On the Apostolic Preaching: A Modern Translation with Introduction (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Modern Translations)

On the Apostolic Preaching (St. Irenaeus): A Modern Translation with IntroductionThe earliest Christian catechism—clear, complete, and centered on Christ. Written by Irenaeus of Lyon for his disciple Marcianus, On the Apostolic Preaching distills the faith “publicly handed down” from the apostles: one God the Creator, the incarnation of the Son, the gift of the Spirit, and the unity of Scripture from creation to Christ. This edition offers a faithful, contemporary English translation with a concise historical introduction and unobtrusive notes for today’s reader.What’s inside?Prologue & Purpose — Irenaeus explains the “Rule of Faith” and why sound teaching must be public and apostolic.Creation & the One God — Confession of the Maker of heaven and earth against Gnostic dualism.Adam, Covenant, and the Patriarchs — A sweep of salvation history that prepares the way for Christ.Prophecy & Fulfillment — How the Law, Psalms, and Prophets witness to the Messiah.The Incarnation & Recapitulation — The Son becomes truly human to sum up and heal the human race.Cross, Resurrection, and Victory — Christ’s saving work and the defeat of death and the devil.Baptism & the Spirit — New birth, anointing, and growth into the image and likeness of God.Unity of the Two Testaments — Scripture read as one economy of salvation centered on Christ.Living the Faith — Exhortations to steadfastness, virtue, and the hope of resurrection.Why this edition?Modern & Faithful — Smooth, accurate English preserving Irenaeus’s pastoral tone and biblical cadence.Guided Reading — A crisp introduction situates the work between Against Heresies and early Christian catechesis.Concise Commentary — Light notes clarify names, sources, and Irenaeus’s key themes (Rule of Faith, recapitulation).Reader-First Design — Clean headings and thoughtful spacing for devotion, classroom, or research.Who is it for?Readers, students, catechists, and pastors seeking the earliest coherent summary of Christian doctrine—Scripture-rich, church-rooted, and oriented to life in Christ.Meet Irenaeus—pastor, teacher, witness.Encounter the apostolic gospel as the early church proclaimed it: creation affirmed, Christ incarnate, the Spirit given, and Scripture read as a single story of salvation. Read more