Stoics and Epicureans

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KJV: For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Greek: πολλοι γαρ περιπατουσιν ους πολλακις ελεγον υμιν νυν δε και κλαιων λεγω τους εχθρους του σταυρου του χριστου

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, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. [kjv]

τινες δε και των επικουρειων και στωικων φιλοσοφων συνεβαλλον αυτω και τινες ελεγον τι αν θελοι ο σπερμολογος ουτος λεγειν οι δε ξενων δαιμονιων δοκει καταγγελευς ειναι οτι τον ιησουν και την αναστασιν ευηγγελιζετο [gnt]

Greek philosophy, as found in the Epicureans and Stoics, permeated Greek society at the time of Paul. Those secular ideas are still in many churches today.
Some remarks by Paul in his letters contain references their ideas that anyone familiar with Greek philosophy would understand.

Acts 17:18

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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.

Greek: τινες δε και των επικουρειων και των στωικων φιλοσοφων συνεβαλλον αυτω και τινες ελεγον τι αν θελοι ο σπερμολογος ουτος λεγειν οι δε ξενων δαιμονιων δοκει καταγγελευς ειναι οτι τον ιησουν και την αναστασιν αυτοις ευηγγελιζετο

Latin: quidam autem epicurei et stoici philosophi disserebant cum eo et quidam dicebant quid vult seminiverbius hic dicere alii vero novorum daemoniorum videtur adnuntiator esse quia Iesum et resurrectionem adnuntiabat eis

Wycliffe: And summe Epeicureis, and Stoisens, and filosofris disputiden with hym. And summe seiden, What wole this sowere of wordis seie? And othere seiden, He semeth to be a tellere of newe fendis; for he telde to hem Jhesu, and the ayenrisyng.

Tyndale: Certayne philosophers of ye Epicures and of ye stoyckes disputed with him. And some ther were which sayde: what will this babler saye. Other sayd: he semeth to be a tydynges bringer of newe devyls because he preached vnto them Iesus and the resurreccion.

Luther: Etliche aber der Epikurer und Stoiker Philosophen zankten mit ihm; und etliche sprachen: Was will dieser Lotterbube sagen? Etliche aber: Es siehet, als wollte er neue Götter verkündigen. Das machte, er hatte das Evangelium von Jesu und von der Auferstehung ihnen verkündigt.

Acts 17:18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? … [kjv]

τινες δε και των επικουρειων και στωικων φιλοσοφων συνεβαλλον αυτω και τινες ελεγον τι αν θελοι ο σπερμολογος ουτος λεγειν οι δε ξενων δαιμονιων δοκει καταγγελευς ειναι οτι τον ιησουν και την αναστασιν ευηγγελιζετο [gnt]

… seminiverbius … [v]

… sowere of wordis … [wy]

Some puns are that of meaning rather than a play on words. These are sometimes described by the saying "do as I say and not as I do". In Acts 17 at Mars Hill, Paul is ridiculed as doing what the people saying it about him are doing.

Wycliffe has a direct translation close to the original Greek as in "sower of words". The later translations as "babbler" appear to be influenced by the Latin word "seminiverbius" ≈ "babbler".

The Latin prefix "semi" ≈ "half".
The Latin word "verbum" ≈ "word" and is the source of the English word "verb" (which is a noun).

The idea of a "babbler" is someone who uses half words or not complete words, or something like that.

In English, a "babbler" is someone who "babbles". The word is onomatopoeic in that it sounds like what it describes.

The Greek term "barbarian" and the Hebrew word "Babel" is in the Tower of Babel are similar.

None of these appear to be directly related as onomatopoeic words often arise in different languages independently.

Paul makes a lot of interesting and important points in his speech at Mars Hill. Here we are interested in the "babbler" part of the verse. This word is used only once, in the GNT (Greek New Testament) by Paul in this verse.

A term for "babbler" in Greek is that of a "bird" that goes around pecking at seeds as in talking but not doing real work.

In Acts 17 at Mars Hill, Paul is ridiculed as doing what the people saying it about him are doing.

