Bishop of Lyons and Early Church Theologian • Early Church
Irenaeus was a second-century Christian bishop and theologian who became one of the most important witnesses linking the later second-century church with the Apostolic Fathers. Raised in Asia Minor and later serving as bishop of Lyons in Gaul, he wrote extensively against teachings he regarded as heretical, especially in Against Heresies. Irenaeus recalled hearing Polycarp in his youth and emphasized Polycarp's connection with Christians who had known the apostles, making his testimony especially important for the preservation of early Christian memory and teaching.
Related: Polycarp of Smyrna