But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easy to miss is that the "certain men" who "claved unto him" implies not just belief, but an intimate, devoted clinging. The text highlights Dionysius, a man of high status, and Damaris, a woman, showing that the Gospel's reach extended across social strata, even in a city steeped in tradition.
But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Paul’s speech on the Areopagus, where he introduced the Athenians to the "unknown God," the narrative shifts from the general crowd's mixed reaction to specific individuals who responded to the message. This verse highlights the positive outcome for a small group, detailing the conversion of Dionysius, a respected judge, Damaris, and others, underscoring that even in a place of intellectual and philosophical renown, genuine faith took root.
In a city known for its philosophers and intellectual debates, Paul's message resonated with a surprising figure: a member of the elite Areopagus court. What made his conversion so significant?
Dionysius the Areopagite wasn't just any Athenian; he was a judge on the Areopagus, a highly respected council known for its wisdom and authority.
A Seat of Honor
Paul’s message wasn't only received by the elites. A woman named Damaris and 'others' also believed. What does their inclusion tell us about God's kingdom?
While Dionysius represents the influential few, the inclusion of Damaris and 'others' reminds us that God's saving grace extends to all, regardless of their social standing or the distinctiveness of their conversion story.
Ask a follow-up
More Than Just Notables
Athens was a city brimming with philosophical schools and diverse religious practices. Paul's message here yielded a surprisingly small harvest compared to other cities. Why?
Paul's encounter in Athens, though resulting in fewer converts than elsewhere, was not a failure. It highlights the varied reception of the Gospel and God's persistent work.
The Athenian Context
God's Word does not return void, even when the soil seems unreceptive. The conversion of Dionysius and Damaris shows that even a small harvest can be significant when it comes from God's sowing.
Understand the original words
episteusan · Greek Verb
To place one's full trust, reliance, and commitment in God and His message, specifically the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is an active, ongoing response of the heart that results in salvation and a transformed life.
The conversion of Dionysius, a member of the highly respected Areopagus court, was a significant though small victory in Athens, a city deeply entrenched in philosophical traditions and idolatry. It shows God's power to reach even the intellectual elite, despite Paul's own assessment of limited immediate impact there.
c. 500 BC - 400 BC
Areopagus Court Established
The Areopagus was an ancient Athenian council, considered one of the oldest institutions in the city, responsible for various judicial and legislative functions. Membership was prestigious and highly respected.
c. 490 BC
Battle of Marathon
This pivotal victory for Athens against the Persians significantly boosted Athenian pride and intellectual confidence, contributing to the city's Golden Age and the development of philosophical thought.
c. 450 BC
Periclean Golden Age of Athens
Under Pericles, Athens reached its cultural and political zenith, characterized by great advancements in philosophy, arts, and democracy. This era fostered intellectual curiosity and debate.
c. 415 BC
The Melian Dialogue
This famous philosophical exchange, recorded by Thucydides, highlights Athenian power and the philosophical debates common in the city, contrasting with Paul's message.
c. AD 50— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Athens
The Apostle Paul preached in Athens, engaging with Stoic and Epicurean philosophers and speaking at the Areopagus, the city's high court. This interaction led to a small number of conversions.
c. AD 51-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Following his less fruitful time in Athens, Paul moved to Corinth, a bustling commercial center, where he had more success in establishing a strong Christian community.
This passage highlights Jesus' powerful interaction with a woman, Jairus' daughter, and the crowd. Just as Paul's ministry in Athens resulted in believers like Damaris, Jesus' ministry often drew people to faith, even amidst skepticism.
Acts 4:1-4The early church faced opposition, yet belief spread. This reference shows that even in the face of potential danger and the powerful opposition of religious leaders, 'many of those who heard the word believed,' mirroring the response in Athens.
1 Corinthians 1:18-25Paul contrasts the 'wisdom of the world' with the 'foolishness of God' revealed in Christ. His experience in Athens, a center of philosophical thought, exemplifies this, where the message of the cross was a stumbling block to some but the power of God to believers like Dionysius.
Romans 1:16Paul declares his eagerness to preach the gospel, stating it is 'the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.' This verse captures the essence of his mission in Athens, where despite initial resistance, the power of the gospel did reach and transform individuals.
John 12:32Jesus speaks of being lifted up to draw all people to himself. This broader cosmic drawing of humanity finds a specific echo in Athens, where Paul's preaching, though met with mixed reactions, began the process of drawing some, like Dionysius and Damaris, to Christ.
ellicottActs 17:34: "Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them."
(34) Certain men clave unto him. —The word implies practically both companionship and conversion. There was an attractive power in the Apostle’s character that drew men unto him. Dionysius the Areopagite.—As the constitution of the Court of the Areopagus required its members to have filled a high magisterial function, such as that of Arch…
pooleActs 17:34: "Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them."
Clave unto him, in more than ordinary friendship; they were as glued to him; great was their love to the apostle, by whom their eyes were opened, nay, by whose ministry they were raised from the dead. Dionysius the Areopagite; one of that great council mentioned Acts 17:19 , whose conversion might have a great influence on many. Damaris;…
What's easy to miss is that the "certain men" who "claved unto him" implies not just belief, but an intimate, devoted clinging. The text highlights Dionysius, a man of high status, and Damaris, a woman, showing that the Gospel's reach extended across social strata, even in a city steeped in tradition.
After Paul’s speech on the Areopagus, where he introduced the Athenians to the "unknown God," the narrative shifts from the general crowd's mixed reaction to specific individuals who responded to the message. This verse highlights the positive outcome for a small group, detailing the conversion of Dionysius, a respected judge, Damaris, and others, underscoring that even in a place of intellectual and philosophical renown, genuine faith took root.
After Paul’s speech on the Areopagus, where he introduced the Athenians to the "unknown God," the narrative shifts from the general crowd's mixed reaction to specific individuals who responded to the message. This verse highlights the positive outcome for a small group, detailing the conversion of Dionysius, a respected judge, Damaris, and others, underscoring that even in a place of intellectual and philosophical renown, genuine faith took root.
"But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them." — What's easy to miss is that the "certain men" who "claved unto him" implies not just belief, but an intimate, devoted clinging. The text highlights Dionysius, a man of high status, and Damaris, a wom…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026