Evidence for Irenaeus’s Familiarity with the Stromata in the Preface to Adversus Haereses

The preface of Irenaeus’s Adversus Haereses contains significant and revealing allusions to Clement of Alexandria’s Stromata. This connection is often overlooked due to the shorthand references commonly used for these seminal works. By diving deeper into the language and context of both texts, we can uncover how Irenaeus not only knew of Clement's work but engaged with it critically and polemically.

The Significance of ὑπομνήματα in Adversus Haereses

Irenaeus claims in the preface to Adversus Haereses that his work surpasses all previous writings on the Valentinian sect. He proudly states that after reading the ὑπομνήματα (as they are called) of Valentinus’s disciples and understanding their views, he aims to expose their "marvelous and profound mysteries that cannot be comprehended by all." Irenaeus humorously adds that not everyone has "let go of their brains" (μὴ πάντες τὸν ἐγκέφαλον ἐξεπτύκασιν), implying that these mysteries are so esoteric that only those who have abandoned reason can understand them.

Clement’s Use of ὑπομνήματα

Clement of Alexandria frequently refers to his work as ὑπομνήματα as well as στρ὎ματα and other derived terminologies. He explicitly uses the term ὑπομνήματα four times to describe his work. In the beginning of Stromata Book 1, Clement confesses that these ὑπομνήματα help him overcome chronic memory loss. Clement’s use of ὑπομνήματα is sophisticated and multi-layered, often playing on classical references and employing irony.

Irenaeus’s Response to Clement

It appears that Irenaeus obtained a copy of Clement’s Stromata, read Clement’s allusion to his supposed "mental deficiencies" and the use of ὑπομνήματα as mnemonic aids, and responded sarcastically in the preface to Adversus Haereses. Andrew Itter has noted Clement’s playful allusion to Plato's Phaedrus when he ironically mentions storing up his notes as a cure for forgetfulness. Clement sees his notes as reminders rather than a cure for memory, acknowledging their limitations in interpreting secret things but valuing their role in recalling them to memory. Clement, portraying himself as a wise old man, aims to recollect and rekindle the "secret things" in the minds of his readers, while encouraging them to make their own discoveries.

Irenaeus’s Mockery and Sarcasm

Irenaeus, instead of appreciating Clement’s literary playfulness, seizes upon it to mock Clement’s mental state. Irenaeus exaggerates Clement’s self-deprecating comments for comedic effect, using the phrase "τὸν ἐγκέφαλον ἐξεπτύκασιν" (literally "spit their brains out") to ridicule Clement’s supposed mental deficiencies. This phrase, translated by Thomassen as "since not all have let go of their brains" and in Latin as "quia non omnes cerebrum habent," builds upon Clement’s own statements about his memory lapses in the opening lines of the Stromata.

Literary Evidence and Sarcasm

The sarcastic tone in Irenaeus’s preface suggests a familiarity with Clement’s self-presentation and literary style. Clement’s sophisticated irony and self-awareness are transformed into a point of ridicule by Irenaeus, who uses Clement’s own words against him. This not only highlights the intellectual rivalry between the two figures but also underscores Irenaeus’s polemical strategy of discrediting his theological opponents by any means necessary.

Conclusion

The evidence of Irenaeus’s familiarity with Clement’s Stromata in the preface to Adversus Haereses is compelling. Irenaeus’s sarcastic remarks about the mental state of those who understand Valentinian mysteries directly respond to Clement’s ironic references to his own memory and use of ὑπομνήματα. This engagement reveals a deeper intellectual and theological conflict between the two Church Fathers, with Irenaeus aiming to undermine Clement’s authority and credibility. By recognizing these nuanced connections, we gain a richer understanding of the early Christian debates and the sophisticated rhetorical strategies employed by these influential thinkers.