### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Stōïkós**, represented by `{{G4770}}`, is defined as an adherent of a certain philosophy, a "Stoic." According to its base definition, the term is derived from στοά, referencing a particular porch in Athens. It appears only **1 time** in the Bible, within **1 unique verse**, highlighting a specific interaction between early Christian evangelism and Greek philosophy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G4770}}` occurs in [[Acts 17:18]], where certain **philosophers** `{{G5386}}` from both the Epicureans `{{G1946}}` and the **Stoicks** `{{G4770}}` **encountered** `{{G4820}}` Paul in Athens. Their reaction to his message was divided. Some dismissed him as a "**babbler**" `{{G4691}}`. Others perceived him to be a "**setter forth**" `{{G2604}}` of strange gods. The reason for this conclusion was that Paul **preached** `{{G2097}}` to them about **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` and the **resurrection** `{{G386}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from this account provide deeper context to the encounter:
* `{{G5386}}` **philósophos** (philosopher): This word, meaning "fond of wise things," is used to categorize the Stoicks and Epicureans, establishing the intellectual setting of the event [[Acts 17:18]].
* `{{G1946}}` **Epikoúreios** (Epicurean): Mentioned alongside the Stoicks, these were followers of Epicurus, representing another major philosophical school confronting the Gospel message [[Acts 17:18]].
* `{{G4820}}` **symbállō** (encountered): This term describes the interaction itself, signifying a dispute, conversation, or conference between Paul and the philosophers [[Acts 17:18]].
* `{{G4691}}` **spermológos** (babbler): Used by some of the philosophers, this figuratively means a "seed-picker" or a trifler in talk, showing their initial contempt for Paul's message [[Acts 17:18]].
### Theological Significance
The biblical significance of `{{G4770}}` is rooted in its role within a key moment of theological and cultural confrontation.
* **Clash of Worldviews:** The presence of the **Stoicks** `{{G4770}}` in Athens sets the stage for a direct encounter between established Greek philosophy and the new message of Christianity [[Acts 17:18]].
* **The Gospel's Core:** The message that challenged the philosophers was not a new philosophy but a proclamation concerning a person and an event: **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` and the **resurrection** `{{G386}}`.
* **Initial Rejection:** The reaction of the philosophers, calling Paul a "**babbler**" `{{G4691}}` and a "**setter forth**" `{{G2604}}` of strange gods, demonstrates how the central tenets of the Gospel were perceived as foreign and nonsensical to the prevailing intellectual thought of the time [[Acts 17:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4770}}` is a highly specific term identifying a follower of Stoic philosophy. Its singular appearance in scripture is pivotal, marking the moment the Gospel was formally presented to the intellectual elite of Athens. The account in [[Acts 17:18]] uses the presence of the **Stoicks** to frame the profound contrast between human wisdom and the divine proclamation of **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` and the **resurrection** `{{G386}}`, highlighting the radical nature of the Christian faith in a pagan world.
TRV