Lexical Summary Dionusios: Dionysius Original Word: Διονύσιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Dionysius. From Dionusos (Bacchus); reveller; Dionysius, an Athenian -- Dionysius. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Dionusos (Dionysus, Gr. god of wine and revelry) Definition Dionysius, an Athenian NASB Translation Dionysius (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1354: ΔιονύσιοςΔιονύσιος, Διονψσιου, ὁ, Dionysius, an Athenian, a member of the Areopagus, converted to Christianity by Paul's instrumentality: Acts 17:34. (Cf. B. D., under the word.) Topical Lexicon Scriptural Profile Acts 17:34 records, “But some men joined him and believed. Among these were Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them” (Berean Standard Bible). Dionysius is mentioned only here, but his response to Paul’s address on the Areopagus stands as a noteworthy example of genuine conversion among the intellectual elite of Athens. Historical Context: The Areopagus The Areopagus (Mars Hill) functioned both as a council of leading citizens and as a meeting place for philosophical discourse. Membership implied social prominence, education, and influence in civic and religious matters. That such a figure as Dionysius embraced the gospel highlights the reach of apostolic preaching into the very heart of Greek thought and public life. His conversion illustrates the fulfillment of Isaiah 2:3, where the word of the LORD draws nations to Himself—Athens included. Conversion Narrative and Theological Themes Paul’s speech (Acts 17:22-31) addresses creation, providence, repentance, and resurrection—truths that dismantled pagan polytheism and confronted philosophical skepticism. Dionysius’s faith demonstrates: Early Church Tradition and Legacy Second-century writers speak of Dionysius as the first overseer (bishop) of the church in Athens, laboring alongside Quadratus and Publius. While later Syrian writings (sixth-century Pseudo-Dionysius) wrongly identify him with the bishop of Paris or with the mystical author of the Corpus Areopagiticum, early Athenian records consistently honor him as a pioneer of the faith in that city. His reputed martyrdom under Domitian or Hadrian, though uncertain, testifies to a remembered life of steadfast witness. Ministerial Lessons 1. Intellectual environments are mission fields. Paul did not avoid the academy; he proclaimed truth within it, and God called Dionysius from its midst. Summary Dionysius the Areopagite personifies the transformative reach of the gospel into the highest echelons of Greco-Roman society. Though mentioned only once, his account encourages believers to engage culture thoughtfully, trust the Spirit’s power to convict, and invest in long-term discipleship that leaves a legacy for the generations. Forms and Transliterations Διονυσιος Διονύσιος Dionusios Dionysios DionýsiosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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