Dionysius the Areopagite

Overview

• Testament: New
• Role: Member of the Areopagus council at Athens
• Family: Unknown
• Key Books: Acts

Biography

Dionysius was a member of the Areopagus, the high court and council of Athens that met on Mars’ hill. When Paul stood in the midst of the philosophers and proclaimed the unknown God, the resurrection, and the coming judgment, most of the hearers mocked or deferred. Dionysius, however, clave to Paul and believed, becoming one of the first named converts in the city.

Key Events

• Conversion at the Areopagus — Dionysius believes after Paul’s address on Mars’ hill (Acts 17:34).

Relationships

• Paul (Apostle) — whose preaching he received
• Damaris — fellow Athenian believer named with him

Important Verses

• Acts 17:34 — “among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris.”

Cross-References

• Mentioned in: Acts

Notes

That a sitting member of the Areopagus believed shows the gospel could penetrate even the learned councils of Athens, the very audience that had judged Paul’s message.