Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
EPICUREANS, OR EPICU'REANS. c. 342-271, who was born on the island of Samos, but taught his philosophy at Athens. They were in high repute at Athens in Paul's days. Acts 17:18. Among their doctrines were these — that the world came into being and will be dissolved by chance, or by the effect of mechanical causes moved by chance; that all events happen by chance or are occasioned by mechanical causes; that the soul dies with the body; that there is no future retribution; and that man's chief happiness lies in pleasure or bodily ease.
This philosophy obtained a wide popularity in Asia Minor and in Rome as well as in the city and land of its originator. It derided the mythology of the ancients, but proposed nothing better. It created a frame of mind hostile to all religion, and particularly to the serious doctrines of the gospel.