Interpretation and reception
Against Heresies
Irenaeus
Warns against confidently naming Antichrist despite numerical speculation; discusses 666 and a rival reading. Names proposed in the text are possibilities, not confirmed identities.
Read on Rainbow Watch
Irenaeus on 666, rival names and Antichrist’s reign · commentary →
Irenaeus includes animals in the restoration · commentary →
View cited source · newadvent.org ↗
Edition and location
Translated by Alexander Roberts and William Rambaut. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1885.) Revised for New Advent by Kevin Knight.
Book V, chapter 30, sections 1–3