Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(porch scholars). Members of a Grecian philosophical school, or sect, founded by Zeno, 308 B. C., who taught in the stow, or porch, of the Agora at Athens. They held to a high morality, proud independence of spirit, fateful, in place of providential, superintendence, wisdom as the source of happiness (Acts 17:18). Paul encountered both Stoics and Epicureans at Athens, and, on being taken into Areopagus by them, delivered to them the oration (Acts 17:22-31).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
A sect of the philosophers of Greece, founded by Zeno, and named after the Stoa, the porch at Athens where the philosopher assembled his pupils. He taught that there was one Supreme Being, but many subordinate gods, and that man had similar faculties to the gods. Intellect was to be their guide, and pleasures and pains of the body were not to be regarded. From this sect the English word “stoic” is derived. Pantheism, fatalism, and pride were the leading features of the stoics. Some of such were among the audience Paul addressed at Athens (Acts 17:18).
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Meaning:
from 4745; a "Stoic" (as occupying a particular porch in Athens), i.e. adherent of a certin philosophy
Jackson’s Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names:
of the portico
Potts’ Bible Proper Names:
In the gate:―a sect of philosophers, Acts 17:18. {In porta}