The term "Epicurean" refers to a follower of the philosophy founded by Epicurus, a Greek philosopher who lived from 341 to 270 BC. Epicureanism is a system of philosophy that emphasizes the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the primary or most important goals of human life. However, contrary to popular misconception, Epicureanism advocates for a life of moderate pleasure, intellectual contemplation, and the cultivation of friendships, rather than indulgence in hedonistic excess.

Biblical Context

In the New Testament, the Epicureans are mentioned in the Book of Acts during the Apostle Paul's visit to Athens. Acts 17:18 states, "Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some of them asked, 'What is this babbler trying to say?' Others said, 'He seems to be advocating foreign gods.' They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection."

This encounter highlights the philosophical diversity present in Athens at the time and the challenge Paul faced in communicating the Gospel to those with differing worldviews. The Epicureans, along with the Stoics, were among the leading philosophical schools in Athens, and their engagement with Paul indicates their interest in new ideas, even if they were skeptical or dismissive of his message.

Philosophical Beliefs

Epicureanism teaches that the greatest good is to seek modest, sustainable pleasures in order to attain a state of tranquility and freedom from fear, as well as the absence of bodily pain through knowledge, friendship, and virtuous living. Epicurus believed that the gods were not involved in human affairs and that the soul was mortal, dissolving at death. This materialistic view of the universe was in stark contrast to the theistic and eternal perspective of Christianity.

Contrast with Christian Doctrine

The Epicurean worldview contrasts sharply with Christian teachings. While Epicureans sought pleasure as the highest good, Christianity teaches that the ultimate purpose of life is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The Christian life is characterized by self-denial, service to others, and the pursuit of holiness, as seen in passages such as Matthew 16:24 : "Then Jesus told His disciples, 'If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.'"

Furthermore, the Epicurean belief in the mortality of the soul and the absence of divine intervention is contrary to the Christian doctrine of the resurrection and eternal life. Christians believe in the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting, as affirmed in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 : "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body."

Historical Influence

Despite its differences with Christian doctrine, Epicureanism has had a lasting influence on Western thought, particularly during the Enlightenment, when its emphasis on empirical observation and rational thought found resonance with emerging scientific and philosophical ideas. However, within the context of Christian theology, Epicureanism is often viewed as a worldview that lacks the moral and spiritual depth found in the teachings of Scripture.Epicurean

follower of Epicurus, i.e., of one who gives assistance

1. (a.) Devoted to pursuit of sensual pleasure, especially gourmet food and drink; luxurious; pertaining to good eating.

2. (n.) A follower or Epicurus.

3. (n.) One given to epicurean indulgence.

3. (a.) Pertaining to Epicurus, or following his philosophy.

1946b. Epikoureios -- an Epicurean
... Epikoureios. 1947 . an Epicurean. Transliteration: Epikoureios Short Definition:
Epicurean. ... philosopher) Definition an Epicurean NASB Word Usage Epicurean (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1946b.htm - 5k

1946. Epikoureios -- to run ashore
... to run ashore. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Epikoureios Phonetic
Spelling: (ep-ee-koo'-ri-os) Short Definition: an Epicurean Definition: an ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1946.htm - 5k

Erroneous views of Creation Rejected. -1 Epicurean (Fortuitous ...
... Section 2. Erroneous views of Creation rejected. (1) Epicurean (fortuitous generation).
But diversity of bodies and parts argues a creating intellect. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 2 erroneous views of.htm

Other Works of Origen.
... this time composed a work of eight books in answer to that entitled True Discourse,
which had been written against us by Celsus [2047] the Epicurean, and the ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxxvi other works of origen.htm

Epicureans.
... in corporeal pleasure. When Paul was at Athens, he had conferences with
the Epicurean philosophers. (Acts 17:18) The word Epicurean ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/epicureans.htm

It is with a Certain Eloquence, Indeed, that He Appears to ...
... For from other treatises of his it is ascertained that he was an Epicurean; but
here, because he thought that he could assail Christianity with better effect ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter viii it is with.htm

For, in the First Place, He is of Opinion that "Thunders...
... place, he is of opinion that "thunders, and lightnings, and rains are not the works
of God,""thus showing more clearly at last his Epicurean leanings; and in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxxv for in the.htm

To this Our Answer Is, that if the Scythians...
... a man to commit adultery, and escape the knowledge of the husband, of his servants,
and of others whose esteem he would forfeit, then the Epicurean would yield ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxiii to this our.htm

But as in the Words which I Quoted from Celsus...
... and their corruptible part alike,""let us discuss these points for a little; and
let us show that Celsus either does not disclose his Epicurean opinions, or ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter liv but as in.htm

Of the Soul and the Body, and of their Union and Separation and ...
... I never saw any one who complained of his dissolution in death; but he perhaps had
seen some Epicurean philosophizing even in death, and with his latest breath ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xii of the soul and.htm

The Word of God.
... Or is He, too, like those Epicurean gods, of whom our great poet sings"a sad and
hopeless song:". ... May He not, even, like those Epicurean gods, despise men? ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xiv the word of.htm

Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ...
... of whom, therefore, we have made frequent mention in order to prove that these men
are either disciples of the heathen and followers of the Epicurean sect or ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle lxiii limenius bishop of.htm

Epicurean (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) A follower or Epicurus. 3. (n.) One given to epicurean indulgence.
3 ... Multi-Version Concordance Epicurean (1 Occurrence). Acts ...
/e/epicurean.htm - 7k

Epicureans (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Followers of Epicurus (who died at Athens BC 270), or
adherents of the Epicurean philosophy (Acts 17:18). ...Epicurean Gods 11. ...
/e/epicureans.htm - 20k

Stoics (1 Occurrence)
... of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered" Paul at Athens, and when, after
the apostle had spoken on Mars' Hill, "some mocked; but others said, We ...
/s/stoics.htm - 15k

Idle (33 Occurrences)
... assembly of people. (WEY). Acts 17:18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic
philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, "What ...
/i/idle.htm - 18k

Foreign (65 Occurrences)
... nothing of Joseph. (WEY). Acts 17:18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic
philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, "What ...
/f/foreign.htm - 27k

Remarked (2 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Remark. Multi-Version Concordance Remarked (2 Occurrences). Acts 17:18
Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. ...
/r/remarked.htm - 7k

Ephron's (2 Occurrences)

/e/ephron's.htm - 7k

Divinities (1 Occurrence)
... See GOD, STRANGE. Multi-Version Concordance Divinities (1 Occurrence). Acts 17:18
Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. ...
/d/divinities.htm - 7k

Dispute (37 Occurrences)
... question, (See NIV). Acts 17:18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers
also were conversing with him. Some said, "What does ...
/d/dispute.htm - 17k

Deities (1 Occurrence)
... (n.) Plural of Deity. Multi-Version Concordance Deities (1 Occurrence). Acts
17:18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. ...
/d/deities.htm - 6k

What is Epicureanism? What did Epicurus teach? | GotQuestions.org

What happened at Mars Hill in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the unknown god in Acts 17:23? | GotQuestions.org

Epicurean: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus