History of the Early Church Councils and Synods

As Christianity expanded across the Roman Empire in the first few centuries after Christ's death, it faced not only external opposition but also internal theological disputes. These disputes arose in part because the fledgling Christian faith had to contend with the diverse religious, philosophical, and cultural environments it encountered, from the syncretistic Hellenistic world to the traditions of Judaism. As Christianity spread, so too did a variety of interpretations about the nature of God, Christ, salvation, and the relationship between the Church and society. Early Christians, attempting to stay true to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles, found themselves in constant theological debates, giving rise to various heresies, which threatened the unity and orthodoxy of the Church. The rise of heresies created a pressing need for the Church to establish clearer boundaries around orthodox Christian belief. The early Christian response to these theological challenges was not immediate, but over time, Church leaders began to recognize the need for more formal structures of authority to deal with heretical teachings. The first efforts to confront heresy on a broader scale were local synods and councils, where bishops and elders would gather to address specific doctrinal disputes.