Topical Encyclopedia
Damaris is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. Her account is brief but significant, as she is noted for her conversion to Christianity following the Apostle Paul's sermon at the Areopagus in Athens.
Biblical Reference:Damaris is mentioned in
Acts 17:34. The Berean Standard Bible states: "But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them."
Historical and Cultural Context:The account of Damaris occurs during Paul's second missionary journey, as he travels through Macedonia and Greece. Athens, known for its rich philosophical traditions and as a center of learning, was a city filled with idols and diverse religious practices. Paul, distressed by the idolatry he observed, engaged with both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles in the synagogue and daily in the marketplace. His teachings eventually led him to the Areopagus, a prominent rock outcropping used as a forum for discussing philosophical ideas.
Significance of Damaris:Damaris is one of the few individuals named in the account of Paul's ministry in Athens, highlighting her importance. Her inclusion in the narrative suggests that she was a person of some standing or influence, as it was uncommon for women to be mentioned by name in ancient texts unless they held a particular significance. The fact that she is named alongside Dionysius the Areopagite, a member of the esteemed council of the Areopagus, further underscores her prominence.
Conversion and Faith:Damaris's conversion is a testament to the power of the Gospel to reach diverse audiences, including those in intellectual and philosophical centers like Athens. Her belief in Paul's message signifies the breaking of cultural and social barriers, as the early Christian message appealed to both men and women, Jews and Gentiles, educated and uneducated alike.
Theological Implications:Damaris's account reflects the inclusivity of the Christian message and the early church's expansion beyond Jewish communities into the Gentile world. Her conversion is an example of the transformative impact of the Gospel, which transcends cultural and societal norms. It also illustrates the role of women in the early church, who, despite societal constraints, were active participants in the spread of Christianity.
Legacy:While the Bible does not provide further details about Damaris's life after her conversion, her mention in Acts serves as a reminder of the diverse individuals who contributed to the growth of the early church. Her faith and acceptance of the Gospel message are celebrated as part of the broader narrative of the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Damarisa little woman
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Damaris(a heifer), an Athenian woman converted to Christianity by St. Paul's preaching. (Acts 17:34) (A.D 48.) Chrysostom and others held her to have been the wife of Dionysius the Areopagite.
ATS Bible Dictionary
DamarisAn Athenian lady, honorably distinguished as one of the few who embraced Christianity at Athens under the preaching of Paul,Acts 17:34.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A heifer, an Athenian woman converted to Christianity under the preaching of Paul (
Acts 17:34). Some have supposed that she may have been the wife of Dionysius the Areopagite.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
DAMARISdam'-a-ris (Damaris, possibly a corruption of damalis, "a heifer"): The name of a female Christian of Athens, converted by Paul's preaching (Acts 17:34). The fact that she is mentioned 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. CompareActs 17:12.
Greek
1152.Damaris --Damaris, an Athenian woman... 1151, 1152.
Damaris. 1153 .
Damaris, an Athenian woman. Part of Speech:
Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
Damaris Phonetic Spelling
...Library
Introductory Note to Clement of Alexandria
... Jesus. "Dionysius the Areopagite, and the woman namedDamaris," are no longer
to be despised as the scanty first-fruits of Attica....
Acts xvii. 32-34, xviii. 1
... Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius
the Areopagite and a woman namedDamaris, and others with them....
Paul at Athens
... Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius
the Areopagite, and a woman namedDamaris, and others with them.'"Acts 17:22...
The Hermit and the Boy
... Farewell, or I shall be missed at home. Philip, may God be with thee! We shall
meet again.'. She turned to go, andDamaris followed her....
Paul's Great Speech at Athens
... Some men, however, joined him and believed, among whom were Dionysius, a member
of the Court of the Areopagus, a woman namedDamaris, and several others....
Second Missionary Journey
... "Certain men clave unto him and believed; among whom were Dionysius the Areopagite
and a woman namedDamaris and others with them" (Acts 17:34). 5. Corinth....
Three Objections
... going for. You would not have had him miss a Lydia, aDamaris? Above all,
you would not have had him disobey his Lord's command? So...
The Ministry of Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth.
... "Certain men clave unto him and believed, among the which was Dionysius, the Areopagite,
and a woman, namedDamaris, and others with them." [107:1] The court...
Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See...
... Yet from this hand too the Apostle did not go forth without success, since even
Dionysius the Areopagite together with his wifeDamaris and many others believed...
Two visitors by Night
... for Philip that night. Not one of the slaves was admitted into the secret,
except her nurseDamaris and old Phlegon. The lad slept...
Thesaurus
Damaris (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
DAMARIS. dam'-a
... distinction. Compare Acts
17:12. Multi-Version Concordance
Damaris (1 Occurrence). Acts
...Dam'aris (1 Occurrence)
Dam'aris.Damaris, Dam'aris. Damascenes . Multi-Version Concordance Dam'aris
(1 Occurrence).... (See RSV).Damaris, Dam'aris. Damascenes . Reference Bible
Damaging (5 Occurrences)
Joining (43 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:34 But some men joining themselves to him believed; among whom also was
Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman by nameDamaris, and others with them....
Joined (146 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:34 But certain men joined with him, and believed, among whom also was Dionysius
the Areopagite, and a woman namedDamaris, and others with them....
Gentlewoman (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 17:34 A few, however, attached themselves to him and believed, among them being
Dionysius a member of the Council, a gentlewoman namedDamaris, and some...
Dionys'ius (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 17:34 and certain men having cleaved to him, did believe, among whom 'is' also
Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman, by nameDamaris, and others with them...
Dionysius (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 17:34 But certain men joined with him, and believed, among whom also was Dionysius
the Areopagite, and a woman namedDamaris, and others with them....
Cleaved (36 Occurrences)
... Acts 17:34 and certain men having cleaved to him, did believe, among whom 'is' also
Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman, by nameDamaris, and others with them...
Resources
Who was Damaris in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgNew Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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