Irenaeus responds to Gnosticism
Irenaeus appeals to Scripture, the rule of faith, and the public succession of apostolic churches against secret-teaching claims.
People
- Irenaeus of Lyons
Primary sources
Irenaeus argues:
Irenaeus appeals to bishops publicly traceable to apostolic appointment in his argument against secret teaching.
we are in a position to reckon up those who were by the apostles instituted bishops in the Churches
Passage context and translation
Irenaeus appeals to the public succession of bishops against claims of secret apostolic teaching.
Before the excerpt
the tradition of the apostles manifested throughout the whole world; and
After the excerpt
and [to demonstrate] the succession of these men to our own times