Drawing, St. Paul Preaching upon the Areopagus in Athens, ca. 1550–1600Charles Mellin · 1550–00

Damaris

Δάμαρις/DAM-uh-ris/

“Possibly 'heifer' (from Damalis)”

Summary

An Athenian woman converted to Christianity through Paul's sermon on the Areopagus.

☩Conversion at Athens

Damaris was among the few who believed when Paul preached on Mars Hill, where most Athenians either mocked or deferred their response to his message about Jesus and the resurrection. She is mentioned alongside Dionysius the Areopagite, suggesting she may have been a person of some social standing. When many 'mocked,' she and Dionysius 'clave unto Paul and believed.'

Key verses:Acts 17:34

☩Identity and Tradition

Some ancient commentators, including Chrysostom, held that Damaris was the wife of Dionysius the Areopagite, though this appears to be inference from their being mentioned together rather than based on any historical evidence. The name Damaris is possibly a corruption of Damalis, meaning 'heifer,' a name commonly found among Greek women. That her name is specifically recorded suggests she was notable in some way among the early Athenian converts.

Key verses:Acts 17:34

Related Verses1 mention

Acts· 1 verse

17:34

References

1.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Damaris," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
2.James Hastings (ed.), "Damaris," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Damaris," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).