Ante-Nicene Fathers · AD 150–325
Irenaeus of Lyons
c. 130–202 · Early Church · Lyons (Gaul)
Bishop of Lyons, originally from Asia Minor, whose writings opposed Gnostic movements and defended apostolic teaching.
Major contributions
Anti-Gnosticism, apostolic succession, eschatology
- Developed the theme of Christ recapitulating human history.
- Defended the fourfold Gospel and continuity of apostolic proclamation.
Theological positions
Modern labels do not always describe historical writers precisely.
- Historic Premillennialism
Against Heresies V.32–36 anticipates a future earthly kingdom.
- Christology
His account of recapitulation emphasizes the incarnate Christ restoring humanity.
Major writings
- Against Heresies
- Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching