People

Irenaeus of Lyons

c. 130–c. 202 · Bishop and theologian

The glory of God is a living man, and the life of man is the vision of God.

Life

Heard Polycarp as a boy; became bishop of Lyons in Gaul after a wave of persecution.

Why it matters

Against Heresies answered Gnosticism with the unity of Scripture and the rule of faith; his idea of Christ 'recapitulating' Adam's story shaped later theology.

Works

• Against Heresies (c. 180)
• Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching