By Ian Wilson (Rated G)
Little is known of the life of Irenaeus, one of the great theologians of the Early Church. It is believed that he was born in Smyrna in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) around the early part the second century, AD. There, he heard Polycarp, another early church father, preach.
Irenaeus served the church bravely during the persecution under Emperor Marcus Aurelius, and was ordained a priest in the church of Lyons in Gaul (France). The clergy there considered him trustworthy enough to take a letter to Rome concerning the Montanists, a schismatic group at that time.
Irenaeus was then ordained bishop of Lyons. He was a prolific defender of Christian orthodoxy, and wrote a number of books and letters – most of which are now lost to time, or only fragments. Two works survive in their entirety: Against Heresies and Proof of the Apostolic Teaching. Against Heresies concerns the Gnostic heresies which had become popular in Christian communities at the time. Not content to simply reprove heretics, Irenaeus wrote Proof of the Apostolic Teaching to shore up the proper teaching of the Christian faith. Both are testament to Irenaeus’ robust faith and love of Scripture.
Nothing is known of Irenaeus’ death. It is believed he died around the turn of the third century, but no details survive concerning how he died. I am sure, however, that however he died, he was serving faithfully in his duties.
May we all be as ready to defend the faith as Irenaeus.
LogoSophia Magazine 