/ library / irenaeus / fragments

Fragment 25

The lad therefore which led Sampson by the hand will typify John...

The lad therefore1 which led Sampson by the hand will typify John Baptist who points out to the people faith to Christ-ward.2 The house, wherein they were gathered, is the world wherein dwelt alien and unbelieving nations which sacrifice to their idols: the two pillars are the two Testaments. Sampson therefore leaning on the pillars, is the people when taught acknowledging the Mystery of Christ.


  1. w Extant in the Leipzig Catena, ii. 230. 

  2. Judges 16:26.