Keraia
Acts 17

Acts 17:34

Paul’s Address in the Areopagus · Acts 17:22–34
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Translations

Modern
But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others who were with them.
Traditional
Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Literal
But some men, having joined themselves to him, believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Latin
Quidam vero viri adhærentes ei, crediderunt: in quibus et Dionysius Areopagita, et mulier nomine Damaris, et alii cum eis.

Original

Greek
English
But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others who were with them.

Notes

Acts 17:34

  • some joined him and believed: Some people joined Paul and became believers. His sermon did not only bring rejection; it also led to faith.

    Two important people who believed are named: Dionysius and Damaris. Luke often places a man and a woman side by side in his writing to show that the message of the good news is for all people. By pairing men and women, he shows that both are equally important in God’s work (for example, 5:1–11; 17:4, 12; Luke 14:1–6; 15:3–10).

  • Dionysius was a member of the council of the Areopagus, the highest governing body of Athens.

Acts 17:16–34

In this chapter, we see Paul presented as a model witness for Christ, engaging the thinkers of his day and challenging them with the Christian message. Paul quoted writers his audience would be familiar with and showed the relevance of the gospel by dialoguing with them, critiquing their assumptions, and offering Jesus as a constructive alternative (see Colossians 1:28).

Paul reminded these proud intellectuals that there is a living God to whom all human beings are answerable; that they will be judged by him through Jesus, whom God raised from the dead; and that they should therefore repent and put their faith in Jesus.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Events

People

Damaris: Woman who believed Paul's message in Athens Dionysius: Areopagite who believed Paul's message in Athens

Places

Areopagus: A hill in Athens where Paul preached the gospel

Glossary

Acropolis Areopagite Areopagus Athens Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Damaris Dionysius First Letter to the Thessalonians Jude, Letter of Mars’ Hill Pagans Stoicism, Stoics Travel

Topics

Athens: A City of Greece Damaris: A Female Convert of Athens Dionysius: A Convert of Paul Greece: Inhabitants of Accept the Messiah Mars' Hill: A Hill in Athens Paul: Debates on Mars' Hill (At the Meeting of the Areopagus Council) with Greeks Women: Converted by Preaching of Paul