ESV Reformation Study Bible – Acts 17:18
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Acts 17:18

17:18 Epicurean and Stoic. Epicurus (342–270 b.c.) taught that the purpose of life was pleasure and freedom from pain, passions, and fears. On the other hand, the Cypriot Zeno (340–265 b.c.), founder of Stoicism, stressed living in harmony with nature and depending on reason and other self-sufficient powers. Both schools stressed the quest for peace of mind. Zeno viewed God pantheistically as the “world-soul.”

babbler. A derogatory term meaning a scrap collector or peddler of assorted ideas.