Dionysius
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Dionysius in the Bible?
Dionysius was a member of the Areopagus, the ancient Athenian council, who became a follower of Paul after hearing his discourse on the resurrection. While later hagiographical traditions claim he became the first bishop of Athens and suffered martyrdom, these accounts are not supported by contemporary historical evidence.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Dionysius as an Areopagite clarifies the social status of the initial converts in Athens, demonstrating that Paul's message reached influential members of the city's intellectual and judicial elite rather than solely the lower classes.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.