Acts 17:33-34 Meaning: When Many Walk Away
33Thus Paul went out from among them.
34But certain men joined with him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
33So Paul departed from among them.
34Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
33Thus Paul went out from among them.
34But certain men clave unto him, and believed: among whom also was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
33and so Paul went forth from the midst of them,
34and certain men having cleaved to him, did believe, among whom is also Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman, by name Damaris, and others with them.
33Thus Paul went out of their midst.
34But some men joining themselves to him believed; among whom also was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman by name Damaris, and others with them.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul leaves the Areopagus after a mixed response. But some join him and believe, including a judge and a woman. Discover the hope in this passage.
Context
Paul had just finished his famous speech on Mars Hill. He stood before the brightest minds of Athens and told them about the God they did not know, ending with the resurrection of Jesus. The response was a split screen: some sneered at the idea of rising from the dead, while others politely asked to hear more another time. Luke tells us that Paul then left the Areopagus. He had said what he came to say. But the story does not end with his departure. A few people held on.
Key Words
Two Greek words in this short passage carry real weight. The first is kollēthentes, translated as “clave unto him” in older Bibles. It comes from a word for glue. These people did not nod politely and go home. They attached themselves to Paul, stuck close, refusing to let the moment dissolve into memory. The second is episteusan, “believed”, not just agreeing that something sounded true, but the active trust that hands your life over. And tucked between them is the title Areopagitēs: Dionysius belonged to the high council of Athens, a judge of rank and reputation. Luke names him specifically, along with a woman called Damaris, to show that the gospel lands in unexpected places, the council chamber and the home, the powerful and the ordinary. God’s word does not return empty, even when much of the room walks away.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have read this passage with different emphases. Calvin noted that Luke names only two converts, so the number was small from the start. Barnes argued that the conversion of one Areopagite made Paul’s entire effort worthwhile. Matthew Henry called the response mixed, some mocked, some delayed, and a few believed. Later tradition claimed Dionysius became the first bishop of Athens, though the writings once attributed to him are now widely regarded as forgeries. The disagreement itself is instructive: the passage seems to say that even a small harvest matters when God is the one growing it.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers assume Paul left because his message was rejected. In fact, the gathering on the Areopagus was not a trial that ended in conviction. It was an informal hearing, and when Paul finished speaking, the council simply broke up. He walked away of his own accord, free to continue his work. And more than that, some of his hearers did believe. The exit was not defeat.
Living This Out
You may have shared your faith at work or with family and watched most people shrug or smirk. It is tempting to call that a failure and stay quiet next time. But these verses ask you to adjust your expectations. The preacher always walks away, but the listeners remain with God. Your job is to speak clearly and leave. His job is to pick out a Dionysius, a Damaris, people you may never see again this side of heaven. You can release the need to see the harvest. That is not your part of the field.
Main takeaway: God’s word never returns empty; even when most walk away, He always has a faithful few who hear and believe.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul told people about Jesus in a big meeting. Some laughed and walked away. But some stayed and became his friends and believed. Even when many said no, some said yes.
For ages 9, 12
Paul preached about Jesus and the resurrection to the smartest people in Athens. Some mocked him, but others wanted to hear more. A few, including an important judge named Dionysius and a woman named Damaris, joined Paul and believed. This shows that even when our message seems rejected, God is still quietly working in a few hearts.
Questions People Ask
Why did Paul leave the Areopagus?
Paul had finished his speech. The meeting ended. Some mocked, others wanted to hear more, and Paul was free to leave. He walked away not in defeat but after completing his defense.
Who were Dionysius the Areopagite and Damaris?
Dionysius was a member of the high council of Athens, a judge of great reputation. Damaris is mentioned only here and was likely a woman of some standing. Their conversion shows the gospel reaches both the powerful and the ordinary.
How many people believed after Paul's speech?
The text names only two people by name, plus 'others with them.' The number appears small, but the conversion of a judge was significant for the early church.
What does 'clave unto him' mean?
It comes from a Greek word meaning to glue or join firmly. It suggests a deep, personal attachment, not just casual agreement.
Why is the resurrection still hard for people to accept?
Just as the philosophers in Athens struggled with it, the resurrection challenges our natural assumptions about death. But for those who believe, it is the foundation of hope.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study