Book Recommendations on the Second Council of Constantinople
- The Council of Constantinople 553: Homilies and Texts by Richard Price
- The Christological Controversy by Richard A. Norris Jr.
- Justinian and the Making of the Syrian Orthodox Church by Volker L. Menze
- The Church in Ancient Society by Henry Chadwick
- The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church by Hubert Jedin
Click the title to view the book on Amazon.
Revisiting Christological Disputes
The Second Council of Constantinople, convened in 553 AD, was the fifth ecumenical council of the Christian church. Building on the theological groundwork of earlier councils, it sought to address lingering Nestorian controversies and clarify Christological orthodoxy.
This article examines the Second Council of Constantinople, exploring its historical context, key decisions, and enduring significance for Christian theology.
Historical Context: A Church Seeking Unity
By the mid-6th century, the church faced ongoing divisions stemming from the Nestorian and Monophysite controversies.
The Nestorian Controversy
Nestorius’s teachings, which separated Christ’s divine and human natures, had been condemned at the Council of Ephesus (431 AD). However, debates about Nestorian ideas persisted, fueled by writings attributed to Theodore of Mopsuestia, Theodoret of Cyrus, and Ibas of Edessa—collectively called the “Three Chapters.”
Emperor Justinian’s Role
Emperor Justinian, a staunch defender of Chalcedonian orthodoxy, sought to reconcile divisions within the empire. He hoped the council’s condemnation of the “Three Chapters” would appease Monophysite factions without undermining the authority of the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD).
The Convening of the Council
The Second Council of Constantinople was convened by Justinian in May 553 AD. Held in the imperial capital, it brought together bishops from across the empire to deliberate on theological and political issues threatening church unity.
Key Decisions and Decrees
Condemnation of the “Three Chapters”
The council condemned the writings of Theodore of Mopsuestia, Theodoret of Cyrus, and Ibas of Edessa, asserting that their teachings were inconsistent with the church’s understanding of Christ’s unified nature.
- Theological Significance: This condemnation reinforced the Chalcedonian Definition by rejecting any interpretation that implied a division between Christ’s divine and human natures.
Affirmation of Chalcedonian Orthodoxy
The council upheld the decisions of the Council of Chalcedon, affirming that Christ’s two natures—divine and human—were united in one person without confusion, change, division, or separation.
Addressing Origenism
Although not the primary focus, the council also condemned certain teachings attributed to Origen, particularly those concerning the preexistence of souls and universal salvation, to safeguard orthodox doctrine.
Legacy of the Second Council of Constantinople
Theological Clarity
By addressing the “Three Chapters,” the council clarified the boundaries of Christological orthodoxy, ensuring that Chalcedonian doctrine remained central to the church’s understanding of the Incarnation.
Political and Ecclesiastical Impact
While the council aimed to unify the church, its decisions deepened divisions with the Western church. Pope Vigilius, initially resistant to the condemnation of the “Three Chapters,” eventually acquiesced, but tensions between Eastern and Western Christianity persisted.
Influence on Future Councils
The Second Council of Constantinople set a precedent for addressing theological disputes through ecumenical deliberation, influencing later councils’ approaches to doctrinal issues.
Strengthening the Foundations of Faith
The Second Council of Constantinople was a critical moment in the church’s effort to define and defend Christological orthodoxy. By condemning the “Three Chapters” and affirming Chalcedonian theology, the council reinforced the unity of Christ’s divine and human natures—a doctrine central to the Christian faith.
Its legacy continues to shape theological discussions and underscores the importance of ecumenical councils in preserving the truth of the gospel.
