Defending Faith: Early Church Responses to Heresy

 

Summary

In the early days of the church, believers faced numerous challenges, including false teachings and heretical movements. One significant challenge was Gnosticism, a movement claiming to possess special, secret knowledge that promised a more spiritual Christianity. Gnostics often dismissed the physical world and history, focusing solely on the spiritual realm. This ideology found parallels in modern movements like Christian Science, which denies the existence of the physical world. The church had to respond to these claims, and one of the key figures in this defense was Irenaeus. He emphasized the goodness of God's creation and the importance of history, arguing that the Bible is not a collection of myths but a record of God's work in history.

Irenaeus also advised believers to trust their local bishops, who were essentially senior pastors, as reliable teachers of the Word. This practical advice was meant to guide Christians amidst theological confusion, though it later evolved into a problematic theory of infallible bishops. Another movement, Montanism, emerged in response to Gnosticism, advocating for ongoing prophetic revelations through the Holy Spirit. While initially orthodox, Montanism eventually led to schism due to its extreme views.

Tertullian, a prominent theologian, was drawn to Montanism due to his rigorous approach to Christian living. He was a powerful apologist and stylist, known for his phrase, "What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem?" Despite his schismatic end, his contributions to Christian thought were significant. Finally, Origen, a pioneering theologian from Alexandria, sought to systematize theology and defend the faith against critics like Celsus. Although Origen made many theological errors, his questions and insights laid the groundwork for future theological development.

Key Takeaways:

- The Danger of Secret Knowledge: Gnosticism's allure lay in its promise of secret, superior knowledge. This highlights the danger of seeking spiritual elitism over the simplicity of the Gospel, which is accessible to all. True Christianity values the historical and physical as part of God's good creation. [01:44]

- The Importance of History: Irenaeus emphasized that history is not just a backdrop for spiritual lessons but is integral to God's redemptive work. This reminds us that our faith is rooted in real events and that God is actively working in history to fulfill His purposes. [06:17]

- Trusting Reliable Teachers: Irenaeus advised believers to rely on their local, trustworthy pastors for guidance. This underscores the importance of being part of a community where the Word is faithfully taught, while also encouraging personal engagement with Scripture. [08:44]

- The Perils of Seeking Certainty: Montanism's quest for certainty through new revelations warns us against looking for assurance outside of Scripture. True certainty comes from the Bible, which requires us to continually return to it and compare Scripture with Scripture. [13:39]

- Inclusivity of the Gospel: Origen's defense against elitist critiques of Christianity highlights the Gospel's inclusivity. Christianity welcomes all, regardless of status or intellect, offering transformation through Christ. This is a powerful reminder of the Gospel's universal appeal and transformative power. [22:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:26] - Early Church Challenges
- [01:08] - The Rise of Gnosticism
- [02:24] - Gnosticism's Modern Parallels
- [03:38] - Church's Response to Gnosticism
- [04:13] - Irenaeus and His Teachings
- [05:35] - Importance of History and Creation
- [06:53] - Trusting Local Bishops
- [08:09] - Role of Bishops in the Early Church
- [10:28] - Montanism and Prophetic Revelations
- [13:05] - The Quest for Certainty
- [14:50] - Tertullian's Rigorism
- [17:01] - Origen's Theological Contributions
- [19:45] - Origen's Defense Against Critics
- [22:59] - Conclusion and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Timothy 6:20-21 - "O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called 'knowledge,' for by professing it some have swerved from the faith."
2. Colossians 2:8 - "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."
3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the main claim of the Gnostics regarding their knowledge, and how did it contrast with the teachings of the apostles? [01:44]

2. How did Irenaeus respond to the Gnostic view of the physical world and history? [06:17]

3. What role did local bishops play in the early church according to Irenaeus, and how did this advice evolve over time? [08:44]

4. What was the primary concern of Montanism, and how did it differ from the mainline church's approach to certainty? [13:39]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the allure of secret knowledge, as seen in Gnosticism, challenge the simplicity and accessibility of the Gospel? [01:44]

2. In what ways does Irenaeus's emphasis on history as integral to God's work challenge modern views that might see the Bible as merely a collection of myths? [06:17]

3. How might the advice to trust local bishops be applied in today's context of finding reliable spiritual guidance? [08:44]

4. What are the potential dangers of seeking new revelations for certainty, as seen in Montanism, and how can believers guard against this? [13:39]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you were tempted by the idea of having special or secret knowledge. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to stay grounded in the Gospel? [01:44]

2. How can you actively engage with the historical aspects of your faith to deepen your understanding and appreciation of God's work in history? [06:17]

3. Identify a reliable spiritual leader or mentor in your life. How can you ensure that you are both learning from them and also engaging personally with Scripture? [08:44]

