Topical Encyclopedia The Epicureans were followers of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, who lived from 341 to 270 BC. Epicurus taught that the purpose of life was to attain pleasure and tranquility through the cultivation of a simple, moderate lifestyle, the pursuit of knowledge, and the avoidance of pain and fear, particularly the fear of gods and death. His philosophy was materialistic, positing that the universe was composed of atoms and void, and that the gods, if they existed, were indifferent to human affairs.Biblical Context The Epicureans are mentioned in the New Testament in the Book of Acts. During the Apostle Paul's visit to Athens, he encountered both Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. 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 of ancient Athens and the challenges faced by early Christian evangelists in communicating the gospel to audiences with differing worldviews. The Epicureans, with their emphasis on materialism and skepticism of divine intervention, would have found Paul's message of resurrection and a personal God challenging to accept. Philosophical Beliefs Epicureanism held that the highest good was pleasure, defined not as hedonistic indulgence but as the absence of pain (aponia) and disturbance (ataraxia). Epicurus taught that mental pleasures were superior to physical ones and that the pursuit of wisdom and friendship were essential components of a happy life. He also believed that the fear of gods and death were the primary sources of human anxiety, and that understanding the natural world could free individuals from these fears. Contrast with Christian Doctrine The Epicurean worldview contrasts sharply with Christian teachings. Christianity affirms the existence of a personal, involved God who created the universe and cares deeply for humanity. The Bible teaches that true fulfillment and peace come from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, rather than the mere absence of pain or fear. The resurrection of Jesus, a cornerstone of Christian faith, directly challenges the Epicurean belief in the finality of death. Furthermore, while Epicureanism emphasizes self-sufficiency and the pursuit of individual pleasure, Christianity calls for self-denial, community, and love for others as exemplified by Jesus. The Apostle Paul's engagement with the Epicureans in Athens serves as an example of the early church's efforts to communicate these truths to a diverse and often skeptical audience. Historical Influence Despite its differences with Christian doctrine, Epicureanism had a significant influence on Western thought, particularly during the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. Its emphasis on empirical observation and rational inquiry contributed to the development of modern science and secular humanism. However, from a biblical perspective, the Epicurean dismissal of divine providence and the afterlife represents a worldview at odds with the teachings of Scripture. Smith's Bible Dictionary The Epicureansderived their name from Epicurus (342-271 B.C.), a philosopher of Attic descent, whose "Garden" at Athens rivalled in popularity the "Porch" and the "Academy." The doctrines of Epicurus found wide acceptance in Asia Minor and Alexandria. (95-50 B.C.) The object of Epicurus was to find in philosophy a practical guide to happiness. True pleasure and not absolute truth was the end at which he aimed; experience and not reason the test on which he relied. It is obvious that a system thus formed would degenerate by a natural descent into mere materialism; and in this form Epicurism was the popular philosophy at the beginning of the Christian era. When St. Paul addressed "Epicureans and Soics," (Acts 17:18) at Athens, the philosophy of life was practically reduced to the teaching of these two antagonistic schools. Epistles, letters; personal correspondence by writing. The twenty-one epistles of the New Testament took the place of tracts among us. In their outward form they are such as might be expected from men who were brought into contact with Greek and Roman customs, themselves belonging to a different race, and so reproducing the imported style with only partial accuracy. They begin (the Epistle to the Hebrews and 1John excepted) with the names of the writer and of those to whom the epistle is addressed. Then follows the formula of salutation. Then the letter itself commences in the first person, the singular and plural being used indiscriminately. When the substance of the letter has been completed, come the individual messages. The conclusion in this case was probably modified by the fact that the letters were dictated to an amanuensis. When he had done his work, the apostle took up the pen or reed, and added in his own large characters, (Galatians 6:11) the authenticating autograph. In one instance, (Romans 16:22) the amanuensis in his own name adds his salutation. An allusion in (2 Corinthians 3:1) brings before us another class of letters which must have been in frequent use in the early ages of the Christian Church, by which travellers or teachers were commended by one church to the good offices of others. Library Epicureans. The Following is the view of Celsus and the Epicureans... Of Nature, and of the World; and a Censure of the Stoics and ... Your Apology Says that There are Three Opinions as to the Origin ... The Ministry of Paul in Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. Paul in Athens. The Empress Eudoxia from the Story of Christian Womanhood in Old ... In Opposition to those of the School of Epicurus who Deny The What it is to Know God, --Tendency of this Knowledge. Of Christian Liberty. Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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