Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Dionysius is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. He is noted for his conversion to Christianity following the Apostle Paul's sermon at the Areopagus in Athens. His account is brief but significant, highlighting the spread of the Gospel to diverse audiences and the transformative power of Paul's ministry.Biblical Account The primary reference to Dionysius is found in Acts 17:34. The context of this passage is Paul's visit to Athens, where he engages with the local philosophers and thinkers at the Areopagus, a prominent place for discussion and debate. Paul delivers a compelling sermon about the "unknown god" whom the Athenians worshiped in ignorance, revealing Him to be the one true God who created the world and everything in it. Acts 17:34 states: "But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them." This verse indicates that Dionysius was among those who were persuaded by Paul's message and chose to follow Christ. Historical and Cultural Context Dionysius is described as "the Areopagite," suggesting that he was a member of the Areopagus council, an esteemed group of leaders and judges in Athens. This council was responsible for overseeing religious and moral matters, making Dionysius's conversion particularly noteworthy. His acceptance of the Christian faith signifies the Gospel's reach into the intellectual and cultural heart of Greek society. Theological Significance Dionysius's conversion is emblematic of the early Church's mission to spread the Gospel beyond the Jewish community to Gentiles and intellectuals. His acceptance of Christianity demonstrates the universal appeal of the Gospel message and its ability to transcend cultural and philosophical barriers. The mention of Dionysius, along with Damaris and others, underscores the diverse nature of the early Christian community, which included individuals from various social and intellectual backgrounds. Legacy and Tradition While the biblical account of Dionysius is limited to a single verse, later Christian tradition has expanded upon his account. Some early Christian writings and traditions identify him with Dionysius the Areopagite, a figure associated with a body of mystical theological works known as the "Corpus Areopagiticum." However, this identification is largely considered a later development and not directly supported by the biblical text. Dionysius's conversion remains a testament to the power of the Gospel to reach and transform individuals from all walks of life, including those deeply embedded in the philosophical and cultural traditions of their time. His account serves as an encouragement for believers to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with diverse audiences, trusting in the Holy Spirit to work through their witness. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary DionysiusSmith's Bible Dictionary Dionysius(devoted to Dionysus , i.e., Bacchus) the Areopagite, (Acts 17:34) an eminent Athenian, converted to Christianity by the preaching of St. Paul. (A.D. 52.) He is said to have been first bishop of Athens. The writings which were once attributed to him are now confessed to be the production of some neo-Platonists of the sixth century. ATS Bible Dictionary DionysiusA member of the court of the Areopagus at Athens, converted under the preaching of Paul, Acts 17:34. Tradition says that he was eminent for learning, that he was ordained by Paul at Athens, and after many labors and trials, suffered martyrdom by fire. The works ascribed to him are spurious, being the product of some unknown writer in the fourth or fifth century. Easton's Bible Dictionary The Areopagite, one of Paul's converts at Athens (Acts 17:34). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DIONYSIUSdi-o-nish'-i-us (Dionusios, surnamed "the Areopagite"): One of the few Athenians converted by Paul (Acts 17:34). We know nothing further about him (see AREOPAGUS). According to one account he was the first bishop of the church at Athens; according to another he suffered martyrdom in that city under Domitian. We are even told that he migrated to Rome and was sent to Paris, where he was beheaded on Montmartre (Mount of the Martyr). The patron saint of France is Denys; compare the French "Denys d'Halicarnasse" (Dionysius of Halicarnassus). The mystical writings which were circulated in the Middle Ages and are still extant, are pronounced by the best authorities to be forgeries, and date from a period not earlier than the 5th century. Greek 1354. Dionusios -- Dionysius, an Athenian ... Dionysius, an Athenian. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Dionusios Phonetic Spelling: (dee-on-oo'-see-os) Short Definition: Dionysius Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1354.htm - 6k 2519. kathegetes -- a teacher Library The Works of Dionysius Dionysius the Areopagite LETTERS OF DIONYSIUS THE AREOPAGITE The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite. Epistle viii. --To Dionysius. Dionysius The Epistles of Dionysius. Dionysius the Areopagite and the Alexandrine School. On the Opinion of Dionysius. Dionysius, Bishop of Corinth. Thesaurus Dionysius (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DIONYSIUS. ... The patron saint of France is Denys; compare the French "Denys d'Halicarnasse" (Dionysius of Halicarnassus). ... /d/dionysius.htm - 7k Damaris (1 Occurrence) Friendship (13 Occurrences) Friend (139 Occurrences) Rhegium (1 Occurrence) Dionys'ius (1 Occurrence) Chronology Dionysia Areopagite (1 Occurrence) Canon Resources Who was Damaris in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Sabellianism? | GotQuestions.org What is apophatic theology? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dionysius (1 Occurrence)Acts 17:34 Subtopics Related Terms |
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