Did the Early Church invent the Trinity?

Luke J. Wilson | 21st July 2024 | Trinity

Monarchical Trinitarianism, also referred to as the “Monarchy of the Father,” is a theological perspective that asserts the Father as the sole source (or monarch) within the Trinity. This view maintains a clear distinction of roles among the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit while upholding their unity in essence. It is essential to distinguish this from Monarchianism, a heretical belief condemned in the 4th century, which posited that God is a single person rather than three distinct persons. The Eternal Begottenness of the Son The term “created” used by the early pre-Nicene Fathers does not align with the Arian view, which posits that the Son was created ex nihilo (out of nothing), making Him a creature. As Arius infamously declared, “there was a time when the Son was not”. Rather, the Fathers articulated that the Son was begotten out of the Father, emphasising His divine origin and eternal existence within the Father’s bosom (cf. John 1:18 in Greek). As Justin Martyr explains, “For Christ is the first-begotten of God, and we have declared above that He is the Word of whom every race of men were partakers; and those who lived reasonably are Christians, even though they have been thought atheists” (Justin Martyr, First Apology, Chapter 46). This highlights that the Son, the Word, existed eternally with the Father before being begotten and manifested. Similarly, Hippolytus expounds on this concept, noting that “God, subsisting alone, and having nothing contemporaneous with Himself, determined to create the world … For He was neither without reason, nor wisdom, nor power, nor counsel And all things were in Him, and He was the All. When He willed, and as He willed, He manifested His word in the times determined by Him, and by Him He made all things. … And thus there appeared another beside Himself. But when I say another, I do not mean that there are two Gods, but that it is only as light of light, or as water from a fountain, or as a ray from the sun. For there is but one power, which is from the All; and the Father is the All, from whom cometh this Power, the Word. And this is the mind which came forth into the world, and was manifested as the Son of God.” (Hippolytus, Against the Heresy of One Noetus, Chapter 10–11). Here, Hippolytus underscores the eternal existence of the Word within God, proceeding from the Father and being of the same essence. The Procession of the Holy Spirit The procession of the Holy Spirit from the Father is another essential aspect of Monarchical Trinitarianism. The Spirit, like the Son, derives His essence from the Father, ensuring that He is co-equal and consubstantial with the Father and the Son. Tertullian speaks to this procession in his work, Against Praxeas, explaining how the Word and Spirit derive their essence from the Father. But still the tree is not severed from the root, nor the river from the fountain, nor the ray from the sun; nor, indeed, is the Word separated from God. … Now the Spirit indeed is third from God and the Son; just as the fruit of the tree is third from the root, or as the stream out of the river is third from the fountain, or as the apex of the ray is third from the sun. Nothing, however, is alien from that original source whence it derives its own properties. In like manner the Trinity, flowing down from the Father through intertwined and connected steps, does not at all disturb the Monarchy, while it at the same time guards the state of the Economy. (Tertullian, Against Praxeas, Chapter 8). Looking at how Tertullian describes this doctrine, we can see how he has gone to lengths to carefully explain how the relationship within the Trinity exists together and relate to one another, while keeping intact the source and essence of divinity united and uncompromised. When we talk about these things, we use terms like “ontological” and “economy” to help to describe the Godhead. Ontology is the study of being, and what make...

