Person

Irenaeus of Lyons

Also known as Irenaeus

Second-century bishop and theologian who refuted Gnosticism and developed the doctrine of recapitulation.

Filed underTheologians & Historical FiguresChristology

Definition

A second-century bishop of Lyons and theologian who systematically refuted Gnosticism in his work Against Heresies. He was trained under Polycarp and is known for his doctrine of recapitulation, which posits that Jesus Christ retraced the human life cycle to undo Adam's disobedience and achieve salvation through his own obedience.

Sources

  1. 1.Everett Ferguson Church History: Volume One: From Christ to Pre-Reformation. 2nd ed.. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013). pp. 45-62

Last revised August 18, 2026