In today’s episode, we open one of the most pivotal texts of the second century—Against Heresies by Irenaeus of Lyons. But before we begin the book itself, we take time to explore the life, legacy, and theological importance of the man behind the words. Who was Irenaeus, and why does he matter so much? How did this disciple of Polycarp become the Church’s great guardian against Gnosticism? And how did his idea of apostolic succession unwittingly give wheels to the institutional Church?
We reflect on the differences in how Protestants, Catholics, Orthodox, and Anglicans interpret apostolic succession today—some seeing it as a sacramental lineage, others as fidelity to the Gospel. We also share a fascinating lesser-known fact: Irenaeus believed Jesus lived into His fifties—not because of poor historical memory, but because of a deeply incarnational theology. Christ had to redeem every stage of human life, he argued, including old age.
As we prepare to read Against Heresies, we remember: this work is not just about refuting error—it’s about preserving the clarity and unity of the apostolic message in the face of distortion.
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