Ante-Nicene · c. 130 – c. 202
St. Irenaeus of Lyons
Smyrna / Lyons, Gaul
Biography
Irenaeus was born in Asia Minor and heard Polycarp preach as a boy, later becoming Bishop of Lyons in Gaul. He wrote his masterwork Against Heresies to refute the Gnostics who claimed secret traditions unknown to the wider Church. His argument rested on the public, traceable succession of bishops from the apostles, especially at Rome, as the guarantee of authentic apostolic teaching.
Historical background
Writing c. AD 180 amid the spread of Gnostic sects claiming hidden revelation, Irenaeus responded by pointing to the public succession lists of bishops in apostolic churches, above all Rome, 'the greatest and most ancient church, known to all,' with which every church must agree.
Major writings
Against Heresies
A five-book refutation of Gnosticism grounded in apostolic succession and the rule of faith.
Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching
A catechetical summary of the faith for instruction.
Important teachings
Irenaeus articulates the 'rule of faith' handed down from the apostles and preserved by episcopal succession, insisting that all churches must agree with Rome because of its preeminent authority. He also affirms Mary as the New Eve whose obedience undid Eve's disobedience.
Quotations
“It is a matter of necessity that every Church should agree with this Church, on account of its preeminent authority, that is, the faithful everywhere.”
“We are in a position to enumerate those who were instituted bishops by the apostles... and their successors down to our own time.”
“The knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary... what the virgin Eve had bound fast through unbelief, this did the Virgin Mary set free through faith.”