Five Books of St. Irenaeus against Heresies

by Irenaeus; John Keble

Publishers:

James Parker & Co.; Rivingtons

, 1872

Overview

Open a window onto the Gnostic controversy facing the church in the second century with one of the only surviving sources on the subject. This, the most important work of St. Irenaeus, examines and refutes the Gnostic teachings, providing a valuable description of Gnosticism as well as an important Christian theological work.

Bishop of Lyon and a disciple of Polycarp, Irenaeus wrote Against Heresies in order to “shortly and clearly set forth the meaning of those who are now teaching amiss, I mean of Ptolemy and his partisans, which school is a kind of efflorescence from that of Valentinus . . . showing how monstrous their assertions are, and how inconsistent with the Truth.” This five-volume work is an important piece of patristic writing for anyone studying church history, Gnosticism, and the development of Christian theology. This edition, part of the Library of Fathers of the Holy Catholic Church, was translated by English priest and poet, John Keble.

With Logos Bible Software, this volume is enhanced with cutting-edge research tools. Scripture citations appear on mouseover in your preferred English translation. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Powerful topical searches help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Tablet and mobile apps let you take the discussion with you. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Presents all five books of Irenaeus’ Against Heresies in English translation
• Provides one of the only surviving sources on Gnosticism
• Analyzes and refutes Gnostic teachings with orthodox Christian doctrine

Contents

Top Highlights

“And therefore, when in the end the Church shall be suddenly taken up from hence,* There shall be, saith He, tribulation such as was not from the beginning, neither shall be. For this is the last struggle of the righteous, wherein they who overcome are crowned with incorruption.” (Page 518)

“For all these other passages are unquestionably spoken of a Resurrection of the just, which happeneth after the coming of Antichrist and the perdition of all the nations subsisting under him: in which [Resurrection] the just shall reign upon earth, growing by their sight of the Lord, and by Him shall be accustomed to comprehend the glory of God the Father, and shall receive conversation and communion with the holy Angels and unity of spiritual things in the Kingdom. Also [they are spoken of] those whom the Lord will find in the flesh, awaiting Him from Heaven, and having suffered tribulation—who also shall have escaped the hands of the Unjust one.” (Page 533)

“Who for His immense love’s sake was made that which we are, in order that He might perfect us to be what He is.” (Page 449)

“He promised to drink of the fruit of the vine with His disciples, intimating both the inheritance of the Earth wherein is drunk the new fruit of the vine, and the bodily Resurrection of His Disciples.” (Page 526)

“However, when this Antichrist shall have wasted all things in this world, reigning three years and six months, and shall have sat in the Temple of Jerusalem:* then shall the Lord come from Heaven in the clouds, in the glory of the Father, on the one hand sending him and his subjects into the lake of fire; on the other bringing with Him to the Just, the times of the Kingdom, i.e., the rest, the seventh day sanctified; and restoring to Abraham the promise of the inheritance: in which Kingdom the Lord saith,* that many coming from the East and West, sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” (Page 522)

Product Details

• Title: Five Books of S. Irenaeus against Heresies
• Authors: Irenaeus, John Keble
• Series: A Library of Fathers of the Holy Catholic Church
• Publishers: James Parker & Co., Rivingtons
• Print Publication Date: 1872
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 618
• Era: era:nicene
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Gnosticism › Controversial literature--Early works to 1800; Theology, doctrinal › Early works to 1800
• Resource ID: LLS:FVBKSSTRNSHRSS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:51:36Z

About the Authors

Irenaeus of Lyons (AD 130–202) was bishop of Lyon in Gaul. He was an early Church Father and apologist. His work played a key role in forming Christian theology. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Irenaeus was born into a Christian family. He was a priest at Lyon and became bishop after Pothinus was martyred. He is recognized as a Saint by both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches.

About John Keble

John Keble (1792–1866) was an English poet and minister, and one of the early leaders of the Oxford Movement. He also published several books of poems and hymns, most famously The Christian Year. He also produced an edition of the works of Richard Hooker.