Hippolytus was a student of Irenaeus, and he spent his entire life trying to understand the meaning of the words written by those who knew Jesus. He thought he knew Jesus's purpose. He read many of the ancient scrolls with great concern and was not afraid to challenge the decrees of the pope. For many years, he disagreed with the leniency of the church and challenged several popes concerning absolution granted to those who committed adultery or murder. He became known as the first antipope.