This work, which establishes Irenaeus as the most important of the theologians of the second century, is a detailed and effective refutation of Gnosticism, and a major source of information on the various Gnostic sects and doctrines. This volume contains Book One. †

These arguments may, in like manner, be adapted to meet the case of all those who, in any way, maintain that the world was formed either by angels or by any other one than the true God. For the charges which they bring against the Demiurge, and those things which were made material and temporal, will in truth fall back on the Father; if indeed the(7) very things which were formed in the bosom of the Pleroma began by and by in fact to be dissolved, in accordance with the permission and good-will of the Father.

It follows then, as of course, that these men must either receive the rest of his narrative, or else reject these parts also. For no persons of common sense can permit them to receive some things recounted by Luke as being true, and to set others aside, as if he had not known the truth. And if indeed Marcion's followers reject these, they will then possess no Gospel; for, curtailing that according to Luke, as I have said already, they boast in having the Gospel [in what remains].

Irenaeus Against Heresies V4 is a book written by Irenaeus, a prominent Christian theologian of the 2nd century. The book is a continuation of Irenaeus' work against various heresies that were prevalent in his time. In this volume, he focuses on the teachings of the Valentinian Gnostics, a group that claimed to possess secret knowledge about the nature of God and the universe. Irenaeus systematically refutes the Valentinians' ideas, arguing that their teachings are not only false but also dangerous to the Christian faith. He defends the orthodox Christian view of God as a loving and just creator who is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. Throughout the book, Irenaeus draws on his extensive knowledge of scripture and tradition to support his arguments. He also provides valuable insights into the early Christian Church and its struggles to define its beliefs in the face of various challenges. Overall, Irenaeus Against Heresies V4 is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of Christian theology and the early Church's efforts to combat false teachings.3. And teaching this very thing, He said to the ""Your father Abraham rejoiced that he should see my day; and he saw it, and was glad""(5) What is intended? ""Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness.""(6) In the first place, \[he believed\] that He was the maker of heaven and earth, the only God; and in the next place, that He would make his seed as the stars of heaven. This is what is meant by Paul, \[when he says, \] ""as lights in the world.""(7) Righteously, therefore, having left his earthly kindred, he followed the Word of God, walking as a pilgrim with the Word, that he might \[afterwards\] have his abode with the Word.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

2. If, again, they refer to any cause on account of which their Father does not impart life to bodies, then that cause must necessarily appear superior to the Father, since it restrains Him from the exercise of His benevolence; and His benevolence will thus be proved weak, on account of that cause which they bring forward. Now every one must perceive that bodies are capable of receiving life. For they live to the extent that God pleases that they should live.