Who is irenaeus

Some Gnostics gave personal, subjective names to these beings, often revealed through an elaborated code of numbers or letters. Navigating and explaining the multiple variations of this system was enough to weary the toughest mind.

Erasmus of Rotterdam, who published the first printed edition of Against Heresies in , commented that Irenaeus had a patientis stomachi to digest their doctrines. Irenaeus would have agreed, as he ended his survey with the typical cries of Greek tragedies, Iu, Iu! Pheu, Pheu! If the names of these Aeons were arbitrary, why not call one of them Gourd and his coexisting power Utter Emptiness? He employed logic to point out that two contrasting gods, being inevitably imperfect and limited, can hardly be called gods.

His abundant use of Scriptures citations from both the Old Testament and 1, from the New is impressive and unique among second-century writers, who relied largely on logic or—as in the case of Justin Martyr—on primarily Old Testament writings.

It was for Irenaeus a careful and deliberate choice, in order to confirm the apostolic truth the Gnostics refuted. His inclusion of New Testament Scriptures is particularly useful to historians as a proof that many of the books that compose this part of the Bible were already authoritative at that time.

Irenaeus reminds his readers of the biblical narrative, where there is only one God, who is perfect, omnipotent, uncreated, and the only source of every good thing. This God created the world good and has continued to preserve it through history in spite of the rebellion of the first Adam.

In the fullness of time, God sent his only son as a second Adam to take on human flesh the same flesh the Gnostics despised and accomplish what the first Adam failed to do. This reminder was also important on a soteriological level. What earth have they founded? What stars have they called into existence? Or what lights of heaven have they caused to shine? Within what circles, moreover, have they confined them? Or, what rains, or frosts, or snows, each suited to the season, and to every special climate, have they brought upon the earth?

The motivation has changed. Some believe that Irenaeus died as a martyr in or , during the persecution unleashed by Emperor Septimius Severus. There is no solid proof of this. Jerome mentions it in his commentary on Isaiah, written in , but not in his biographical work De Viris Illustribus. His legacy, however, lived on. From a purely historical point of view, Against Heresies is still considered the best analysis of Gnosticism from an eyewitness.

One of these occurred in A. As strict as Irenaeus was in matters of essential doctrine, he stood for tolerance in minor issues. Erasmus might have referred to this occasion when, at the end of his introduction to his edition of Against Heresies, he prayed God would raise some new Irenaei to bring peace to his troubled times. His prayer is still as relevant today. Sections Home. The Church is fortunate that Irenaeus was involved in many of its controversies in the second century.

He was a student, well trained no doubt, with great patience in investigating, tremendously protective of apostolic teaching, but prompted more by a desire to win over his opponents than to prove them in error.

These he contrasted with the teaching of the apostles and the text of Holy Scripture, giving us, in five books, a system of theology of great importance to subsequent times. He was born probably about to Christian parents living in Smynra, Asia, which is now Izmir in Turkey, an area that was home to many Christians. Irenaeus enjoyed a rich education, studying the Scriptures as well as Greek philosophy and literature. More importantly, he associated with men who had actually known the Apostles.

The words of St. Polycarp, who had known John the Evangelist, left a lasting impression on Irenaeus. Irenaeus quickly earned the respect of the local clergy and eventually became the second Bishop of Lyons. A period of peace allowed Bishop Irenaeus time to pursue his pastoral duties and to encourage missionary work in the surrounding towns of Gaul.