4. Have you ever sought certainty in your faith from sources outside of Scripture? What steps can you take to ensure that your certainty is rooted in the Bible? [13:39]

5. Consider the inclusivity of the Gospel as defended by Origen. How can you embody this inclusivity in your interactions with others, especially those who might feel marginalized or unworthy? [22:18]

6. In what ways can you contribute to a community that values both the spiritual and the physical aspects of God's creation? How can this balance be reflected in your daily life? [06:17]

7. How can you cultivate a spirit of humility and openness to learning, as demonstrated by Origen, while also being cautious of theological errors? [20:23]

Devotional

Day 1: The Allure of Secret Knowledge
Gnosticism promised a secret, superior knowledge that appealed to many early Christians seeking a deeper spiritual experience. This movement, however, dismissed the physical world and history, focusing solely on the spiritual realm. Such an approach undermines the simplicity and accessibility of the Gospel, which is meant for all people, regardless of their intellectual or spiritual status. True Christianity embraces both the historical and physical aspects of God's creation, recognizing them as integral to His redemptive work. The danger of seeking spiritual elitism over the simplicity of the Gospel is a timeless challenge, reminding believers to value the Gospel's inclusivity and accessibility. [01:44]

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (ESV): "Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that 'all of us possess knowledge.' This 'knowledge' puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God."

Reflection: In what areas of your spiritual life might you be seeking exclusive knowledge or experiences? How can you refocus on the simplicity and inclusivity of the Gospel today?


Day 2: The Significance of History in Faith
Irenaeus emphasized the importance of history as an integral part of God's redemptive work, countering the Gnostic view that dismissed the physical world. He argued that the Bible is not a collection of myths but a record of God's work in history. This perspective reminds believers that their faith is rooted in real events and that God is actively working in history to fulfill His purposes. Understanding the historical context of the Bible enriches one's faith and provides a deeper appreciation for God's ongoing work in the world. [06:17]

Hebrews 11:1-3 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."

Reflection: How does understanding the historical context of the Bible enhance your faith? Can you identify a specific biblical event that strengthens your trust in God's active role in history?


Day 3: Trusting Reliable Teachers
Irenaeus advised believers to rely on their local, trustworthy pastors for guidance amidst theological confusion. This underscores the importance of being part of a community where the Word is faithfully taught, while also encouraging personal engagement with Scripture. While the advice to trust local bishops was practical, it later evolved into a problematic theory of infallible bishops. Today, believers are encouraged to seek guidance from reliable teachers while maintaining personal study and discernment of Scripture. [08:44]

Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

Reflection: Who are the reliable teachers in your life that you can turn to for guidance? How can you balance trusting their teaching with personal study and discernment of Scripture?


Day 4: The Perils of Seeking Certainty
Montanism's quest for certainty through new revelations warns against looking for assurance outside of Scripture. While Montanism initially aligned with orthodox beliefs, its extreme views eventually led to schism. This movement highlights the danger of seeking certainty through means other than the Bible. True certainty comes from Scripture, which requires believers to continually return to it and compare Scripture with Scripture. This practice ensures that one's faith remains grounded in the truth of God's Word. [13:39]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you seek certainty outside of Scripture? How can you commit to grounding your assurance in the truth of God's Word today?


Day 5: The Inclusivity of the Gospel
Origen's defense against elitist critiques of Christianity highlights the Gospel's inclusivity. Christianity welcomes all, regardless of status or intellect, offering transformation through Christ. This is a powerful reminder of the Gospel's universal appeal and transformative power. Origen's work laid the groundwork for future theological development, despite his theological errors. His efforts to systematize theology and defend the faith against critics demonstrate the importance of engaging with and understanding the Gospel's inclusive message. [22:18]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate the inclusivity of the Gospel in your interactions with others today? Is there someone in your life who needs to experience the transformative power of Christ's love through you?

Quotes


Gnosticism is a movement derived from the Greek word gnosis for knowledge. The Gnostics claimed that they had special knowledge, that they had more knowledge. The Gnostics appealed to several factors in the ancient world. One was the sense that some people are a lot better than others. And the Gnostics would sometimes make the argument, "Well you know the church you're going to is okay for common people, but if you want the fuller truth, if you want the deeper truth," often, "if you want the secret truth, we have that, and they don't have it. So you better come to us. We can do for you what nobody else can do for you." [00:01:01]

This characterized almost all the very many different kinds of Gnosticism -- a spirituality that fundamentally denied the importance of history, the importance of the physical world, that said the action is really always in the spiritual. And in this regard they connected with things to be found in ancient philosophy, particularly amongst Plato and some of his followers. The really important thing is the spiritual. And that may surprise us in some ways, but what's fascinating about what went on in the ancient world is there are always similarities in the modern world. [00:02:10]