Luke J. Wilson | 01st July 2024 | Trinity

The Trinity is a cornerstone of Christian faith, defining God as one Being in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, throughout history, various misunderstandings and false teachings — known as heresies — have arisen, challenging this core doctrine. Understanding these heresies can strengthen our faith and deepen our appreciation for the truths held by the Church since its earliest days. What Is the Trinity? Before diving into the heresies, let’s briefly review what we mean by the Trinity. The Christian doctrine of the Trinity teaches that God is one essence in three distinct Persons: The Father: The Creator and sustainer of all. The Son (Jesus Christ): God incarnate, who lived, died, and was resurrected for our salvation. The Holy Spirit: The presence of God active in the world and within believers. This concept is rooted in Scripture and has been affirmed by the Church through various councils and creeds. Common Historical Heresies Arianism What It Taught: Arius, a priest in the early 4th century, claimed that Jesus Christ was not of the same substance as the Father. He taught that the Son was a created being, distinct and subordinate to the Father. Church’s Response: The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD condemned Arianism, affirming that the Son is “of the same substance” (homoousios) as the Father. This is reflected in the Nicene Creed: “We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God… of one Being with the Father.” Patristic Quote: Athanasius, a staunch defender against Arianism, wrote, “For the Son of God became man so that we might become God” (On the Incarnation, 8:54). Modalism (Sabellianism) What It Taught: Sabellius proposed that God is one Person who reveals Himself in three different modes or aspects: as the Father in creation, as the Son in redemption, and as the Holy Spirit in sanctification. This denies the distinctiveness of the three Persons. Church’s Response: Modalism was rejected because it undermines the relational aspect of the Trinity. The distinct Persons interact with each other, as seen in Jesus’ baptism where the Father speaks, the Son is baptised, and the Spirit descends like a dove. Patristic Quote: Tertullian argued against Modalism by affirming the distinctiveness within the Godhead: “We do indeed believe that there is only one God, but we believe that under this dispensation… there is the Son, who has issued from the Father, and the Spirit, who has issued from both Father and Son” (Against Praxeas, 2). Nestorianism What It Taught: Nestorius, a 5th-century bishop, suggested that Jesus Christ was two separate persons — one human and one divine — rather than one Person with two natures. Church’s Response: The Council of Ephesus in 431 AD declared that Jesus is one Person with two distinct yet united natures: divine and human. This ensures that Jesus is fully God and fully man, capable of bridging the gap between humanity and divinity. Patristic Quote: Cyril of Alexandria emphasised the unity of Christ: “Wherefore we confess one Christ, one Son, one Lord. According to this understanding of this unmixed union, we confess the holy Virgin to be Mother of God; because God the Word was incarnate and became Man, and from this conception he united the temple taken from her with himself.” (Cyril of Alexandria Letter to John of Antioch). Docetism What It Taught: Docetists believed that Jesus’ physical body was an illusion and that He only seemed to suffer and die on the cross. Church’s Response: The Church affirmed that Jesus’ incarnation and suffering were real, as this is essential for our salvation. Jesus’ true humanity allows Him to truly represent us and atone for our sins. Patristic Quote: Ignatius of Antioch stressed the reality of Jesus’ incarnation and suffering: “He was truly of the seed of David according to the flesh, and the Son of God according to the will and powe...

Luke J. Wilson | 16th November 2023 | Trinity

The doctrine of the Trinity, which asserts the co-equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has deep roots in the early Christian writings of the first three centuries. While the full articulation of the Trinity developed over time, culminating at the Council of Nicaea in the fourth century, references to the equality of these three persons can be traced back to influential documents and the teachings of early Church Fathers in the centuries leading up to this pivotal moment in Church History. Early Church Beliefs and Teachings One of the earliest Christian documents, the Didache, believed to have been written in the late first or early second century, provides a clear reference to the co-equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In chapter 7, it instructs the baptismal formula to be in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, emphasising their equal importance and authority in the Christian faith. While this is basically repeating Scripture (Matt 28:19), it demonstrates that the understanding of a 3-fold name of God to baptise in was a common practice in the early Christian communities. The writings of prominent early Church Fathers further affirm the concept of the Trinity. Clement of Rome, in his First Epistle to the Corinthians, chapter 46, written around AD 96, emphasises the unity in God, Christ, and the Spirit, stating, “Have we not one God and one Christ and one Spirit of grace poured out upon us?”. Clement provides an important link back to the Apostles, too, as Origen of Alexandria (AD 185—284) and Eusebius of Caesarea (AD 260—340) maintained that Clement of Rome was the same Clement mentioned by the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:3. Irenaeus of Lyons (AD 130—200) also tells us that “this man [Clement], as he had seen the blessed apostles, and had been conversant with them, might be said to have the preaching of the apostles still echoing [in his ears], and their traditions before his eyes” (Against Heresies 3:3). So, his letter provides important context when discussing this topic and what apostolic teaching was. Likewise, Justin Martyr, writing around AD 150, in chapter 13 of his First Apology writes about the triune nature of God, and how Jesus is in “second place” within the Godhead: Our teacher of these things is Jesus Christ, who also was born for this purpose, and was crucified under Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judæa, in the times of Tiberius Cæsar; and that we reasonably worship Him, having learned that He is the Son of the true God Himself, and holding Him in the second place, and the prophetic Spirit in the third, we will prove. For they proclaim our madness to consist in this, that we give to a crucified man a place second to the unchangeable and eternal God, the Creator of all; for they do not discern the mystery that is herein, to which, as we make it plain to you, we pray you to give heed. Origen's work "De Principiis" (On First Principles), written around AD 220, also displays an early understanding of the equality of the three Persons within the Godhead. In Book 1, Chapter 3, Section 7 of this work, Origen discusses the equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit within the Trinity: But there is nothing in the Trinity that can be called greater or less, since the fountain of divinity alone contains all things by His word and reason, and by the Spirit of His mouth sanctifies all things which are worthy of sanctification. First Use of the Word "Trinity" The first recorded use of the term "Trinity" is often attributed to the early Christian theologian Tertullian (c. 155 – c. 240 AD) in the Latin form "Trinitas". Tertullian was a prolific writer and is known for his contributions to early Christian theology. One of the passages where he addresses the concept of the Trinity is from his work "Against Praxeas" (Adversus Praxean). In this treatise, Tertullian defends the distinction between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while maintaining the unity of the G...

