Epicureans

Followers of Epicurus (who died at Athens B.C. 270), or adherents of the Epicurean philosophy (Acts 17:18). This philosophy was a system of atheism, and taught men to seek as their highest aim a pleasant and smooth life. They have been called the “Sadducees” of Greek paganism. They, with the Stoics, ridiculed the teaching of Paul (Acts 17:18). They appear to have been greatly esteemed at Athens.

EPICUREANS, OR EPICU'REANS. This was a sect of Gentile philosophers founded by Epicurus, b.c. 342-271, who was born on the island of Samos, but taught his philosophy at Athens. They were in high repute at Athens in Paul's days. Acts 17:18. Among their doctrines were these — that the world came into being and will be dissolved by chance, or by the effect of mechanical causes moved by chance; that all events happen by chance or are occasioned by mechanical causes; that the soul dies with the body; that there is no future retribution; and that man's chief happiness lies in pleasure or bodily ease. This philosophy obtained a wide popularity in Asia Minor and in Rome as well as in the city and land of its originator. It derided the mythology of the ancients, but proposed nothing better. It created a frame of mind hostile to all religion, and particularly to the serious doctrines of the gospel.

EPICUREANS, OR EPICU'REANS. This was a sect of Gentile philosophers founded by Epicurus, b.c. 342-271, who was born on the island of Samos, but taught his philosophy at Athens. They were in high repute at Athens in Paul's days. Acts 17:18. Among their doctrines were these — that the world came into being and will be dissolved by chance, or by the effect of mechanical causes moved by chance; that all events happen by chance or are occasioned by mechanical causes; that the soul dies with the body; that there is no future retribution; and that man's chief happiness lies in pleasure or bodily ease. This philosophy obtained a wide popularity in Asia Minor and in Rome as well as in the city and land of its originator. It derided the mythology of the ancients, but proposed nothing better. It created a frame of mind hostile to all religion, and particularly to the serious doctrines of the gospel.