“Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Polycarp sat at the feet of the Apostle John, learning first hand stories about Jesus. Then a couple of decades later, Irenaeus sat at the feet of Polycarp, learning about Jesus from him. Irenaeus (who grew up in Turkey but eventually moved to modern day France) wrote that Polycarp spoke openly about Jesus’ miracles and teachings. “[He] had received all this from eyewitnesses of the Word of life and related all these things in accordance with the Scriptures. I listened eagerly to these things at the time, by God’s mercy which was bestowed on me, and I made notes of them not on paper, but in my heart” (c. AD 175-185).
It’s no wonder that Irenaeus was a great defender of the faith. He surrounded himself with people who were saturated with the stories and teachings of Jesus. It’s good to keep in mind that he knew the truth and wanted to prevent distortions. Irenaeus loved Jesus and wanted to protect His precious church from teachings that would lead them astray. Even more, he encouraged them to find the truth in God’s Word.
It’s no wonder that Irenaeus was a great defender of the faith. He surrounded himself with people who were saturated with the stories and teachings of Jesus. It’s good to keep in mind that he knew the truth and wanted to prevent distortions. Irenaeus loved Jesus and wanted to protect His precious church from teachings that would lead them astray. Even more, he encouraged them to find the truth in God’s Word.
Scripture Focus
Deuteronomy 6:4-8
Insight
Surround yourself with mature believers in Jesus Christ. Write on your heart the solid truths about their faith which they pass on to you.
Bible In A Year
- 2 Kings 5-6
- Proverbs 13
- James 4-5