Acts 17:18 Then certain philosophers ... said, What will this babbler say? ... [kjv]

τινες δε και των επικουρειων και στωικων φιλοσοφων συνεβαλλον αυτω και τινες ελεγον τι αν θελοι ο σπερμολογος ουτος λεγειν οι δε ξενων δαιμονιων δοκει καταγγελευς ειναι οτι τον ιησουν και την αναστασιν ευηγγελιζετο [gnt]

… seminiverbius … [v]

… sowere of wordis … [wy]

The ancient Greek word "σπερμόλογος" ≈ "picking up seeds" as does a bird. Figuratively it meant gossiping.

*G4691 *1 σπερμολόγος (sper-mol-og'-os) : from G4690 and G3004; a seed-picker (as the crow), i.e. (figuratively) a sponger, loafer (specially, a gossip or trifler in talk):--babbler.

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σπερμολογος

Acts 17:18 ... What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth ...

The modern Greek word "σπερμολόγος" (spehr-mo-LO-gos) ≈ "gossip, news-monger" and comes from two Greek words.

The modern Greek word "σπέρμα" (SPEHR-ma) ≈ "seed" and is the source of the English word "sperm".
The modern Greek word "λέγω" (LEH-go) ≈ "gather, say".

The idea is that of a bird that goes around "seed picking" or "seed gathering" as in pieces or scraps of gossip.

Acts 17:21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing. ) [kjv]

Everyone has met someone who sits around, does not do much, criticizes others (for what they may be or not be doing), takes every advantage of others, and tries in a high-minded way to consider themselves superior in some way.

They are calling Paul by this term in what Paul is saying. Look at what they themselves are doing, as described a few verses later.

Acts 17:21

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KJV: (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing. )

Greek: αθηναιοι δε παντες και οι επιδημουντες ξενοι εις ουδεν ετερον ευκαιρουν ηυκαιρουν η λεγειν τι και η ακουειν τι καινοτερον

Acts 17:32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. [kjv]

So these "babblers", to use the KJV (King James Version) terminology, are accusing Paul of doing what they in fact are doing. How ironic.

Paul makes more interesting remarks (omitted) before the conclusion.

That is, sitting here and picking seed as a "babbler" is their regular routine which they will do again.

Acts 17:32

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KJV: And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

Greek: ακουσαντες δε αναστασιν νεκρων οι μεν εχλευαζον οι δε ειπον ειπαν ακουσομεθα σου παλιν περι τουτου και παλιν

The Old English word "sibb" ≈ "kinship, peace" and is the source of words such as "sibling" and "gossip".

Gossip is from "god" and "sib" as in a "godparent" or "sponsor". It later became the small talk related to people who are related.

Details are left as a future topic.

Epicurus (341-270 BC) was a Greek philosopher who, rejecting Plato's ideas, founded the movement called Epicureanism. These ideas are still popular today and preached in some churches.

self-sufficient life surrounded by friends
absence of pain, control of anger
peace and freedom from fear
happiness and pleasure (hedonism)

Some pastors will preach on the great importance of having friends and make that part of their Bible teaching. It is hard to find Bible support for this idea.

Instead, one should "be a friend" as Jesus was, and not "need a friend".

More: Song: What a friend we have in Jesus

More: Philippians 4:9-11 Being content with self-sufficiency

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [kjv]

ουχ οτι καθ υστερησιν λεγω εγω γαρ εμαθον εν οις ειμι αυταρκης ειναι [gnt]

… sufficiens … [v]

The ancient Greek word "αὐτάρκεια" ≈ "self-sufficient" and is in the KJV translated as "content".

The ancient Greek word "αὐτός" ≈ "self, same" and is the source of English words starting with prefix "auto"
The ancient Greek word "ἀρκέω" ≈ "defend, suffice, have enough".

More: Philippians 4:9-11 Being content with self-sufficiency

The English word "autarky" is from the ancient Greek word "αὐτάρκεια" ≈ "self-sufficient" and means an economic independence or self-sufficiency.

In the world of today it is not really possible to be totally self-sufficient. In OT (Old Testament) times, there were groups that raised their own crops, etc. Even Jacob, during the famine, needed to send his sons to Egypt for food. And Joseph was there because he was sold to a traveling merchant caravan.

The English word "autarchy" is a self-rule of government.