Irenaeus was eager to make the point the true and eternal God created the world and He created it good. Physicality is not something to be rejected and overcome, but it's the way God created us to be. And because of that, history is important. Irenaeus could almost be the patron saint of historians. He said, "You know, the Bible is not a book of myths, it's not a book of spiritual lessons hiding behind history, but the lesson is the history that our God is at work in history to accomplish His saving purpose and to bring His Son." [00:05:49]

Irenaeus comes to stress the Scriptures. "We don't need secrets, we don't need speculation, we have what we need in the Bible. The Bible tells us God created, that creation is good, although it fell into sin, and that history is important because it's in history God works and in history God brought His Son to be the Savior." And then Irenaeus very importantly for the history of the church said, "And by the way, if you're confused who is the reliable teacher in the history of the church, who can you trust as a teacher? You have this Gnostic, and you have that Gnostic, and you have another kind of heretic. The guy to trust is your local bishop." [00:06:22]

Bishops above all were teachers and preachers. They were not administrators in the ancient church. And they weren't so much over many churches -- that developed much later in the ancient church period -- they were primarily pastors in a local church. And so when Irenaeus says, "When in doubt, stick with the bishop," he's really saying, "When in doubt, stick with your local, reliable preacher, the guy you've known, the guy who opens the Word, the guy whom the church more broadly approves of," and as a sort of practical bit of advice, it was very valuable. [00:08:29]

There is this danger amongst Christians to want to find certainty in the wrong place. We want to find certainty by the Holy Spirit still guaranteeing that we're right, or we want to find certainty by an infallible bishop that is always reliable no matter what happens. And the truth is when we look into the Word of God we discover there's only one place for certainty, and that's in the Bible. And we might say, "Well, you know that's kind of annoying," because there are a lot of people who find a lot of different things in the Bible. [00:12:55]

Jesus, when He faced the devil, the devil quoted the Bible. Jesus said, "It is also written…" Jesus is directing us, you see; always go back to the Bible. Always compare Scripture with Scripture. That's the only way forward, that's the only way to be assured of the truth. It's the Bible that is the source of our certainty. Now these Montanists, as I say, were really pretty orthodox in their theology, except for their notion that the Holy Spirit directed and guided them, and then, as is the case with many, they began to think that other folks were not as strict, and were not as insightful as they were. [00:13:34]

Tertullian, who lived and ministered in the late second and early third century, was one of the great thinkers and one of the very best early writers of the church. He was a great Latin writer, and in the Latin world the way you wrote made a big difference to people. They were deeply moved when the Latin language was written elegantly and eloquently, and Tertullian was a great stylist as well as a remarkable theologian. And in his writing he accomplished great things in advancing the cause of Christianity, but was drawn to the Montanists because Tertullian himself was a rigorist. [00:14:36]

It was Tertullian who came up with some of the phrases that we still remember. It was Tertullian who first said, "What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem? Let's not be corrupted by pagan thinking, let's just focus on the Bible." And so Tertullian was one of those who spoke so passionately, so firmly, so eloquently in defense of the faith, and was a really great figure in terms of defending the truth, and the later church had trouble with Tertullian because technically he died as a schismatic, he died outside of the church, as they saw it, because he identified with the Montanists. [00:16:11]

Origen raised so many critical questions for the church. He began the process of theology in such a profound and helpful way. The only problem is he was wrong in an awful lot of the conclusions that he reached. But the questions he asked were really important ones, and he asked them in quite brilliant ways. He's a child of Alexandria, and Alexandria was arguably the most important city in the ancient Mediterranean world, and it was a center of great commerce, but also a center of great learning. Only Rome and Athens could challenge it as a center of learning, but by our day certainly Alexandria has surpassed them both. [00:18:31]

Celsus was an eminently thoughtful and philosophical man, and as a typical pagan, Celsus had said, "Those Christians, you know, if you wanted to gather just a group of thugs, you wouldn't do any better than the local church. They're stupid, they're not well-educated, and for them to go around constantly saying that God is interested in them, they're like a bunch of frogs croaking in a pond, trying to get attention to themselves." And Origen took on this critique of Celsus, this elitist attitude on the part of Celsus, and answered it brilliantly. [00:21:00]

Christians aren't much. And the glorious thing about Christianity is you don't have to be much to come to Christ, because you don't have to change yourself in order to come to Christ, but you come to Christ in order to be changed." And it's a brilliant turning of the argument on its head. Christianity is a glorious religion because it's for everybody, and it's a glorious religion because it's for smart people and dumb people. It's for moral people, and immoral people, at least as they come to Christ, find forgiveness in Him, and find transformation in Him. [00:21:54]

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Transcript
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