Irenaeus: public succession and doctrine
Against secret Gnostic teaching, Irenaeus asks readers to inspect the publicly handed-down teaching and succession of apostolic churches. He chooses Rome as an example and also refers to Polycarp of Smyrna.
Primary sources
Irenaeus argues:
Irenaeus appeals to publicly traceable bishops instituted by the apostles against claims of hidden doctrine.
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