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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit {G1161} certain {G5100} men {G435} clave {G2853} unto him {G846}, and believed {G4100}: among {G1722} the which {G3739}{G2532} was Dionysius {G1354} the Areopagite {G698}, and {G2532} a woman {G1135} named {G3686} Damaris {G1152}, and {G2532} others {G2087} with {G4862} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But some men stayed with him and came to trust, including the High Council member Dionysius; there was also a woman named Damaris; and others came to trust along with them.

Berean Standard Bible

But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others who were with them.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 17:34 brings Paul's impactful sermon on the Areopagus to a close, detailing the immediate, albeit varied, responses to his proclamation of the resurrected Christ. While many scoffed or hesitated, this verse highlights the genuine conversion of a select group, including prominent individuals like Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris, who embraced the Gospel and committed themselves to Paul and the burgeoning Christian community in Athens. It underscores that even in environments of intellectual skepticism, the divine message of salvation finds receptive hearts, demonstrating the power of God to draw individuals from all walks of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding summary of Paul's profound engagement with the Athenian philosophers and intellectuals on Mars Hill, as recorded in [Acts 17:16-34](/acts/17-16-34 "Acts 17:16-34 - Paul's Ministry in Athens"). Paul began his discourse by observing their altar "To the Unknown God" ([Acts 17:23](/acts/17-23 "Acts 17:23 - Paul's Sermon on the Areopagus")), skillfully using this as a bridge to declare the true God—the Creator of the universe, who does not dwell in man-made temples and is not served by human hands. His sermon systematically dismantled their polytheistic and philosophical assumptions, culminating in a clear call to repentance based on God's appointed judgment and the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ([Acts 17:30-31](/acts/17-30-31 "Acts 17:30-31 - The Call to Repentance and the Resurrection")). The mention of the resurrection proved to be the decisive point, causing a stark division among his hearers: some mocked, others deferred, and a faithful few believed, as detailed in this concluding verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Athens in the first century AD was a renowned center of philosophy, rhetoric, and art, though its political power had waned under Roman rule. The city was saturated with idols and philosophical schools like the Stoics and Epicureans, who often engaged in public debate. The Areopagus was not only a geographical location (Mars Hill) but also the name of the venerable supreme court and council of Athens, composed of former archons, responsible for religious and moral matters. Addressing this body was a significant undertaking, requiring intellectual acumen and rhetorical skill. Athenian society, particularly among the elite, valued intellectual discourse and philosophical inquiry, often viewing new religious ideas with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. The mention of a woman, Damaris, is also culturally significant, as women in ancient Athenian society generally had limited public roles and were often secluded, making her public conversion and inclusion noteworthy.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 17:34](/acts/17-34 "Acts 17:34 - Converts in Athens") powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **sovereign power of the Gospel** to penetrate even the most intellectually resistant hearts and cultures. Despite widespread mockery and philosophical opposition, God's Word did not return void ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **individual nature of faith and response** to God's truth. While the crowd reacted in various ways, true belief is a personal act of conviction and commitment. Finally, it emphasizes the **radical inclusivity and diversity of the early Christian community**. The conversion of Dionysius, a high-ranking intellectual, alongside Damaris, a woman, demonstrates that the Gospel transcends social status, gender, and intellectual background, appealing to all whom God calls, fulfilling the vision of a church composed of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude from Every Nation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **clave (Greek, _kolláō'_):** From the root meaning "glue," this word signifies to "stick to," "join oneself to," or "adhere closely." In this context, it denotes a deep, personal attachment and commitment. It is not merely intellectual assent but a profound association and loyalty to Paul and the message he proclaimed, indicating that these individuals fully embraced the nascent Christian movement and its implications for their lives.
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** This verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)," implying credit or trust. By implication, it means "to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." Here, it signifies that the individuals not only intellectually acknowledged Paul's message but placed their faith and trust in the resurrected Jesus Christ, committing their spiritual well-being to Him.
* **woman (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This term simply means "a woman" or "a wife." Its inclusion here, alongside a prominent male figure, is significant not for its linguistic complexity but for its social implications. It highlights the early church's counter-cultural inclusivity, valuing women as full participants in the community of faith, a stark contrast to the often-restricted public roles of women in Athenian society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed:"** This opening clause acts as a counterpoint to the previous verse, which described those who mocked or postponed. The conjunction "Howbeit" (Greek: _dé_) introduces a contrast, highlighting that despite the general rejection, a specific group responded positively. The phrase "certain men" (Greek: _tìs anḗr_) indicates a limited, but real, number of male individuals. The combined actions of "clave unto him" (_kolláō_) and "believed" (_pisteúō_) indicate a deep, committed response. They didn't just intellectually agree; they actively joined themselves to Paul and, by extension, to the Christian faith, demonstrating a genuine conversion that involved both personal attachment and spiritual trust.
* **"among the which [was] Dionysius the Areopagite,"** This part specifies one of the prominent converts. Dionysius was an "Areopagite," meaning he was a member of the Areopagus, the highly respected supreme court and council of Athens. His conversion is particularly noteworthy because it signifies that the Gospel could penetrate the highest echelons of Athenian society and intellect. It demonstrates that the truth of Christ is compelling enough to persuade even those of significant social standing and intellectual background, challenging the notion that the Gospel only appeals to the uneducated or marginalized.
* **"and a woman named Damaris, and others with them."** The inclusion of Damaris is equally significant. Her name is given, indicating her individual identity and importance, despite the general societal limitations placed on women in Athens. Her conversion, alongside Dionysius, underscores the radical inclusivity of the early Christian community, which welcomed and valued women as full participants and disciples. The phrase "and others with them" indicates that these two named individuals were part of a larger, though unnamed, group of new believers, suggesting the formation of a nascent Christian community in Athens.

