Bible Strands
Acts 17:34
But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others who were with them.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul has just finished his address at the Areopagus and is departing after the crowd's mixed reaction. A small group of Athenian listeners, including a council member and a woman, respond to his teaching at that moment.
The words — κολληθέντες (kollēthentes) literally means "having joined themselves closely," indicating a firm attachment to the apostle. ἐπίστευσαν (episteusan) translates directly as "believed," marking their shift from curiosity to faith.
The thread — This moment of Gentile belief parallels the remnant chosen by grace in Romans 11:5 and the Gentile response in Acts 13:48. It also follows the initial invitation to debate in Acts 17:19, showing the progression from inquiry to conversion.
Why it lands — It requires the reader to recognize that belief often emerges from direct engagement with the gospel rather than abstract debate. The text demands acknowledgment that faith is a concrete response to a proclaimed truth, not merely intellectual assent.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Cross-references
- Acts 17:19 So they took Paul and brought him to the Areopagus, where they asked him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?
- Romans 11:5 In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.
- Acts 13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
- Acts 17:4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few leading women.
- Isaiah 55:10 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat,
- Matthew 20:16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
- John 7:48 “Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him?
- John 19:38 Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews), asked Pilate to let him remove the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and removed His body.
- Acts 17:22 Then Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious.
- Philippians 4:22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those from the household of Caesar.