More: Philippians 4:9-11 Being content with self-sufficiency

Epicurus was influenced by the atomic theory of Democritus.

Epicurus taught an infinite universe and even infinite universes.

He believed in free will in an otherwise deterministic universe.

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, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. [kjv]

τινες δε και των επικουρειων και στωικων φιλοσοφων συνεβαλλον αυτω και τινες ελεγον τι αν θελοι ο σπερμολογος ουτος λεγειν οι δε ξενων δαιμονιων δοκει καταγγελευς ειναι οτι τον ιησουν και την αναστασιν ευηγγελιζετο [gnt]

Epicurus taught the importance of having friends, controlling anger, not having fear, etc.

Having rejected "logic" as used by the competing Stoics, and in order to investigate and reason about idea and knowledges, Epicurus introduced what he called "rules" or a "canon of truth" named with the ancient Greek word "κανών" ≈ "rod, pole, bar, standard".

More: Canons, cannons and canyons

Here are some quotes from Epicurus. Some may relate to Christian Hedonism.

We must exercise ourselves in the things which bring happiness, since, if that be present, we have everything, and, if that be absent, all our actions are directed toward attaining it.

If thou wilt make a man happy, add not unto his riches but take away from his desires.

It is folly for a man to pray to the gods for that which he has the power to obtain by himself.

More: The Christian Hedonism fallacy

Here are some quotes from Epicurus. Some may relate to Christian Hedonism.

Nothing is enough for the man to whom enough is too little.

Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And when it does come, we no longer exist.

It is not so much our friends' help that helps us, as the confidence of their help.

More: The Christian Hedonism fallacy

Here are some quotes from Epicurus. Some may relate to Christian Hedonism.

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.

There is no such thing as justice in the abstract; it is merely a compact between men.

More: The Christian Hedonism fallacy

Epicurus invited women and slaves into his school and highly valued pleasure and friends.

Might this idea have influenced Paul in Galatians?

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [kjv]

Galatians 3:28

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KJV: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Greek: ουκ ενι ιουδαιος ουδε ελλην ουκ ενι δουλος ουδε ελευθερος ουκ ενι αρσεν και θηλυ παντες γαρ υμεις εις εστε εν χριστω ιησου

David Hume summarizes the "Epicurean paradox" which is consistent with the teachings of Epicurus but not found explicitly in any of his works.

Epicurus’s old questions are yet unanswered. Is he willing to prevent evil, but not able? then is he impotent. Is he able, but not willing? then is he malevolent. Is he both able and willing? whence then is evil? Dialogues concerning Natural Religion (1779) Wikipedia (as of 2022-09-04)

Details are left as a future topic.

Epicurus believed that the gods exist but that they do not involve themselves with human life.

This is much like the beliefs of later Deists (e.g., Thomas Jefferson).

Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and sung by drummer Ringo Starr, the Beatles song "With a little help from my friends" was on the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album released on May 26, 1967.
It is not so much our friends' help that helps us, as the confidence of their help. Epicurus.

Consider Paul. No. Not Paul McCartney, but the Apostle Paul.

friends

What does Paul think of the "Epicurean" philosophy of having friends, anger management, etc.?

Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: [kjv]

επικουριας ουν τυχων της απο του θεου αχρι της ημερας ταυτης εστηκα μικρω τε και μεγαλω ουδεν εκτος λεγων ων τε οι προφηται ελαλησαν μελλοντων γινεσθαι και μωυσης [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ἐπικουρία" ≈ "help, aid" and is used by Paul as a play on words of the Greek philosopher "Ἐπίκουρος " ≈ "Epicurus" (341-270 BC).

Did Paul first become a "friend" of those to whom he was "witnessing"?

Epicurus advocated having "friends" to "help" you and being "self-sufficient".
Paul advocates getting "help" from God.

*G1947 *1 ἐπικουρία (ep-ee-koo-ree'-ah) : from a compound of G1909 and a (prolonged) form of the base of G2877 (in the sense of servant); assistance:--help.

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επικουριας

Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue ...

*G1947 *1 ἐπικουρία (ep-ee-koo-ree'-ah) : from a compound of G1909 and a (prolonged) form of the base of G2877 (in the sense of servant); assistance:--help.

