St. Irenaeus of Lyons and Melito – on Some Problems of Christian ‘Political Thinkers During Martyrs Era’

Abstract

Christians of the “martyrs era” (especially during the second century AD), discussed not only their role in the polytheistic world and eventually deified political ruler (emperor) but also the basis of authority and legitimacy of the ruler. St. Irenaeus of Lyons and Melito were written also on existing a possible normative context binding ruler which is non-Christian. The author of the study argues that their positions were not identical, and moreover, to some extent were polemical with the views found in the statements of the emperor Marcus Aurelius.