Five Books of St. Irenaeus against Heresies
Digital Verbum Edition
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.
Looking for more on St. Irenaeus? Check out Life and Works of St. Irenaeus of Lyons (5 vols.), which includes an alternate translation of Against Heresies.
- 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
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)
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.
Reviews
5 ratings
Dr. Karl Csaszar
1/31/2020
Kevin Bratcher
6/12/2018
David
2/29/2016
Philana Crouch
2/16/2016
While its true that there is a translation of this work that comes in the Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 1, this is a different translation (from what I can tell). Just like having 5 different English translations of the Apostolic Fathers can be helpful (Brenana, Lake, Lightfoot, Schaff, and Holmes) are helpful. Having more than one English translation of Irenaeus can be good.
Jacob Hantla
8/6/2015
Good if you don't already own Ante Nicene Fathers Volume 1 which includes this
J.R. Miller
8/4/2015
Good if you don't already own the Anti-Nicene Fathers, which comes in many of the Logos packages.
