Phronema Catalogue

Irenaeus’ frequent references to the scriptures are best understood in their historical and ecclesial context, that is, he regarded them as a core component of the “rule of truth” against which to defend the authentic apostolic teachings of Christianity “against the heresies”. The first and main part of this paper will explore the context and content of his use of this significant phrase in passages from Adversus Haereses, his application of it in refuting heretical uses of Scripture and his unique contribution to the fourfold Gospel Canon. In the second part, I shall provide a brief introduction to the extraordinary but relatively unknown contribution to Irenaean studies by the Spanish Jesuit Fr Antonio Orbe (1917-2003).

- Margaret Beirne, St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College