1. Irenaeus and Christology

2. Christological starting points
Two givens:
There is only one God, and
Jesus is Lord
Two sources: scriptures and worship
Questions
Can God suffer?
How is Jesus human like the rest of us?
How is Jesus divine?

3. Background Irenaeus born ca. 140, in Asia Minor
Went to Gaul (France), became bishop of Lyons
Big book: Against Heresies, mostly refuting Marcion and other Gnostics
Written ca. 180 (Marcion active ca. 150 in Rome—clearly, the ideas are spreading)

4. Terms God = divinity. A general term. Christ = “chosen one”, “Messiah”
A title of honor. Applied to Jesus in faith.
Word (“Logos”) = divine name for second person of the Trinity. Specific term.
In Greek philosophy, refers to the principle of rationality in creation.
Son = specific and relational divine term, Son of the Father
Jesus = the human being Jesus of Nazareth
Proper name, not a title or statement of belief.
Jesus Christ = belief that the man Jesus is the Messiah

5. Irenaeus’ argument
The Christian God has really entered the world, and does so in a particular way in Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ was really human
Suffered, subject to hurt
Sums up human existence
Overcomes what went wrong in Adam (symmetry)
Jesus Christ also divine
United humanity with God by uniting the two in his own self
Conquered power of death and sin (Christus Victor)
Descended from heaven to take up human nature

6. Other key ideas “One and the same” Recapitulation
One God of both creation and salvation, of OT and NT
One covenant between God and people, expressed in different historical periods (dispensations)
Recapitulation
Jesus Christ sums up what is essentially human
Essentially like all people
Paradigm of growth (not loss of perfection)
Human beings created good but not finished, needed to grow into maturity
Jesus Christ completes/perfects human nature

7. For next time Melito of Sardis
How does he interpret the Exodus Passover story?
What are the most salient characteristics of Jesus, for Melito? How is he human, how divine?