Irenaeus
Also known as Irenaeus of Lyon, Irenæus
Irenaeus ( or ; ; ) was a Greek bishop noted for his role in guiding and expanding Christian communities in the southern regions of present-day France and, more widely, for the development of Christian theology by opposing Gnostic interpretations of Christian Scripture and defending orthodoxy. Originating from Smyrna, he had seen and heard the preaching of Polycarp, who in turn was said to have heard John the Evangelist.
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Irenaeus was an early Christian bishop in what is now southern France who became influential in developing Christian theology by opposing Gnostic interpretations of Scripture and defending orthodox Christian beliefs. He is notable for his direct connection to the earliest Christian leaders, having heard the preaching of Polycarp, who was said to have learned from John the Evangelist himself.
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Person · Open Library
- Born
- 1812
- Died
- 1885
- Works
- 89
Top works
- Sketch of the life & character of William A. Whitehead ...
- The case for united prayer
- The riglet of copyright
- The annals of the English Bible
- The resurrection and ascension of Christ
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Listeners · Last.fm
- Listeners
- 12
- Total plays
- 151
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Recent publications · Crossref
5 total works indexed
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Article
19 sectionsContents
- Biography
- Veneration
- Writings
- Scripture
- Apostolic authority
- Theology and contrast with Gnosticism
- Unity of salvation history
- Christ's life
- Use of Paul's Epistles
- Christ as the New Adam
- Valentinian Gnosticism
- Quartodeciman Controversy
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Citations
- Sources
- Further reading
- External links
Irenaeus ( or ; ; ) was a Greek bishop noted for his role in guiding and expanding Christian communities in the southern regions of present-day France and, more widely, for the development of Christian theology by opposing Gnostic interpretations of Christian Scripture and defending orthodoxy. Originating from Smyrna, he had seen and heard the preaching of Polycarp, who in turn was said to have heard John the Evangelist.
Chosen as Bishop of Lugdunum, now Lyon, Irenaeus wrote his best-known work Against Heresies around 180 as a refutation of gnosticism, in particular that of Valentinus. To counter the doctrines of the gnostic sects claiming secret wisdom, he offered three pillars of orthodoxy: the scriptures, the tradition said to be handed down from the apostles, and the teaching of the apostles' successors. He is the earliest surviving witness to regard all four of the now-canonical gospels as essential.