Dionysius
“Devotee of Dionysus (Bacchus)”
Summary
An Athenian member of the Areopagus court who was converted through Paul's preaching on Mars Hill.
☩Conversion at Athens
Dionysius was one of the few Athenians converted by Paul's sermon on the Areopagus, where Paul proclaimed the 'unknown God' and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a member of the Areopagus—the supreme judicial council of Athens—he held a distinguished position in Athenian society. His conversion represents a notable success in what was otherwise one of Paul's least fruitful missions.
☩Later Tradition
According to early church tradition, Dionysius became the first bishop of Athens. Some accounts state that he suffered martyrdom in that city under the emperor Domitian. Medieval legends further embellished his story, claiming he migrated to Rome and was sent to Paris, where he was beheaded on the hill later called Montmartre ('Mount of the Martyr')—hence he became confused with Saint Denis, patron saint of France. The mystical writings once attributed to him are now recognized as forgeries from the fifth or sixth century.
Related Verses1 mention
Acts· 1 verse
References
- 1.George Morrish, "Dionysius," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Dionysius," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Dionysius," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).