Bible Figure
Damaris
Greek saint (Acts of the Apostles)
Damaris was an Athenian woman who believed Paul's message after his address at the Areopagus. Acts names her with Dionysius the Areopagite and others who joined Paul and believed.
Biography
Acts 17 records Paul's encounter with philosophers and citizens in Athens. After observing the city's religious culture, Paul addressed the Areopagus and proclaimed the Creator God, human accountability, repentance, and the coming judgment confirmed by God's raising a man from the dead. Some listeners mocked when they heard of resurrection, while others wanted to hear more. A number believed, and Luke specifically names Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris among them. Nothing further about Damaris' background, social status, ministry, or later life is supplied by Scripture.
Biblical Significance
Damaris is significant as a named female convert arising from Paul's engagement with the intellectual and religious culture of Athens. Her brief appearance demonstrates that the resurrection message produced genuine faith even where many listeners responded with skepticism or ridicule.