ABSTRACT
In the first century, the struggle for Christianity's distinctive identity took place within the Jewish context. In order to proclaim Christ, first-century preachers had to consider Jesus' relationship to the Torah, circumcision, the Abrahamic promises, the temple and its sacrifices. Irenaeus' concern for the relationship between the old and new in God's self-revelation is evident in his discussion of the four gospels and their place within the larger canon of the scriptures. Irenaeus is well known for his assertion that there are neither more nor less than four gospels. For Irenaeus, the whole controversy revolves around the confession of Jesus Christ. However, for the bishop of Lyons, this Christological controversy is by no means simply a systematic debate; rather, it is inherently scriptural. Irenaeus teaches that the virgin birth establishes a two-way communication between God and his fleshly formation. Irenaeus' interpretation of the virgin birth is in line with expectations.
