What Was Stoic in the Bible?

Stoic Philosophers in New Testament Times

Stoicism was a prominent philosophical school that originated in ancient Greece around the early 3rd century BC and became influential during the Roman Empire, including the time of the New Testament. The Stoics are specifically mentioned in Acts 17:18, where they engage with the Apostle Paul in Athens:

“A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, ‘What is this babbler trying to say?’ Others remarked, ‘He seems to be advocating foreign gods.’ They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.”

Understanding Stoicism

Stoicism, founded by Zeno of Citium, emphasized rationality, self-control, and virtue as the highest good. Stoics believed that living in harmony with nature and accepting one’s fate were essential for achieving a tranquil life. They practiced indifference to pleasure and pain, aiming for a state of apatheia (freedom from emotional disturbance).

The core principles of Stoicism included:

• Virtue as the Highest Good: Stoics held that moral virtue is the only true good, and everything else is indifferent.
• Harmony with Nature: Living according to nature and reason was essential for Stoics.
• Emotional Resilience: Stoics sought to remain unaffected by external circumstances, whether pleasurable or painful.
• Acceptance of Fate: Stoics believed in accepting whatever happens as part of a divine plan, often referred to as Providence or Fate.

Stoicism in the Biblical Context

While Stoicism shared some moral teachings with biblical principles, such as the emphasis on virtue and self-control, significant differences set it apart from Christian beliefs. The Bible presents a worldview centered on a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, which contrasts with the Stoic emphasis on self-sufficiency and inner strength.

Paul’s Encounter with the Stoics

In Acts 17, Paul’s encounter with the Stoics (and Epicureans) in Athens highlights the philosophical and religious pluralism of the time. Paul’s message of Jesus and the resurrection was novel and perplexing to these philosophers. Paul’s approach in addressing them provides valuable insights for modern Christians engaging with different worldviews.

Lessons for the Modern Christian

Engaging with Different Worldviews

Paul’s interaction with the Stoics teaches Christians the importance of engaging thoughtfully and respectfully with those holding different beliefs. Paul did not shy away from sharing the gospel; instead, he used their own cultural and philosophical context to introduce the truth about Jesus Christ. Modern Christians are encouraged to understand other worldviews to communicate the gospel effectively.

The Supremacy of Christ Over Human Philosophy

While Stoicism values virtue and self-control, Christianity teaches that true wisdom and salvation come through faith in Jesus Christ, not through human philosophy or self-effort. Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, emphasizing the superiority of God’s wisdom over human wisdom. Christians are reminded to remain rooted in the truth of God’s Word and not be swayed by philosophies that contradict biblical teachings:

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8, NIV)

Dependence on God and the Holy Spirit

Stoicism teaches self-sufficiency and inner strength, whereas Christianity emphasizes dependence on God and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to rely on God’s strength rather than their own, as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10:

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

Connection to a Loving God

God’s Personal Relationship with Believers

One of the most profound distinctions between Stoicism and Christianity is the personal relationship believers have with God. Christianity teaches that God is not a distant force but a loving Father who desires an intimate relationship with His children. This is beautifully captured in Romans 8:15-16:

“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

God’s Sovereignty and Providence

While Stoics believed in accepting fate, Christians trust in God’s sovereignty and His good plans for their lives. Jeremiah 29:11 expresses this assurance:

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”

Connection to Jesus Christ

The Source of True Wisdom and Salvation

Jesus Christ is the embodiment of divine wisdom and the source of salvation, far surpassing any human philosophy. In Colossians 2:2-3, Paul writes:

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

The Transformative Power of the Gospel

Unlike Stoicism, which emphasizes self-effort, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers transformation through faith and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Romans 12:2 encourages believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Conclusion

The Stoic philosophers, mentioned in Acts 17:18, represent a significant worldview during the New Testament era. While Stoicism shared some moral values with Christianity, it differed fundamentally in its approach to wisdom, virtue, and the nature of God. Paul’s engagement with the Stoics serves as a model for modern Christians in effectively communicating the gospel across diverse worldviews.

For believers today, the message is clear: remain rooted in the truth of God’s Word, depend on the Holy Spirit for strength, and share the transformative power of the gospel with love and clarity. In Christ, we find the source of true wisdom and salvation, surpassing all human philosophies and leading us into a deeper relationship with our loving God.