Book Recommendations on the Third Council of Constantinople
- The Christological Controversy by Richard A. Norris Jr.
- The Byzantine Christ by Demetrios Bathrellos
- Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church by Hubert Jedin
- Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective by Fred Sanders
- The Spirit of Early Christian Thought by Robert Louis Wilken
Click the title to view the book on Amazon.
Defining Christ’s Will in Orthodox Doctrine
The Third Council of Constantinople, held from 680 to 681 AD, addressed a pivotal theological debate concerning Christ’s wills. The council affirmed that Jesus possesses both a divine will and a human will, preserving the integrity of His full humanity and divinity.
This article explores the Third Council of Constantinople, its historical context, theological decisions, and enduring legacy in Christian theology.
Historical Context: The Monothelite Controversy
The council was convened to resolve the Monothelite controversy, which arose in the 7th century as a continuation of earlier Christological disputes.
What is Monothelitism?
Monothelitism proposed that Christ had only one will—the divine will—despite His two natures (divine and human). Proponents argued this preserved unity in Christ, but opponents contended it undermined His true humanity.
Political and Ecclesiastical Tensions
The controversy was intertwined with political efforts to reconcile the Eastern and Western churches following divisions caused by earlier councils. Byzantine emperors, seeking unity, often supported Monothelitism, further complicating theological debates.
The Convening of the Council
The Third Council of Constantinople was convened by Emperor Constantine IV, who sought to end the division within the empire and restore theological clarity. Representatives from both the Eastern and Western churches attended, including legates from Pope Agatho.
Key Decisions and Doctrinal Affirmations
Affirmation of Christ’s Two Wills
The council declared that Christ possesses two wills—one divine and one human—harmoniously united within His single person. The key affirmation was:
“We proclaim two natural wills in Him and two natural operations, indivisibly, inconvertibly, inseparably, and unconfusedly.”
This doctrine safeguarded the church’s teaching that Christ’s human will was fully real and necessary for His obedience and redemption of humanity.
Condemnation of Heresies
Monothelitism was condemned as a heresy, along with its prominent proponents, including Patriarch Sergius I of Constantinople. The council affirmed the teachings of earlier ecumenical councils, especially Chalcedon’s definition of Christ’s two natures.
Legacy of the Third Council of Constantinople
Theological Significance
The council’s affirmation of Christ’s two wills resolved a crucial question about the Incarnation: that Christ’s human will cooperated fully with His divine will, ensuring His genuine humanity and perfect obedience.
Strengthened Orthodox Doctrine
The decisions of the Third Council of Constantinople reinforced the theological foundations laid by earlier councils, particularly regarding Christology.
Unity in Doctrine
While the council clarified orthodox teachings, it did not immediately heal divisions with Monophysite communities, which rejected Chalcedonian Christology.
A Pillar of Christological Clarity
The Third Council of Constantinople stands as a significant milestone in Christian theology, affirming that Christ’s two wills reflect His full humanity and divinity. This decision preserved the integrity of the gospel message, emphasizing that Christ’s obedience was both divine and human, a profound mystery at the heart of the Christian faith.
