Bible Dictionary
Epicureans
The Epicureans were followers of the Greek philosopher Epicurus. They sought happiness through pleasure understood chiefly as freedom from pain and disturbance, and some of them encountered Paul in Athens and rejected his teaching about Christ, resurrection, judgment, and the future life.
Biblical Usage
Epicureans encountered Paul in Athens with the Stoics. They ridiculed his teaching, including his proclamation concerning Jesus and the resurrection. Their philosophy stood in complete opposition to the Christian proclamation of divine government, resurrection, and future judgment.
Scripture References