Damaris Δάμαρις
Woman who believed Paul's message in Athens
Who is Damaris in the Bible?
Damaris was a woman from Athens who became a believer after hearing the Apostle Paul preach at the Areopagus (Acts 17:34). When Paul delivered his famous discourse about the "Unknown God" and proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus, most Athenians mocked him, but Damaris was among those who responded with faith and joined him. Her mention alongside Dionysius the Areopagite suggests she held some social standing in Athenian society. Though Scripture provides no further details about her life or subsequent role in the early church, Damaris' conversion demonstrates how Paul's message transcended cultural and social boundaries, reaching both prominent men and women with the gospel.
Biography
Damaris is mentioned in Act.17.34 as one of the people who believed Paul's message when he preached at the Areopagus in Athens. After hearing Paul's discourse on the "Unknown God" and the resurrection of Jesus, some of the Athenians mocked him, while others expressed interest in hearing more.
Among those who joined Paul and believed were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris. The fact that Damaris is specifically named alongside Dionysius suggests that she was a person of some prominence or significance in the Athenian society.
No further details about Damaris' life, background, or role in the early church are provided in the biblical text. However, her conversion is an example of how Paul's message reached people from various backgrounds, including women, and how the gospel spread in the intellectual and philosophical center of Athens.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentActs 1 verse
- Acts 17:34
"But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others who were with them."
Study Acts →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Δάμαρις |
Damaris
ned in this passage together with Dionysius the Areopagite has led some, most probably in error, to regard her as his wife. The singling out of her name with that of Dionysius may indicate some personal or social distinction. Compare Ac 17:12.
dam-a-senz', dam'-a-senz ten polin Damaskenon, ("the city of the Damascenes"): The inhabitants of Damascus under Aretas the Arabian are so called (2Co 11:32).