Early Theologians
Against Heresies & Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching
Irenaeus of Lyons · c. 180 – 200
Historical Context
Irenaeus, a disciple (through Polycarp) of the apostle John, wrote as bishop of Lyons against the Valentinian and other Gnostic systems then spreading through Gaul.
Summary
Against Heresies refutes Gnostic mythology and articulates positively the 'rule of faith,' apostolic succession, the unity of the two Testaments, and the recapitulation of all things in Christ. The Demonstration is a short catechetical summary of the Christian faith.
Major Themes
- Apostolic succession
- Rule of faith
- Recapitulation in Christ
- Unity of Old and New Testaments
- Goodness of created matter
Important Quotations
“The glory of God is a living man; and the life of man consists in beholding God.”— Against Heresies 4.20.7
“Where the Church is, there is the Spirit of God; and where the Spirit of God is, there is the Church.”— Against Heresies 3.24.1
Related Timeline Events
Related Church Fathers
Related Doctrines
Primary Sources
Further Reading
- John Behr, Irenaeus of Lyons: Identifying Christianity
- Eric Osborn, Irenaeus of Lyons