Luke J. Wilson | 04th November 2023 | Trinity

I recently received a question about the nature of Jesus and the incarnation, which delves into the mystery of the Trinity: "Sorry to trouble you, but I have only one question: Is God the Father and Jesus His Son the same, God Himself in the flesh when He walked the earth? I am still struggling with this concept. When Jesus asked His Father, was He essentially talking to Himself?" Thanks so much for the question, and it is a good question when asked genuinely. It is obviously a very deep and complex topic that covers a lot of Scripture (and history) to fully make sense of, but I’ll try and keep this brief to cover the key points. To gain a better understanding of this, we should turn to John 1 and explore the relationship between Jesus and the Father, as well as consider insights from early church fathers and theological scholarship: John 1:1-3 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him, not one thing was created that has been created." This passage from John's Gospel presents the profound nature of Jesus, referred to as "the Word." He is both God and with God, emphasising His divinity and unity with the Father. Early church fathers, such as Athanasius, emphasised the divinity of Christ and His role in the economy of salvation. Genesis 1:1, 3 "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. … Then God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." In Genesis, God's creative act through His spoken word underscores the creative power of the Word. Early theologians like Tertullian, who coined the term "Trinity," and later scholars, such as Augustine, explored the concept of the Triune God. Psalms 33:6 "The heavens were made by the word of the LORD, and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth." This verse highlights the creative power of God's Word, which aligns with the understanding of Christ as the divine Word. Early church fathers, like Irenaeus, played a role in affirming Christ's divinity and His significance in the salvation narrative. Moving forward, in the book of Daniel, we encounter Messianic visions that describe the Son of Man, who is granted authority and a kingdom similar to God's own. This foreshadows the incarnation and the fulfilment of Daniel's vision. Daniel 7:13-14 "I continued watching in the night visions, and I saw One like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. He was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed." Ancient Jews recognized this as the concept of "the two powers in heaven," possibly implying a binitarian understanding that acknowledges two distinct persons within God: the Father and His Word. Only in the New Testament period do we see the full recognition of the Holy Spirit as God, rather than a separate or lesser being (John 14:15-31). The New Testament further clarifies these theological concepts, especially regarding the incarnation: John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Philippians 2:6-7 "[Jesus], who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men." So, when Jesus was praying, He was communicating with the Father, emphasising the distinction between them, even though they are one God. This concept is encapsulated in the notion of the Trinity, often summarised as "one what, three who's." These Biblical references and insights from early ...

