Bible Dictionary
Dionysius
Dionysius the Areopagite was one of the few Athenians who believed Paul’s message at the Areopagus. The New Testament provides no further reliable details about his life.
Definition
Dionysius the Areopagite was an Athenian who heard Paul’s preaching and became a believer.
Biblical Usage
He is named among the few Athenians converted through Paul’s message at the Areopagus.
Historical Background
The supplied material gives no certain further information about his life. Later claims that he became bishop of Athens or suffered martyrdom are presented as conflicting accounts.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The Areopagite, one of Paul’s converts at Athens (Acts 17:34).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(devoted to Dionysus, i.e., Bacchus) the Areop’agite, (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.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>di-o-nish'-i-us (Dionusios, surnamed "the Areopagite"): One of the few Athenians converted by Paul (Ac 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.</p><p>J. E. Harry</p>