Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130-202) is heralded as one of the greatest theologians of the post-apostolic church. The spiritual grandson of the apostle John, for his instructor in the faith was himself taught by the apostle, his writing stresses the importance of apostolic teaching and faithfully handing on the apostolic tradition. Irenaeuss magnum opus Against Heresies offers an unparalleled insight and interpretation of Johns own writing and an exposition of the Christian faith. Paytons compendium is a careful distillation of Irenaeuss masterpiece. He presents St Irenaeuss writings as a...