Luke J. Wilson | 07th December 2024 | Christmas

When we think of St. Nicholas, two contrasting images often emerge: the cheerful, gift-giving Santa Claus and the fiery bishop who supposedly punched Arius at the Council of Nicaea. The latter story, popularised through memes and tales of “righteous anger,” portrays Nicholas as a defender of truth through violence. But how much of this tale is rooted in fact? St Nicholas of Myra slapping Arius at the Council of Nicaea.Fresco from the Soumela Monastery (Turkey) The truth is both simpler and more profound: St. Nicholas embodied the teachings of Christ, not through impulsive acts of aggression, but through a life of love, generosity, and devotion. Separating Fact from Legend The infamous story of St. Nicholas striking Arius comes from hagiographies written around 1000 years after the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. These accounts describe Nicholas, angered by Arius’s denial of Christ’s divinity, delivering a blow during the debate. However, contemporary records do not corroborate this tale. Even Nicholas’s attendance at the council is uncertain, as his name is absent from the earliest participant lists. The story likely arose as a dramatic embellishment to highlight his zeal for orthodoxy. Over time, it has been embraced as a symbol of righteous indignation. Roger Pearse, of the Tertullian Project, summarises this legend succinctly: To summarise again: there is no ancient evidence whatever that St Nicholas punched or slapped Arius at the First Council of Nicaea. The story is not found in any text before the late 14th century, and even that one mentions only “a certain Arian”. In the next two centuries the legend mutates into Nicholas slapping Arius; and is then disseminated in works of popular fiction, and by the paintings of icons. It has no historical basis whatever. The Problem with Celebrating the Slap In a culture that often glorifies bold, confrontational responses, the idea of a saint who resorts to physical violence can seem appealing. It aligns with a desire to see truth defended at all costs. However, this narrative stands in stark contrast to the teachings of Christ. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, calls His followers to a radical standard of love and forgiveness: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.” (Matthew 5:38–39) “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) If St. Nicholas truly slapped Arius, it would be an action in direct opposition to these commands. As a bishop of Christ, Nicholas would have been called to model patience, kindness, and forgiveness — even in the face of heresy. His life of service suggests that he likely did. A regular meme I see online annually The True St. Nicholas The real St. Nicholas is remembered for his compassion, humility, and selfless love. Legends of him secretly providing dowries for poor families, rescuing sailors in peril, and helping the unjustly accused paint a picture of a man deeply committed to Christlike living. Rather than resorting to force, St. Nicholas lived out the Gospel through acts of generosity and care. His actions reflected the spirit of Jesus’ words in John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Strength in Love, Not Violence The enduring appeal of the slap story may stem from its simplicity — it frames St. Nicholas as a hero who stood up for truth in an immediate, tangible way. But true strength often lies in restraint and in choosing love over retaliation. St. Nicholas’s greatest acts were not dramatic confrontations but quiet, consistent demonstrations of love. His life reminds us that defending the faith does not require violence or aggression. Instead, it calls for humility, courage, and a willingness to follow Christ’s example —�...

Luke J. Wilson | 21st November 2023 | Christmas

It’s nearly Christmas time again, and like clockwork, the internet memes come out all over social media about Saint Nicholas giving the heretic Arius a slap across the face at the Council of Nicaea! As it’s almost the end of November and coming up soon is the feast day of St. Nicholas on December 6th, the original inspiration behind Santa Claus, I thought I’d address this long-standing myth about Nicholas of Myra (present-day Demre, Turkey), the fourth century bishop. St. Nicholas is often humorously portrayed in social media memes which playfully recount the infamous incident during the Council of Nicaea when the good bishop, provoked by Arius’s blasphemies, supposedly delivered him a slap across the face! Memes abound about St Nicholas and Arius While some of these memes offer undeniable amusement, they starkly contrast with the conventional image of Santa Claus — known for his jovial and indulgent nature — as well as the expected decorum of a bishop and leader in the Church. Moreover, the sentiment challenges the teachings of Jesus on how to deal with our enemies. Jesus advocated for practices such as loving and praying for your enemies, turning the other cheek (Mt 5:38–45), overcoming evil with good (Rom 12:21), being gentle and not violent (1 Tim 3:3), avoiding quick-temperedness (Titus 1:7), and recognising that a soft answer turns away wrath (Prov 15:1). In this time marked by safe spaces, trigger warnings, and microaggressions, the straightforward honesty and tough demeanour attributed to St. Nicholas in these memes may resonate with those who appreciate a departure from the perceived niceties of modern discourse. The image of St. Nicholas allegedly striking Arius can be seen as a politically incorrect rebuke to what some Christians might see as the Church or society being too “soft” nowadays. Historical Basis However, historical inaccuracies abound in this narrative. The story lacks credibility, as historical records of the bishops present at the Council of Nicaea do not include St. Nicholas. Hagiographical works written centuries after his death connect him to the Council, with the account of the violent incident appearing over a millennium later, in a 14th-century work by an anonymous writer. Moreover, medieval versions of the story describe Nicholas slapping, not punching, an Arian heretic (not specifically Arius). This action is portrayed as a medicinal slap or rebuke, aimed at bringing the individual back to his senses rather than expressing contempt or a desire to harm. In Greek iconography, this moment is celebrated. Icon of St. Nicholas and Arius In the original tale, however, Nicholas’s actions were not lauded at the Council; instead, he faced consequences. Reportedly, he was deprived of his mitre and pallium for striking the Arian heretic. A later version of the story, which identifies the heretic as Arius, amplifies Nicholas’s punishment by having him thrown into jail. In this narrative, Nicholas is vindicated by a divine intervention involving Jesus and Mary, who appear to him in prison and release him, and giving him back his bishop vestments. WWJD? It is crucial to approach this anecdote with caution, recognising that celebrating St. Nicholas’s supposed act of aggression may inadvertently justify short-tempered tendencies. Similar to those who fixate on Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple as “permission” to act brutishly towards those they disagree with, to the exclusion of Jesus’ teachings on love and forgiveness. WWJD? Reflecting on the Arius memes, it’s essential to strike a balance. While humour has its place, some jokes may lead those weaker in the faith, and unbelieving onlookers, to assume that some acts of violence are OK and ‘approved’ by Jesus and the Church, and understanding the legendary aspect to this particular story about Saint Nick and Arius could help to alleviate that.   Further Reading Who was the real Santa C...

