Epicureans

Passages on this topic

From Nave’s Topical Bible (1896), a historical reference index. The groupings are Nave’s; the verses are shown in the text used across this site.

(Referring to those who are fastidious in their tastes or enjoyments, connoisseurs)

Reject John the Baptist

• Matthew 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’
• Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’

Doctrines propagated by, familiar to Solomon

• Ecclesiastes 2:1–10 I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good!” But it proved to be futile. I said of laughter, “It is folly,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” I sought to cheer my body with wine and to embrace folly— my mind still guiding me with wisdom— until I could s…

To Paul

• 1 Corinthians 15:32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for human motives, what did I gain? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

Dispute with Paul

• Acts 17:18 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.