Learn more about Damaris

Introduction to Damaris

Damaris is a lesser-known yet significant figure in the New Testament, mentioned briefly in the Book of Acts. She stands out as a woman from Athens who embraced the message of the Apostle Paul. Though mentioned only once in Scripture, Damaris's inclusion in the biblical text offers a rich insight into the early Christian movement and the kinds of people who were drawn to its message, including educated and possibly influential women in a highly philosophical and patriarchal society.

Damaris Pronunciation

“Damaris” is pronounced as DAH-muh-ris, with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Damaris in the Bible

Damaris is mentioned in one key passage:

• Acts 17:34 – “Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.”

This verse follows Paul’s famous address at the Areopagus (Mars Hill) in Athens, where he preached to the intellectual elite of the city. His message centered on the “unknown god” whom they worshiped in ignorance, whom Paul declared to be the one true God who raised Jesus from the dead. While some mocked Paul, a few believed—among them Damaris.

From this brief mention, several conclusions can be inferred:

• Damaris is named alongside Dionysius the Areopagite, indicating she may have held a notable social status or influence.
• Her presence at the Areopagus is significant, as this was predominantly a male intellectual setting. This suggests that she was either a prominent woman in society or possibly connected to the Stoic or Epicurean philosophical traditions, which occasionally allowed greater intellectual participation for women.
• Her belief following Paul’s sermon suggests openness to new religious ideas and a willingness to break with cultural norms.

Related Themes and Meanings to Damaris

The name Damaris is likely of Greek origin, and its meaning is debated. Some scholars suggest it means “gentle,” “calf,” or may be a variation of the name Damalis, meaning “heifer” in Greek—a term used poetically in ancient times to describe young women. While the meaning is somewhat uncertain, her story connects with larger biblical themes:

• Inclusivity of the Gospel: Damaris’s conversion exemplifies the early Christian message reaching beyond Jewish boundaries into Gentile, Greek-speaking, philosophical cultures.
• Role of Women in the Early Church: Although women were often marginalized in Greco-Roman societies, the early church frequently highlights women who responded to the gospel (e.g., Lydia, Priscilla, Phoebe), showing that the Christian message transcended gender barriers.
• Transformation through Faith: Like many in Acts, Damaris represents a person who embraced faith in Christ through the powerful message of the apostles.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Damaris

• Damaris is one of only a few women mentioned in the Book of Acts by name, highlighting her importance despite the brevity of her mention.
• Some later Christian traditions (though not canonical) speculate that she may have become part of the early Christian community in Athens, potentially working alongside figures like Dionysius.
• Her mention in Acts 17:34 is notable because it follows one of the most philosophical sermons in the New Testament, indicating that Paul’s message appealed to thinkers and seekers beyond his usual Jewish audience.
• The fact that Luke, the author of Acts, chose to name her may suggest she was known to the early Christian communities, possibly indicating ongoing involvement in the faith.

Conclusion

Though her name appears in only one verse, Damaris represents the wide-reaching power of the gospel message in the first century. As a Greek woman who believed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ after hearing Paul speak, her conversion reflects the growing diversity and radical inclusiveness of the early church. Damaris’s story is a testament to the fact that even the briefest mentions in Scripture can reflect deep faith and significant change.