Who was Constantine the Great?
Constantine the Great (AD 280—337) was one of Rome’s most powerful and successful emperors and the first to self-identify as a Christian. He is known for his economic, political, and military achievements, as well as his religious reforms. Medieval writers praised him as the ideal ruler, against whom all kings were measured. Over time, his…
What is a synod?
A synod is a council or assembly usually convened to discuss and decide on matters of church doctrine or administration. The term synod comes from the Greek word synodos, which means “assembly” or “meeting.” In various Christian denominations, synods have shaped church policies, resolved theological disputes, and cultivated unity among believers. Synods can be convened…
What impact did the Pax Romana have on the early spread of Christianity?
Pax Romana simply means “Peace of Rome” and refers to the tranquility and security that the Roman Empire brought to the Mediterranean world. The Pax Romana lasted from the reign of Caesar Augustus (27 BC–AD 14) to that of Caesar Marcus Aurelius (AD 161–180). At the time of Christ and during the first generation of…
Who was Pliny the Younger?
Pliny the Younger (c. 61—113), a Roman administrator, was the nephew of Pliny the Elder and a friend of the historian Tacitus. His primary historical significance is in the letters that he wrote, which provide an intimate window into the inner workings of the Roman Empire at its strongest. Some of his letters were actual…
What occurred at the Second Council of Nicea?
The First Council of Nicea (or Nicaea) convened in AD 325 and issued statements on the Trinity and the divinity of Christ. The Second Council of Nicea (AD 787) was called to definitively settle the issue of the use of images in worship. The use and eventual worship of images had become an issue in…
Who was Nero?
Born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus in December of AD 37, Nero became the fifth emperor of Rome. Nero, along with Rome’s first four emperors—Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius—made up what is called the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Nero was adopted by his great uncle Claudius to become his successor, and upon Claudius’s death in AD 54 Nero became…
What were the ecumenical councils?
The ecumenical councils were official gatherings of church leaders from all over the Christian world (the word ecumenical meaning, “representing the whole of a body of churches”). The purpose of the councils was to discuss various issues of theology and church practice and make binding decisions for the church at large. The early ecumenical councils…
Who was Cleopatra? Is Cleopatra mentioned in the Bible?
First, a quick disambiguation, as history records two Cleopatras: Cleopatra of Jerusalem and Cleopatra of Egypt. Cleopatra of Jerusalem was the fifth wife of Herod the Great, and she is mentioned by the historian Josephus. The more famous Cleopatra of Egypt is the subject of this article. Neither Cleopatra is mentioned in the Bible. Cleopatra…
What occurred at the Council of Nicea?
The Council of Nicea took place in AD 325 by order of the Roman Emperor Caesar Flavius Constantine. Nicea was located in Asia Minor, east of Constantinople. At the Council of Nicea, Emperor Constantine presided over a group of church bishops and other leaders with the purpose of defining the nature of God for all…
What is the Athanasian Creed?
The Athanasian Creed (known in Latin as Quicumque vult) is an early summary of Christian doctrine. It is traditionally believed to have been written by Athanasius, archbishop of Alexandria, who lived in the 4th century A.D. However, this traditional view of its authorship is challenged by some historians and scholars. The Athanasian Creed seems to…