Acts 17:34

“Howbeit, certain men clave unto him, and believed, etc.] There were some who were ordained to eternal life, to whom the Gospel came in power, and they received the love of the truth, and their hearts and affections were knit unto the apostle; and they followed him, and kept to him, and privately conversed with him, and believed his doctrine, and in Jesus Christ, whom he preached unto them; to these the Gospel was the savour of life unto life, when to the scoffers and mockers it was the savour of death unto death: and this is the fruit and effect of the Gospel ministry, wherever it comes: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite; a judge in the court of Areopagus: how many judges that…”

“Howbeit certain men clave unto him--Instead of mocking or politely waiving the subject, having listened eagerly, they joined themselves to the apostle for further instruction; and so they "believed." Dionysius the Areopagite--a member of that august tribunal. Ancient tradition says he was placed by the apostle over the little flock at Athens. "Certainly the number of converts there and of men fit for office in the Church was not so great that there could be much choice" [OLSHAUSEN]. a woman named Damaris--not certainly one of the apostle's audience on the Areopagus, but won to the faith either before or after. Nothing else is known of her. Of any further labors of the apostle at Athens, and…”

“Clave unto him - Adhered to him firmly; embraced the Christian religion. Dionysius - Nothing more is certainly known of this man than is here stated. The Areopagite - Connected with the court of Areopagus, but in what way is not known. It is probable that he was one of the judges. The conversion of one man was worth the labor of Paul, and that conversion might have had an extensive influence on others. In regard to this account of the visit of Paul to Athens probably the only one which he made to that splendid capital - we may remark: (1) That he was indefatigable and constant in his great work. (2) Christians, amidst the splendor and gaieties of such cities, should have their hearts deeply…”

“Among whom was even Dionysius the Areopagite - One of the judges of that court: on whom some spurious writings have been fathered in later ages, by those who are fond of high sounding nonsense. Next: Acts Chapter 18”

“17:34 some joined him and became believers: Paul’s sermon was not without positive response. Two prominent converts are mentioned: Dionysius and Damaris. Luke often placed a man and a woman in juxtaposition (e.g., 5:1-11; 17:4, 12; Luke 14:1-6; 15:3-10). • Dionysius was a member of the council of the Areopagus, the highest governing body of Athens.”

“certain: Act 17:4, Act 13:48; Isa 55:10-11; Mat 20:16; Rom 11:5, Rom 11:6 the Areopagite: Act 17:19; Joh 7:48-52, Joh 19:38-42; Phi 4:22 Next: Acts Chapter 18”