The Wondrous Exchange: Irenaeus and Eastern Valentinians on the Soteriology of Interchange

The soteriology of interchange—or the mutual participation of the Savior and the saved—is a theme that first appears in Paul and is later developed by both Irenaeus and key texts of Eastern Valentinianism (the Treatise on Resurrection, the Tripartite Tractate, and the Interpretation of Knowledge). A comparison between these texts and the works of Irenaeus shows that both present the incarnation of the Savior as the first step in a “wondrous exchange” between Christ and Christians. Irenaeus and Eastern Valentinians differ, however, on the nature of the exchange, its purpose, and its results. Such differences put into relief deeper parallels between Irenaean and Valentinian soteriology, indicating both a shared theological culture as well as a common Christian heritage.