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In the context of biblical and early Christian history, councils refer to formal assemblies or gatherings of church leaders and elders convened to deliberate on theological, doctrinal, and ecclesiastical matters. These councils played a crucial role in shaping the beliefs and practices of the early Christian church and continue to influence Christian doctrine today.

Biblical Precedents

The concept of councils can be traced back to the Old Testament, where assemblies of elders and leaders were convened to address issues concerning the Israelite community. For example, inExodus 18:13-26, Moses established a system of judges to help govern the people, a precursor to more formalized gatherings. Similarly, inNumbers 11:16-17, God instructed Moses to gather seventy elders to assist him in leading the people.

In the New Testament, the most notable example of a council is the Jerusalem Council, as recorded inActs 15. This council was convened to address the contentious issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity were required to observe the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision. The apostles and elders gathered in Jerusalem to deliberate on this matter. After much discussion, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James spoke, and the council concluded that Gentile believers should not be burdened with the full yoke of the Law, except for a few necessary abstentions (Acts 15:28-29).

Early Church Councils

Following the apostolic era, the early church continued the practice of convening councils to address theological disputes and heresies. These councils were instrumental in defining orthodox Christian doctrine and combating heretical teachings.

1.Council of Nicaea (AD 325): The first ecumenical council, convened by Emperor Constantine, addressed the Arian controversy, which questioned the divinity of Jesus Christ. The council affirmed the consubstantiality of the Son with the Father, leading to the formulation of the Nicene Creed.

2.Council of Constantinople (AD 381): This council expanded on the Nicene Creed, addressing the divinity of the Holy Spirit and further clarifying the doctrine of the Trinity.

3.Council of Ephesus (AD 431): Convened to address the Nestorian controversy, this council affirmed the title of Theotokos (God-bearer) for Mary, emphasizing the unity of Christ's divine and human natures.

4.Council of Chalcedon (AD 451): This council addressed the Eutychian heresy and articulated the doctrine of the hypostatic union, affirming that Christ is fully God and fully man in one person.

Significance and Legacy

Councils have been pivotal in the development and preservation of Christian orthodoxy. They provided a platform for church leaders to address theological disputes, establish doctrinal clarity, and maintain ecclesiastical unity. The decisions made at these councils, particularly the early ecumenical councils, continue to be foundational for many Christian denominations.

The authority and decisions of councils are often viewed as guided by the Holy Spirit, as seen in the Jerusalem Council's declaration: "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us..." (Acts 15:28). This underscores the belief that councils are not merely human institutions but are divinely guided to uphold the truth of the Gospel.

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The Seven EcumenicalCouncils
The Seven EcumenicalCouncils. <. The Seven EcumenicalCouncils Philip Schaff.
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On theCouncils, Or, the Faith of the Easterns.
... On theCouncils, or, The Faith of the Easterns. To the most dearly loved
and blessed brethren our fellow-bishops of the province...

OnCouncils
... DISPUTATION LVIII ONCOUNCILS.... XI. The necessity ofcouncils is not absolute, because
the church can be instructed respecting necessary things without them....

The Seven OecumenicalCouncils.
... The Seven OEcumenicalCouncils.... TheseCouncils were all summoned by Greek emperors,
and controlled by Greek patriarchs and bishops. They are as follows:...

There was Doubt in theCouncils of the Gods How that Unyielding...
... Book V. 11 There was doubt in thecouncils of the gods how that unyielding
and fierce violence? There was doubt in thecouncils...

Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
... Chapter II.Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia. Part I. History of theCouncils.
Reason why twoCouncils were called. Inconsistency...

OfCouncils and their Authority.
... BOOK FOURTH. OF THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH CHAPTER 9. OFCOUNCILS AND THEIR
AUTHORITY. OFCOUNCILS AND THEIR AUTHORITY. [579] Since...

Councils of Sicily and of Tyana. The Synod which was Expected to...
... Book VI. Chapter XII."Councils of Sicily and of Tyana. The Synod which
was expected to be held in Cilicia is dissolved by Valens....

Councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon (Ad 431-451)
... PART I CHAPTER XXII:COUNCILS OF EPHESUS AND CHALCEDON (AD 431-451). Augustine
died just as a great council was about to be held in the East....

Basil and theCouncils, to the Accession of Valens.
... Prolegomena. Sketch of the Life and Works of Saint Basil. IV."Basil and the
Councils, to the Accession of Valens. Up to this time St....

Councils (2 Occurrences)
...Councils (2 Occurrences). Matthew 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver
you up tocouncils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you....

Local (5 Occurrences)
... Local (5 Occurrences). Matthew 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you
up tocouncils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you. (See NIV)....

Council (51 Occurrences)
... The Jewishcouncils were the Sanhedrim, or supreme council of the nation, which
had subordinate to it smaller tribunals (the "judgment, " perhaps, in Matthew 5...

Synagogues (27 Occurrences)
... NIV). Matthew 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up tocouncils,
and in their synagogues they will scourge you. (WEB...

Sirach
... It was accepted as of canonical rank by Augustine and by theCouncils of Hippo
(393) and Carthage (397, 419), yet it is omitted from the lists of accepted...

Deliver (397 Occurrences)
... (Root in DBY YLT). Matthew 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you
up tocouncils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you....

Gadara
... It was the seat of one of thecouncils instituted by Gabinius for the government
of the Jews (Ant., XIV, v, 4; BJ, I, viii, 5). It was given by Augustus to...

Flogged (12 Occurrences)
... crucified. (WEB NIV). Mark 13:9 But watch yourselves, for they will deliver
you up tocouncils. You will be beaten in synagogues....

Testimony (175 Occurrences)
... mother.'" (WEB NIV). Mark 13:9 But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you
up tocouncils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will...

Theirs (96 Occurrences)
... Matthew 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up tocouncils,
and in theirs synagogues they will scourge you; (ASV)....

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