Luke J. Wilson | 14th October 2023 | Technology

Hello everyone, I've created and trained some AI chatbots on the writings of the Apostolic Fathers! You can ask them anything about the authors, the texts, topics, or quotes. Give it a try and see what you think: Apostolic Fathers Chatbot | Patristics.info I've also made Irenaeus into an AI so you can go and have a chat with him about his works Against Heresies. The bot 'thinks' it is Irenaeus too, so you can ask it personal things as though you were talking to Irenaeus: AI Irenaeus | Patristics.info And finally, introducing AI John Chrysostom as a similar AI which acts as the person so you can ask it questions in a more natural way: AI John Chrysostom | Patristics.info The Chrysostom AI has been trained on the following works: On the Priesthood, Ascetic Treatises, plus select Homilies and Letters. So you can get a wider range of information and discussion out of this one. Feel free to suggest any others you'd like to see in the comments!...

Luke J. Wilson | 31st January 2022 | Book Release

After many, many months of working on this in between COVID and other “life events” that kept me busy, I’ve finally released the Third Edition of my book, 40 Day With the Fathers: A Journey Through Church History! The Third Edition includes: a foreword by Paul Pavao (author of Decoding Nicea), updated content and also a new chapter about the Council of Nicaea explaining what did (and didn’t) happen there. “I cannot imagine there is a better way to get familiar with 350 of the most important years of church history in seven hours spread over 40 days.” — Paul Pavao, author of Decoding Nicea If you are unfamiliar with my previous editions and what this book is about, here’s the blurb and some quotes from reviewers to give you an overview of its content: Take a journey through the first 400 years of Church History in only 40 days! Over the course of this reading plan you will read extracts and commentary on 23 different early Church texts from a selection of some of the most influential Church Fathers: Didache, Diognetus, Polycarp, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Cyprian, Athanasius, Cyril of Jerusalem, Ambrose of Milan, and Leo the Great. These people who came before us, those great men of faith, many of whom suffered persecution and martyrdom to preserve the Church and Christ’s mission, bridge the gap between the Bible and the present day. They fill the void we sometimes wonder about when we get to the end of reading Acts or the Epistles and think, “what happened next?” or “what happened to the Ephesian church after Paul left?” — well now you can read for yourself and see how God continued to grow His Church! Praise for 40 Days with the Fathers: “Timeless truths still for today” — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Insightful and captivating” — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “[This book] will round out your knowledge and help you become a better teacher.” — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “If you are a pastor or church leader, I highly recommend this book for you.” — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Luke Wilson has put together an easy to read and insightful 40 day journey through the writings of the early church fathers” — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Readers who are unfamiliar with the Church Fathers, as well as theology and church history more generally, will find Wilson’s writing clear, approachable, informative, and often enjoyable.” — ⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you are interesting in learning more about the early church in bite-sized portions that will gradually introduce you to the various figures, leaders, theologians and doctrines from the first 400 years of Christianity, then this book is for you! Order now from Amazon and enjoy it in paperback or hardcover form, or on your Kindle device: 40 Day With the Fathers: A Journey Through Church History....