are a reminder that no setting is closed to the gospel.
What Dionysius and Damaris teaches us
- The gospel can reach every social class, including influential and educated people.
- Proclaiming Jesus means speaking of the resurrection too, even when it draws mockery.
- Even when the majority rejects the message, God keeps hearts that believe.
- Men and women are called in the same way to follow Christ.
- We must not put off answering the call of God.
Key verses
Paul starts from the altar to an unknown god to proclaim the true God. He shows how to reach a culture without compromising the message: what the Athenians sought without knowing it is revealed in Jesus.
God calls all people, everywhere, to repent. This is the heart of the message that Dionysius and Damaris received and to which they responded in faith.
The only verse that names Dionysius and Damaris. It testifies that, despite the mockery, the word proclaimed in Athens bore fruit in a few lives.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Dionysius the Areopagite?
Dionysius was an Athenian, a member of the Areopagus, the council that met on the hill of that name. He believed after hearing Paul proclaim the Creator God and the resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:34). The Bible says nothing else about him, and later traditions about him remain uncertain.
What do we know about Damaris in the Bible?
The Bible says only that she was a woman named Damaris and that she believed in Athens along with Dionysius and others. Her mention beside a member of the Areopagus shows that Luke wanted to stress the place of women among the first believers.
Where can I find the story of Dionysius and Damaris in the Bible?
Their story is found in the book of Acts, chapter 17. Verses 16 to 33 tell of Paul's preaching in Athens and his speech at the Areopagus, and verse 34 mentions their conversion by name.