Damaris
Athenian Convert at Mars' Hill
Athenian woman who clave to Paul after his Mars' Hill sermon and believed.
Acts 17:34 names Damaris among those who clave unto Paul and believed after his sermon on Mars' Hill — alongside Dionysius the Areopagite.
Her Story
Paul preached the unknown God to the philosophers of Athens, declaring the resurrection of Christ. Some mocked, some said, 'We will hear thee again of this matter.' But certain men clave unto him and believed — among them Dionysius and 'a woman named Damaris.' From the most pagan city of the empire, the gospel gathered its firstfruits.
What Scripture Teaches
- 1Athenian woman present at Paul's Mars' Hill sermon
- 2Believed and clave to Paul (Acts 17:34)
- 3Named alongside Dionysius the Areopagite
Key KJV Scriptures
"Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them."
Why It Matters
The gospel gathered men and women, philosophers and unknowns. Damaris is the only named woman among Athens' firstfruits — a single seed in stony ground.
Application for Today
Sow the word in any soil. Even Athens has a Damaris waiting to believe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Damaris of high standing?
Scripture does not say. Some early traditions claim she was wife of Dionysius, but the text is silent. Her standing in the gospel is sure.
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