Acts 17 34

Acts 17:34 kjv

Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Acts 17:34 nkjv

However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Acts 17:34 niv

Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.

Acts 17:34 esv

But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.

Acts 17:34 nlt

but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Acts 17 verses

Acts 17 34 Meaning

Acts 17:34 details the positive, albeit limited, response to the Apostle Paul's sermon on Mars Hill (Areopagus) in Athens. It signifies that despite widespread mocking or indecision from the Athenian philosophers, a distinct group of individuals chose to align themselves with Paul's teaching and placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Specifically named are Dionysius, a member of the esteemed Areopagus Council, and a woman named Damaris, alongside other unnamed believers. This verse marks the birth of the Christian community in Athens, highlighting God's power to draw individuals from all walks of life to Himself, even in a hostile intellectual environment.

Acts 17 34 Context

Acts 17:34 immediately follows Paul's profound and strategically delivered sermon on the Areopagus in Athens (Acts 17:22-31). This sermon was unique, commencing not with synagogue debates, but with an address to pagan philosophers—Epicureans and Stoics—and the elite members of the city's council, the Areopagites, at the Areopagus (Mars Hill), a significant judicial and intellectual center. Paul skilfully transitioned from their "unknown god" altar to the one true Creator God, His creation, human dependence, and divine judgment, culminating in the critical, and culturally shocking, doctrine of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For the Athenians, who valued intellectual discourse but often disdained the physical body, the idea of a bodily resurrection was largely considered absurd. Thus, the sermon elicited mixed reactions: some mocked, others delayed decision, and a select few, as described in this verse, embraced the message. The context shows Paul adapting his evangelistic approach to his audience, engaging their intellectual traditions to present the Gospel, yet acknowledging that ultimate belief is a work of the Holy Spirit, independent of human wisdom.

Acts 17 34 Word analysis

• However (<δέ, de>): This Greek particle functions as a strong contrast, implying a "but" or "nevertheless." It separates the believing response from the mockery and procrastination mentioned in the preceding verse (Acts 17:32).
• some men (<τινές, tines>): Literally "certain ones" or "some persons." It indicates a limited, minority group, signifying that the success was not a mass conversion but a significant start, highlighting individual responses amidst a larger rejecting populace.
• joined him (<κολληθέντες, kollēthentes>): From the verb kollão, meaning "to glue," "to cling to," "to cleave to," or "to adhere closely." In this context, it signifies not just physical proximity but a deep, lasting attachment and commitment to Paul and his teachings, becoming his followers or disciples. It suggests more than mere intellectual agreement, implying association and adherence.
• and believed (<ἐπίστευσαν, episteusan>): From pisteuō, "to trust," "to rely upon," "to have faith in." This is the quintessential New Testament word for saving faith. It denotes a conviction about Paul's message regarding Christ's resurrection and an active personal trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
• among whom also were (<ἐν οἷς καὶ, en hois kai>): This phrase emphasizes that the following individuals were part of the "some men who believed." The kai ("also" or "even") draws attention to their noteworthy inclusion.
• Dionysius (<Διονύσιος, Dionysios>): A common Greek name. This man's distinction comes from his title.
• the Areopagite (<ὁ Ἀρεοπαγίτης, ho Areopagitēs>): This identifies Dionysius as a member of the Areopagus Council. This council was extremely prestigious, serving as Athens' high court, supervising religious and moral matters, and being the guardians of Athenian laws. His conversion was a monumental event, suggesting the Gospel was penetrating the highest levels of Athenian society and intellect. It represented a direct challenge to the established philosophical and religious order.
• a woman named Damaris (<γυνὴ ὀνόματι Δάμαρις, gynē onomati Damaris>): Her name is Greek. The text provides no further details about her, but her specific mention alongside Dionysius suggests she was noteworthy, perhaps due to social standing, public recognition, or being one of the first converts. Her presence alongside a male dignitary implies the Gospel transcends gender and status barriers.
• and others with them (<καὶ ἕτεροι σὺν αὐτοῖς, kai heteroi syn autois>): Indicates that the newly formed group was larger than just the two specifically named individuals. It signals the foundational members of what would become the church in Athens.

Word-Groups Analysis:

• "joined him and believed": This phrase describes the act of conversion in its completeness: a decision to follow and an act of faith. The sequence "joined" (kollēthentes) before "believed" (episteusan) could indicate that their adherence to Paul's ministry (joining him) was concomitant with or followed closely by their internal conviction and faith. This isn't just intellectual agreement; it's active discipleship and commitment.
• "Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris": The listing of these two individuals together is significant. Dionysius represents the male, intellectual, and authoritative elite, while Damaris, as a woman, represents either the general populace or possibly a woman of notable standing (as her specific mention might imply). Their combined presence illustrates the universality and inclusive nature of the Gospel message, able to transform hearts from diverse societal strata and genders. Their conversions represent critical early successes for the church in Athens, potentially opening doors and validating the new faith.

Acts 17 34 Bonus section

While the number of converts in Athens seems small compared to other cities, the quality of these early believers, particularly Dionysius, suggests a significant spiritual breakthrough. Dionysius's position as an Areopagite meant he held immense civic, religious, and social influence. His conversion likely provided an early framework and legitimacy for the nascent Christian community in Athens, making the Christian message credible within Athenian intellectual circles, despite the initial mockery. Historically, later traditions suggest Dionysius became the first bishop of Athens, although this is beyond biblical attestation. The specific mention of Damaris is unusual as women were not typically prominent in public philosophical debates unless they were exceptional or of a particular class. Her named conversion emphasizes the gospel's impact on women and suggests her own personal significance within the early community, possibly as an influential convert in her own right. Paul's sermon itself is a masterclass in contextualized evangelism, addressing pagan philosophical objections to God's nature and human destiny, and ultimately confronting them with the central truth of the resurrection. This verse shows that even a message initially met with skepticism and scorn can, through God's power, bear fruit and begin to transform society from within.

Acts 17 34 Commentary

Acts 17:34 reveals the profound impact of God's Word, even when facing significant intellectual resistance. Paul's sermon on the Areopagus did not result in a mass movement, contrasting with the thousands converted in Jerusalem or Corinth. Yet, it yielded a vital harvest. The "however" (Greek de) starkly contrasts with the scorn and postponement from the majority (Acts 17:32), affirming that God always works salvation in some, even amidst rejection.

The commitment of those who "joined him and believed" demonstrates a deeper spiritual decision than mere curiosity. They were "glued to" Paul, indicating a loyalty that implies discipleship and the beginning of a committed community. The specific mention of Dionysius the Areopagite is particularly noteworthy. As a member of Athens' highest philosophical and judicial body, his conversion was an immense gain for the burgeoning Christian faith. It symbolized the Gospel's ability to penetrate the bastions of human wisdom and prestige, challenging pagan worldview and showing Christ's dominion over even the most sophisticated thought. The inclusion of "a woman named Damaris" is equally significant. Whether of high status or not, her explicit mention underlines the inclusiveness of the Gospel, reaching all social classes and genders. She stands as a counterpoint to the male elite, emphasizing that salvation is equally available and accessible to women. "And others with them" confirms the nascent formation of the Athenian church, a small but diverse and divinely chosen nucleus that would carry the light of Christ forward in that philosophically charged city. This small, select group, led by these prominent figures, was God's chosen remnant to establish His church in Athens, highlighting that the effectiveness of the Gospel is not always measured by sheer numbers but by spiritual transformation and influence.