Epic
“Followers of Epicurus”
Summary
The Epicureans were followers of the Greek philosopher Epicurus (341-270 BC), who taught that pleasure—understood as the absence of pain and disturbance—constitutes the highest good. Paul encountered Epicurean philosophers in Athens, where they represented one of the dominant philosophical schools alongside the Stoics.
☩Encounter in Athens
During Paul's second missionary journey, 'certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him' in Athens (Acts 17:18). In that famous marketplace, rich in statues honoring various deities, Paul sought pagan hearers just as Socrates had done four centuries earlier. The Epicureans' 'Painted Porch' and the Stoics' colonnades represented the two dominant philosophical schools of the Hellenistic world. When Paul preached Jesus and the resurrection, some called him a 'babbler' (Greek spermologos, 'seed-picker')—a term of intellectual contempt.
☩Philosophy of Pleasure
Epicurus established his school in Athens where he taught until his death in 270 BC. His system, unlike most philosophies, maintained its original form with little development throughout its course. Epicurean ethics taught 'hedonism'—that pleasure is the highest good. However, Epicurus defined pleasure primarily as the absence of pain (ataraxia, 'untroubled tranquility') rather than active enjoyment. He counseled withdrawal from public life and cultivation of friendship in private communities, seeking freedom from disturbance of body and mind.
☩Antithesis to Paul's Teaching
Epicurean philosophy stood diametrically opposed to Paul's gospel at every point. Their atomic materialism denied the soul's immortality; death was simply dissolution of atoms with no afterlife. They rejected divine providence—while acknowledging gods existed (dwelling in blessed detachment between worlds), these gods took no interest in human affairs. The Epicurean motto 'Eat, drink, for tomorrow we die' captured their denial of future judgment. Thus Paul's proclamation of resurrection and coming judgment seemed foolishness to them, and 'when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked' (Acts 17:32).
See Also
References
- 1.Unknown source, "Epicureans."
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Epicureans," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Epicureans," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).