Irenaeus in Roman Biography

Irenaeus, ir-e-nee'us, [Gr. TZiprivalog ; Fr. Irenee, e'ra'- na'; It. Ireneo, e-ra-na'o,] Saint, a Christian martyr, born about 130 or 140 A.D., was a Greek by birth, and was probably a native of Asia Minor, as he was a pupil of the eminent Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna. About 177 he became Bishop of Lyons, (Lugdunum,) in France, in place of Pothinus, who was the first that occupied that see. He ministered to his churches with wisdom and general acceptance. To counteract the errors of the Gnostics and others, he wrote a treatise against Heresies., which is still extant, (in a Latin translation.) He also wrote several Letters, and other works, which are lost, except some fragments. It is generally supposed that he suffered martyrdom under Septimus Severus ; but the learned are not agreed whether it occurred in 202 or 208. He was well versed in ancient philosophy, as well as in evangelical doctrine. His book on Heresies is highly appreciated as a historical monument and a vindication of the primitive faith. He was a believer in the Millennium, and entertained opinions on that subject which some consider extravagant. See Saint Jerome, " De Viris itlustribns ;" Eusebius, " Historia Ecclesiastica ;" Henry Dodwell, "Dissertationes in Irenauim," 16S9; Gkrvaise, " Vie de S. Irenee, second* fiveque de Lyon," 1723; J. M. Prat, " Histoire de Saint-Ire'n^e," 1843 : James Bbavkn, "Account of the Life and Writings of Saint Irenjeus."