Words: επικουριας=1

The ancient Greek word "ἐπικουρία" ≈ "help, aid" and is used by Paul as a play on words of the Greek philosopher "Ἐπίκουρος " ≈ "Epicurus".

Acts 26:22

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KJV: Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

Greek: επικουριας ουν τυχων της παρα απο του θεου αχρι της ημερας ταυτης εστηκα μαρτυρουμενος μαρτυρομενος μικρω τε και μεγαλω ουδεν εκτος λεγων ων τε οι προφηται ελαλησαν μελλοντων γινεσθαι και μωσης μωυσης

*G1947 *1 ἐπικουρία (ep-ee-koo-ree'-ah) : from a compound of G1909 and a (prolonged) form of the base of G2877 (in the sense of servant); assistance:--help.

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επικουριας

Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue ...

The ancient Greek word "κουρά" ≈ "shearing" as in the shearing of sheep or a haircut.

Deuteronomy 18:4 The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him. [kjv]

Job 31:20 If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep; [kjv]

It is not clear if this word is related to the name of Epicurus.

Deuteronomy 18:4

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KJV: The firstfruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.

Hebrew: ראשית דגנך תירשך ויצהרך וראשית גז צאנך תתן לו׃

Greek: και τας απαρχας του σιτου σου και του οινου σου και του ελαιου σου και την απαρχην των κουρων των προβατων σου δωσεις αυτω

Job 31:20

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KJV: If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep;

Hebrew: אם לא ברכוני חלצו ומגז כבשי יתחמם׃

Greek: αδυνατοι δε ει μη ευλογησαν με απο δε κουρας αμνων μου εθερμανθησαν οι ωμοι αυτων

Stoicism was founded by the Greek philosopher Zeno of Citium in Athens about 300 BC.

The name "Stoics" comes from the Greek word for "porch" where lessons were taught.

Note: This is not the Zeno of Elea who is famous for his paradoxes.

John 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. [kjv]

εστιν δε εν τοις ιεροσολυμοις επι τη προβατικη κολυμβηθρα η επιλεγομενη εβραιστι βηθζαθα πεντε στοας εχουσα [gnt]

… piscina … Bethsaida … porticus … [v]

The ancient Greek word "στοά" ≈ "colonnade, roofed porch" and became the basis for the name "Stoic".

John 10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. [kjv]

και περιεπατει ο ιησους εν τω ιερω εν τη στοα του σολομωνος [gnt]

… ambulabat … porticu … [v]

The English word "porch" comes, through French, from the Latin word "porticus" ≈ "portico".

Might John have had in mind the "peripatetic" group of Greek philosophers and their "porches" in Athens when he wrote this? On the other hand, it could have been just a statement of fact.

More: Wesley's front porch analogy of grace

More: Colossians 2:1-23 Philosophy and false reasoning through subtle sermons

Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. [kjv]

… כתנת … [he]

ιακωβ δε ηγαπα τον ιωσηφ παρα παντας τους υιους αυτου οτι υιος γηρους ην αυτω εποιησεν δε αυτω χιτωνα ποικιλον [lxx]

… diligebat … filios … senectute … tunicam polymitam [v]

Book: Joseph and the coat of many colors

The ancient Greek word "ποικίλος" ≈ "dappled, variegated" and whose translation (or mistranslation) led to the children's story of Joseph and his multi-colored coat.
That same Greek word was used for the "painted" in "painted porch" or "Stoa Poikile" in Athens where philosophers met and were named "Stoics". The "painted" were intricate and colored paintings of historical events. Is there a connection?

More: A coat of paint for porch pictures

John 5:2

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KJV: Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

Greek: εστιν δε εν τοις ιεροσολυμοις επι τη προβατικη κολυμβηθρα η επιλεγομενη εβραιστι βηθεσδα βηθζαθα πεντε στοας εχουσα

Latin: est autem Hierosolymis super Probatica piscina quae cognominatur hebraice Bethsaida quinque porticus habens

John 10:23

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KJV: And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

Greek: και περιεπατει ο ιησους εν τω ιερω εν τη στοα του σολομωντος σολομωνος

Latin: et ambulabat Iesus in templo in porticu Salomonis

*G4745 *4 στοά (sto-ah') : probably from G2476; a colonnade or interior piazza:--porch.

