Systems Theology
Language
Study0

Showing local browser study notes until you sign in.

Open

Passage WorkspaceDictionaryEarly ChurchBible Places

No research state recorded yet.

Log in

Research Library / Early Church Documents

Back to navigator
Historical portrait associated with Irenaeus of Lyons

Historical depiction associated with Irenaeus of Lyons.

Lucien Bégule · Public domain

Irenaeus of Lyons · Author Profile

Irenaeus ( or; Ancient Greek: Εἰρηναῖος, romanized: Eirēnaîos; c. 125 – c. 202 AD) 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. In this library, Irenaeus of Lyons is linked to 1 document, including Adversus Haereses (Against Heresies).

Activity
AD 130 - AD 202
Documents in this library
1
Corpus date window
AD 180

History and Context

Irenaeus ( or; Ancient Greek: Εἰρηναῖος, romanized: Eirēnaîos; c. 125 – c. 202 AD) 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. Irenaeus of Lyons is described in reference records as theologian, presbyter, and philosopher. Recorded offices include Roman Catholic Bishop of Lyon and bishop. Place associations in major reference datasets include İzmir and Lugdunum. The documents preserved here span AD 180 and include Adversus Haereses (Against Heresies) (1 total).

What We Know

  • Activity window in reference data: AD 130 - AD 202.
  • Approximate lifespan from biographical records: AD 130-AD 202.
  • Roles in major reference data: theologian, presbyter, and philosopher.
  • Ecclesial or civic offices recorded: Roman Catholic Bishop of Lyon and bishop.
  • Associated places: İzmir and Lugdunum.
  • Tradition labels vary across sources; classification should be read with historical caution.
  • Languages linked to writing or transmission: Ancient Greek and Latin.
  • Notable works cited in reference data: On the Detection and Overthrow of the So-Called Gnosis.
  • Documents in this corpus: 1 (Adversus Haereses (Against Heresies)).
  • Corpus date range for attributed texts: AD 180.

Works in This Library

Legacy

202 AD) 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. Irenaeus of Lyons's reception in theology and church history is closely tied to ongoing study of Adversus Haereses (Against Heresies).

Source Notes