4.

THE COUNCIL OF NICAEA – 325 AD

I. Background – Belief in the Trinity before 300 AD

The exact doctrine of Christ in the NT has its share of mysteries. Strong indicators of both Jesus’ divinity, and his true manhood are in the NT.

Influence of Greek philosophy made sharp distinction between the spiritual and material – people wanted the relationship to be clarified.

Early church father called Irenaeus of Lyon (in Gaul, late 2nd century).

One early position on Christ was called Sabellianism or Modalism.

Another idea was Adoptionism.

II. The Rise of CONSTANTINE – First Christian Emperor of Rome

Before him, Emperor Dioceletian severely persecuted Christians.

Constantine (288 – 337 AD) had to fight rivals…. He became Caesar at age 24.

Constantine was interested in how Christianity could be a unifying force in a fragmented empire.

III. A Controversy over CHRIST – Beginning in Alexandria

How is Jesus the Son related to God the Father? If he is fully divine, how is he any different than the Father? WHO exactly is Jesus, in both his person and work on the Cross?

ARIUS (250 – 336 AD) was a teacher in Alexandria who wanted to protect the uniqueness of God the Father and his transcendence; so he said no being could rival Him, Jesus must be something less.

The Bishop of Alexandria opposed this. But the real power was a deacon who assisted him: ATHANASIUS (296 – 373 AD), one of the truly great men of Christian history, who later became the Bishop of Alexandria.

5.

IV. The First Ever Ecumenical Council for Christianity – NICAEA in 325 AD

Precedent – Jerusalem Council in Acts 15

Where? – Nicaea

Who Came? – Some 235 – 300 bishops and assistants. More came from the east than the west.

What it was NOT about: The “Da Vinci Code” book/movie tells bold lies about Nicaea!

V. Crux of the Debate: “homo-ousios” or “homoi-ousios” ??

Was the substance of Jesus the SAME (homo) or LIKE/SIMILAR to that of the Father (homoi)? Same substance = “consubstantial”.

Athanasius stressed Christ MUST be fully divine and fully human; only in this way would he be qualified to save. And this far better fit with all the data of Scripture.

The Council ended with a basic victory for the position of Athanasius and defeat for Arius. However, strong controversy continued for four decades! Many would say without the stalwart defense of Athanasius, the Nicene position may well have been overwhelmed by the opposition.

VI. Post – Nicene Events

Finally in 381, Emperor Theodosius called Council of Constantinople. Wrote the more expanded edition of the Nicene Creed we know and use today.

VII. Historic Importance of Nicaea:

 Set the historic baseline for doctrinal understanding the place and role of Jesus as divine/human within the Trinity.  The place of the Roman State government was defined. Orthodox view was that in the spiritual sphere of the church, the state was subordinate.  Great enhancement to the whole idea of Creedalism: human documents to condense and define Bible doctrines.  Set precedent for calling international, ecumenical Councils to deal with difficult doctrinal issues. Tended to unite Christianity.  A minor issue dealt with at Nicaea: system of determining the date of Easter.  And…One very unique person attended the Council of Nicaea: St. Nicholas of Myra (in SE Turkey today).