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στοα *3

John 10:23 ... the temple in Solomon's porch.
Acts 3:11 ... unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
Acts 5:12 ... with one accord in Solomon's porch.

στοας

John 5:2 ... Bethesda, having five porches.

Porches are mentioned twice in Acts.

Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. [kjv]

5:12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. [kjv]

There does not appear to be any connection to the Stoics in these porches related to Solomon.

Acts 3:11

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KJV: And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

Greek: κρατουντος δε του ιαθεντος χωλου αυτου τον πετρον και τον ιωαννην συνεδραμεν προς αυτους πας ο λαος προς αυτους επι τη στοα τη καλουμενη σολομωντος εκθαμβοι

Latin: cum teneret autem Petrum et Iohannem concurrit omnis populus ad eos ad porticum qui appellatur Salomonis stupentes

Acts 5:12

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KJV: And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

Greek: δια δε των χειρων των αποστολων εγενετο εγινετο σημεια και τερατα πολλα εν τω λαω πολλα και ησαν ομοθυμαδον απαντες παντες εν τη στοα σολομωντος

Latin: per manus autem apostolorum fiebant signa et prodigia multa in plebe et erant unianimiter omnes in porticu Salomonis

Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. [kjv]

συμμιμηται μου γινεσθε αδελφοι και σκοπειτε τους ουτως περιπατουντας καθως εχετε τυπον ημας [gnt]

3:18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [kjv]

πολλοι γαρ περιπατουσιν ους πολλακις ελεγον υμιν νυν δε και κλαιων λεγω τους εχθρους του σταυρου του χριστου [gnt]

The Greek for "walk" appears to refer to the Greek philosophical ideas (of the leadership) that are not in line with Christ. In that sense, a "walk" can be "good" or "not good".

Philippians 3:17

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KJV: Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Greek: συμμιμηται μου γινεσθε αδελφοι και σκοπειτε τους ουτως περιπατουντας καθως εχετε τυπον ημας

Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [kjv]

ως ουν παρελαβετε τον χριστον ιησουν τον κυριον εν αυτω περιπατειτε [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "περιπατέω" ≈ "walk around" is the source of the English word "peripatetic" and comes from two Greek words.

The prefix "περῐ" ≈ "around" as in the English word "perimeter".
The ancient Greek word "πάτέω" ≈ "walk" from "πάτος" ≈ "walk".

Matthew 11:5 … and the lame walk, … [kjv]

τυφλοι αναβλεπουσιν και χωλοι περιπατουσιν λεπροι καθαριζονται και κωφοι ακουουσιν και νεκροι εγειρονται και πτωχοι ευαγγελιζονται [gnt]

More: Matthew 11:1-6: Trapped by an offensive misinterpretation of Jesus

More: Colossians 2:1-23 Philosophy and false reasoning through subtle sermons

Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [kjv]

ως ουν παρελαβετε τον χριστον ιησουν τον κυριον εν αυτω περιπατειτε [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "περιπατέω" ≈ "walk around" .

Aristotle, from Stagira, taught in Athens in the open rather than closed environments and had a habit of walking back and forth as he talked. One tradition has it that his followers were called "peripatetics" for this reason.
Writing to a Greek audience, Paul appears to be saying that our walk should be with Jesus and not with the philosophy of man.

More: Colossians 2:1-23 Philosophy and false reasoning through subtle sermons

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, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection. [kjv]

τινες δε και των επικουρειων και στωικων φιλοσοφων συνεβαλλον αυτω και τινες ελεγον τι αν θελοι ο σπερμολογος ουτος λεγειν οι δε ξενων δαιμονιων δοκει καταγγελευς ειναι οτι τον ιησουν και την αναστασιν ευηγγελιζετο [gnt]

Epicurus taught the importance of having friends, controlling anger, not having fear, etc.

Having rejected "logic" as used by the competing Stoics, and in order to investigate and reason about idea and knowledges, Epicurus introduced what he called "rules" or a "canon of truth" named with the ancient Greek word "κανών" ≈ "rod, pole, bar, standard".

More: Canons, cannons and canyons