New perspectives on Irenaeus scripture as oracular standard

Abstract

Irenaeus' (c.135-202) five books Adversus Haereses (Against the Heresies) give evidence of a mature and circumscribed concept of Scripture. From an analysis of relevant passages, using a philological method, this article demonstrates that Irenaeus suggested to his readers that: 1) The Scriptures are divine oracles of God, revealed from heaven. 2) The Scriptures are without lies, expressive of God's truth, and may consequently be used as proof to establish religious views. 3) Old and New Testament Scripture find their unity in their joint origin in the Creator God, and in effectively serving as Words of Christ.