Very probably, however, as appears to be the case with the Pistis Sophia, they have been copied from manuscripts which were contemporary with or earlier than the time of Irenaeus, and hence may be regarded as good authority in determining Gnostic teachings.
"The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries"
W. Y. Evans Wentz
Polycarp, says Irenaeus, "taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down, and which alone are true."
"Historical Introductions to the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church"
Friedrich Bente
According to Irenaeus, then, the "rule of truth" received and confessed by every Christian at his baptism was transmitted by the apostles.
"Historical Introductions to the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church"
Friedrich Bente