Irenaeus (/ɪrɪˈneɪəs/; Greek: Εἰρηναῖος Eirēnaios; c. 130 – c. 202 AD) was a Greek bishop noted for his role in guiding and expanding Christian communities in the southern regions of present-day France and, more widely, for the development of Christian theology by combating heresy and defining orthodoxy.

Why did Irenaeus write Against Heresies?

405, dates to around 200 AD. Irenaeus' primary goal in writing Against Heresies was to attack cults that fell away from orthodox Christianity, mainly the Gnostics and Marcionites. In particular, he sought to disprove what he saw as incorrect interpretations of scripture on the part of Gnostics such as Valentinus.

Why did Polycarp send Irenaeus to Lyons?

Terms in this set (23) Why did Polycarp send Irenaeus to Lyons, France? Pothinus, head of the church, died in prison. ... Merchants from Lyons visited Smyrna to trade and sell and upon hearing Polycarp, requested him to send someone to minister in their city.