Acts 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.

Acts 17:34 (KJV)

Context

This verse concludes the account of the Apostle Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill in Athens. In Acts 17, Paul visits a city renowned for its philosophical and intellectual pursuits. Observing the many idols and religious objects, he is provoked in his spirit and reasons with Jews and Gentiles in the marketplace, then later addresses the Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill, where Athenian philosophers gathered to discuss new ideas.

Standing before the philosophers, Paul notices an altar inscribed “To the unknown God.” He uses this as an entry point to introduce the Athenians to the one true God. He presents the Gospel message, emphasizing that God is the Creator of all things, that humanity is called to seek and reach out to Him, and that judgment is coming through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Some Athenians respond with curiosity and interest, while others remain skeptical or dismissive. Acts 17:34 specifically highlights three individuals who believed: Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and a few others. Though the passage provides few details about these individuals, their inclusion emphasizes the impact of the Gospel even in a city known for its intellectual pursuits and diverse belief systems.

Meaning

The phrase “certain men clave unto him, and believed” indicates that these individuals joined themselves to Paul for further instruction and became believers. This act of cleaving was a personal attachment and public identification with Paul and the gospel he preached. The response was not massive; it was a handful of individuals, yet it was a real and genuine harvest from Paul’s preaching.

Dionysius the Areopagite is mentioned as one of those who believed. The term “Areopagite” suggests he was a member of the Areopagus, a council of judges or philosophers in Athens who held significant influence. His conversion is significant because it shows the gospel reaching into the upper echelons of Athenian society and intellectual life.

Similarly, Damaris, a woman, is also noted as one who believed. Although the details of her background are not provided, her inclusion highlights that the Gospel message is not limited to any specific gender, but available to all. The mention of “others with them” implies that there were additional people who believed, although their identities and numbers are not explicitly mentioned.

Biblical connections

The response to Paul’s preaching in Athens contrasts with the reactions of mockery and dismissal recorded earlier in Acts 17:32. The gospel proved to be “the savour of life unto life” for these believers, even as it was “the savour of death unto death” for the scoffers, as Paul later describes in 2 Corinthians 2:16. This verse demonstrates that the success of the gospel is not measured by numbers but by the genuine faith of those who respond.

Application

Acts 17:34 reminds us that even in challenging and intellectually driven contexts, the power of the Gospel can reach people from all walks of life. It emphasizes the transformative nature of the message of Jesus Christ, which transcends cultural, social, and intellectual barriers. This verse encourages believers to faithfully share the Gospel, knowing that God can work in the hearts of individuals, regardless of their background or intellectual disposition. It reminds us that there will always be those who respond to the message of salvation, and it is our privilege to faithfully proclaim it.

Reflection

By studying Acts 17:34 in its broader context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the impact of the Gospel and are encouraged to be bold in sharing our faith, trusting that God can change lives through the message of Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a quiet but powerful conclusion, showing that Paul’s work in Athens was not in vain, as God granted fruit from his labor. It also shows that God has his people even in the most unlikely places, such as the intellectual center of Athens.