Book Recommendations on Early Church Councils
- The Nicene Faith by John Behr
- The History of the Church by Eusebius
- The Early Church Fathers by Henry Bettenson
- Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church by Hubert Jedin
- The Spirit of Early Christian Thought by Robert Louis Wilken
Click the title to view the book on Amazon.
Establishing the Boundaries of Christian Orthodoxy
The First Council of Constantinople, held in 381 AD, was a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity. Building upon the work of the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD), this ecumenical council addressed theological disputes concerning the nature of the Trinity, particularly the divinity of the Holy Spirit, and sought to unify the church under a shared creed.
This article explores the First Council of Constantinople, its historical context, decisions, and enduring impact on Christian theology.
The Historical Context: A Church Divided
By the late 4th century, Christianity had become the dominant religion of the Roman Empire, but theological disputes threatened its unity.
The Arian Controversy
Despite the Nicene Creed’s affirmation of Christ’s divinity, Arianism—teaching that Christ was created and subordinate to God the Father—persisted. Additionally, some groups, later called Pneumatomachians, denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit, creating further division.
The Role of Emperor Theodosius I
In 380 AD, Emperor Theodosius I declared Nicene Christianity the official state religion of the empire through the Edict of Thessalonica. To address lingering theological controversies and consolidate the church’s unity, he convened the First Council of Constantinople in 381 AD.
Key Decisions and Theological Developments
The Expansion of the Nicene Creed
The council expanded the Nicene Creed to affirm the divinity of the Holy Spirit. The revised creed stated:
“We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.”
This addition countered Pneumatomachian theology and clarified the church’s Trinitarian doctrine, emphasizing the equality and co-eternity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Condemnation of Heresies
The council reaffirmed the condemnation of Arianism and addressed other heretical teachings, including:
- Apollinarianism: Denied that Christ had a human soul, emphasizing His divine nature at the expense of His humanity.
- Macedonianism: Rejected the divinity of the Holy Spirit.
Elevation of Constantinople
The council recognized Constantinople as the “New Rome,” elevating its bishop to second in honor after the Bishop of Rome. This decision reflected the growing importance of the Eastern Roman Empire and would later contribute to tensions between the Eastern and Western churches.
The Legacy of the First Council of Constantinople
Trinitarian Doctrine
The council’s affirmation of the Holy Spirit’s divinity solidified the Trinitarian framework of Christian theology, which remains central to most Christian denominations today.
The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed
The creed revised at Constantinople became the standard profession of faith in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, as well as many Protestant traditions. It is recited in liturgies worldwide, underscoring its lasting significance.
A Foundation for Future Councils
The First Council of Constantinople set a precedent for resolving theological disputes through ecumenical councils. Its decisions influenced later councils, particularly in addressing Christological controversies.
A Pillar of Christian Orthodoxy
The First Council of Constantinople played a critical role in shaping the theological identity of the Christian church. By affirming the divinity of the Holy Spirit and expanding the Nicene Creed, the council safeguarded the church’s Trinitarian doctrine and strengthened its unity.
As a cornerstone of Christian orthodoxy, the council’s legacy endures in the faith and practice of countless believers across traditions.