#### Literary Devices
The passage effectively employs **Contrast** to highlight the varied responses to Paul's sermon. While the preceding verses describe some mocking and others deferring, this verse pivots to show genuine belief, emphasizing the selective yet powerful impact of the Gospel. **Inclusivity** is a prominent theme, demonstrated through the specific naming of Dionysius, a high-status male, and Damaris, a woman. This deliberate pairing showcases the universal appeal of the Gospel, transcending social, intellectual, and gender barriers, and foreshadows the diverse composition of the early church. The phrase "clave unto him" functions as a **Metaphor**, drawing on the imagery of something being "glued" or "stuck" together. It powerfully conveys the deep, inseparable commitment and adhesion of these new believers to Paul and the Christian message, signifying a bond far stronger than mere intellectual agreement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 17:34 powerfully illustrates the sovereignty of God in salvation and the transformative power of the Gospel. Despite the intellectual hubris and spiritual indifference prevalent in Athens, God, in His grace, drew a remnant to Himself. The conversions of Dionysius and Damaris demonstrate that God's call is not limited by social status, intellectual prowess, or gender, but extends to all whom He has chosen. This highlights the truth that genuine belief is a work of the Holy Spirit, enabling individuals to respond in faith and commitment, even when the majority reject the message. The formation of this small group of believers signifies the establishment of the church in Athens, a testament to God's unwavering purpose to gather His people from every nation and background.

* [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "No One Can Come Unless the Father Draws Him")
* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Power of the Gospel for Salvation")
* [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](/1_corinthians/1-26-29 "God Chooses the Lowly and Foolish")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 17:34 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for believers today. It reminds us that faithful proclamation of the Gospel, even in seemingly unreceptive environments, is never in vain. While mass conversions are wonderful, the Lord often works through individual transformations, drawing specific people to Himself, just as He did with Dionysius and Damaris. This should inspire us to persevere in sharing the good news, trusting that God will prepare hearts and bring forth fruit in His timing, even if the visible results are few. Furthermore, the diversity of these first converts in Athens challenges us to ensure our churches are truly welcoming and inclusive, reflecting the Gospel's universal appeal that transcends all human-made distinctions of status, intellect, or background. Our mission is to share the truth broadly, allowing the Holy Spirit to draw those He wills, and then to embrace them fully into the community of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the varied response to Paul's sermon in Athens encourage or challenge your approach to sharing the Gospel today?**
* **In what ways can your local church better reflect the radical inclusivity demonstrated by the early Christian community in Athens?**
* **What does the commitment implied by "clave unto him" mean for your personal discipleship and adherence to Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who was Dionysius the Areopagite, and why is his conversion significant?**

Answer: Dionysius the Areopagite was a member of the Areopagus, which was the most prestigious judicial and legislative council in ancient Athens. Composed of former archons, this body held immense authority and was revered for its wisdom. His conversion is highly significant because it demonstrates that the Gospel message was able to penetrate the highest intellectual and social strata of Athenian society. It shows that God's truth can appeal to and transform even the most educated and influential individuals, underscoring the universal power and intellectual credibility of the Christian faith, as seen in Paul's reasoned discourse on [Mars Hill](/acts/17-22 "Paul's Sermon on the Areopagus").

**Why is the mention of Damaris important in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of Damaris, a woman, is crucial because it highlights the radical inclusivity of the early Christian community, particularly in a society like ancient Athens where women often had limited public roles and social standing. Her conversion, alongside a prominent male like Dionysius, demonstrates that the Gospel transcends gender and societal distinctions, welcoming all individuals into the community of faith as full and valued participants. This aligns with the New Testament's teaching that in Christ, there is neither male nor female, but all are one ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Unity in Christ")). It underscores that the early church was a place where women were recognized and embraced for their faith and discipleship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 17:34, though a seemingly small detail, vividly illustrates the ongoing fulfillment of Christ's mission to gather His elect from every corner of the earth. The conversions in Athens, particularly of a prominent intellectual and a woman, foreshadow the global and diverse nature of the church, which is the body of Christ. Just as Jesus declared that He would build His church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Peter's Confession and the Church")), these Athenian believers represent the initial fruit of the Spirit's work in a sophisticated pagan city. Their act of "cleaving" and "believing" is a direct response to the resurrected Christ, whom Paul proclaimed as the appointed Judge of the world ([Acts 17:31](/acts/17-31 "God's Appointed Judge")). Their faith is a testament to the power of the cross and resurrection, which breaks down all barriers—social, intellectual, and cultural—to unite people in Christ, making them new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")). Ultimately, these conversions point to Christ as the one true God, worthy of worship and faith, drawing all people to Himself as He promised ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "Jesus Draws All People to Himself")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 17:19

And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, [is]?

Romans 11:5

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Romans 11:6

And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

Acts 17:4

And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

Acts 17:22

¶ Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, [Ye] men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.

Isaiah 55:10

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: