Topical Encyclopedia The Epicureans were a philosophical group originating from the teachings of Epicurus, a Greek philosopher who lived from 341 to 270 BC. Epicureanism emphasized the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the primary goals of life, advocating for a life of moderation and intellectual contemplation to achieve tranquility. This philosophy was materialistic, denying the existence of an afterlife and the intervention of deities in human affairs.In the New Testament, the Epicureans are mentioned in the context of the Apostle Paul's missionary journey to Athens, as recorded in the Book of Acts. During his time in Athens, Paul encountered various philosophers, including the Epicureans, who engaged him in discussion. The account is found in Acts 17:16-34, where Paul is brought to the Areopagus to explain his teachings. 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." The Epicureans, along with the Stoics, were intrigued and perplexed by Paul's message, particularly his proclamation of Jesus Christ and the resurrection. The concept of resurrection was foreign to Epicurean thought, which denied any form of life after death. Their materialistic worldview clashed with Paul's teachings about the spiritual realities and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Paul's address at the Areopagus, as recorded in Acts 17:22-31, provides insight into his approach to engaging with the Epicureans and other Athenian philosophers. He begins by acknowledging their religiosity and uses their altar to an "unknown god" as a starting point to introduce the one true God, the Creator of the universe. Paul emphasizes God's transcendence and immanence, declaring that God "does not live in temples made by human hands" (Acts 17:24) and that He "gives everyone life and breath and everything else" (Acts 17:25). Paul's message challenges the Epicurean belief system by asserting the reality of a personal God who is actively involved in His creation and who has appointed a day of judgment through Jesus Christ, whom He raised from the dead. Acts 17:31 states, "For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead." The response to Paul's message was mixed. Acts 17:32-34 records, "When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, 'We want to hear you again on this topic.' At that, Paul left the Areopagus. But some joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them." The Epicureans' encounter with Paul highlights the tension between the philosophical ideas of the time and the transformative message of the Gospel. While some dismissed Paul's teachings, others were intrigued and open to further discussion, leading to conversions among those who were willing to consider the truth of the resurrection and the hope it offers. Nave's Topical Index Acts 17:18Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seems to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached to them Jesus, and the resurrection. Nave's Topical Index Library Paul in Athens. The Apostle of the Gentiles. The Heresies of the Apostolic Age. Acts 17:16-17. Athens. Refutation of the Calumnies by which this Doctrine is Always ... The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ... Of Christian Liberty. So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ... Introductory Note Resources Does the “God gene” disprove God? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus a copy of Dionysus? | GotQuestions.org Is Jesus a myth? Is Jesus just a copy of the pagan gods of other ancient religions? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |