Christianity and Epicureanism
W. Clarkson Acts 17:18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some… Against the doctrine of Epicurus, the truth as it is in Jesus teaches us - I. THAT ALL THINGS PROCEED FROM THE INTELLIGENT OPERATION OF THE LIVING GOD, and are by him sustained. That all our springs are not in any" it," but "in him (Psalm 87:7); that every gift cometh down from the Father of lights, in whom," etc. (James 1:17); that he (a Divine One) made the worlds, and upholds all things, etc. (Hebrews 1:2, 3; Genesis 1:1; ver. 24; etc.). II. THAT THE HUMAN SPIRIT, AS DISTINCT FROM THE HUMAN' BODY, IS THE ONE OBJECT OF INESTIMABLE VALUE. III. THAT THE CHIEF GOOD AND FINAL END IN HUMAN' LIFE IS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Not ἀταραζία through φρόνησις, but righteousness by faith and love. 1. The being counted right (or righteous) by God. 2. The possession of inward, spiritual rectitude. 3. The exhibition of integrity in word and deed. This (1) by faith in Jesus Christ, and (2) as the outgrowth of love to him. IV. THAT THE POSSESSION OF RIGHTEOUSNESS ISSUES IN PEACE AND JOY. We are not to regard a state of mental equability as the great end to be diligently and persistently attained, as the one supreme accomplishment; but to "seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," in the assurance that, thus reeking, we shall find a "peace which passes understanding," and a joy which cannot be taken from us. V. THAT THERE IS AN ASSURED FUTURE FOR THE FAITHFUL, WHICH WILL REALIZE THE LARGEST HUMAN HOPE: that the mind does not perish with the body, but lives on in another world, entering a brighter realm, moving in a broader sphere, living a fuller life, in the home of God, in the abode of purity and blessedness. - C. Parallel Verses KJV: Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. WEB: Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be advocating foreign deities," because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.