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1
A Clash of Worldviews
Commentators explain that Paul confronted the two leading philosophies of his day. Epicureanism taught that pleasure is the highest good and that gods are uninvolved in human life. Stoicism emphasized pride, fate, and self-mastery. The gospel message of a personal Creator, a risen Savior, and future judgment was a radical and direct challenge to both of these popular, human-centered worldviews.
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Acts
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On Acts 17:18
18th Century
Theologian
Then certain philosophers. Athens was distinguished, among all the cities of Greece and the world, for the cultivation of a subtle and ref…
AT Robertson
On Acts 17:18
And certain also of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him (τινες δε κα των Επικουριων κα Στωικων φιλοσοφων συνεβαλλ…
Charles Ellicott
On Acts 17:18
19th Century
Bishop
Certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics.—The two schools were at this time the great representatives of Greek th…
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Acts 17:18
Athens was the home of the rival Epicurean and Stoic schools of philosophy. Epicurus (342–270 B. C.) held that pleasure was the chief goal of life,…
John Calvin
On Acts 17:18
16th Century
Theologian
They reasoned with him. Luke now adds that Paul had a confrontation with the philosophers. This was not because he intentionally sought th…
John Gill
On Acts 17:18
17th Century
Pastor
Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans
These were so called from Epicurus, the son of Neocles, who was born 342…
Matthew Henry
On Acts 17:16–21
17th Century
Minister
Athens was then famed for refined learning, philosophy, and the fine arts; yet no one is more childish, superstitious, impious, or credulous than s…