The Council of Nicaea in 5 Minutes

The Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council, was a pivotal moment in the history of the Christian church. For the first time, the emperor was calling Christian bishops together to solve a theological issue. And the issue couldn't have been more important: who was Jesus, really?

In this short video I unpack what you need to know about Arius, the controversy around Jesus' divinity, and what did (and didn't) happen at the council.

This was by far the most time and resource intensive video I've ever made. If you'd like to see more, consider supporting the channel using the links below.

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About Gospel Simplicity:
Gospel Simplicity began as a YouTube channel in a Moody Bible Institute dorm. It was born out of the central conviction that the gospel is really good news, and I wanted to share that with as many people as possible. The channel has grown and changed over time, but that central conviction has never changed. Today, we make content around biblical and theological topics, often interacting with people from across the Christian tradition with the hope of seeking greater unity and introducing people to the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel, the good news about Jesus.

About the host:
Austin Suggs holds a BA in Theology from Moody Bible Institute and is currently pursuing an MA in Liberal Arts with a focus in Theology and Philosophy from St. John's College, Annapolis. He has served in the local church in a number of ways, including as a full-time staff member,, teacher, church planter, and more. Today, he resides outside of Baltimore with his wife Eliza.

Video Stuff:
Camera: Sony a6300
Edited in FCPX

Music:
Bowmans Root - Isaac Joel
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*Links in the description may include affiliate links in which I receive a small commission of any purchases you make using that link.

[GospelSimplicity]

Please note: There is an error on screen at 03:24. The words "and the Son" were not in the creed of 381. Mistakes happen, I didn't catch it, there was no secret agenda here. Fear not, those fateful words that divided Christendom will be discussed in the next video, Lord willing. Thanks for your grace as we work out the kinks in the workflow for these!

[jonathannerz]

“BRO, THAT’S HERESY!” said Santa Claus, punching him in the face.

[nandinoo]

"A whole new world" at 02:19 and you can see Aladdin flying on his carpet, I almost died

[davidwinstead]

Fun fact:
The Church defended Homoousios, while Arians defended Homiousios. Note the Greek “i” or “iota.” The first means “of the same substance and the latter means “of similar substance.” I’ve heard this is where we got the phrase “an iota of difference.”

[roberttoader]

I study orthodox theology in Romania, and I want to say that I like the way you presented the event. It's hard to tell everything in such a short video, but you give some essential information.
I would like to add, though, it would be good to say that they used to formulate the Creed some baptismal declarations of faith which were already used.

[TheRoark]

It was great working on this with you Austin! So glad we could collaborate on this 🎉 I hope everyone enjoys!

[DavidMendoza-lldj]

Dude, this is so cool! Really happy and thankful for all the work you’re doing. May our Father continue to bless what you’re doing!

[arlipscomb]

Good to see the first of the seven councils convened to settle matters of the nature of Christ covered. Today most who define themselves as Christians don't even know the role bishops have filled since the days of the Apostles and why they are still relevant today.

[zachbuscher]

Bible Project for church history, let’s go Austin.

[professorjrw]

Thank you! I love that it was brief and informative. Keep going!

[mblaydoe]

While Nicea was the first “Ecumenical” council, it was not the first church council. That happened in Jerusalem and is cronicled in the Book of Acts. It was led by James “the Lord’s Brother” and set the precedent for solving church issues in a concilliar manner in councils.

[burkeiowa]

Nice, concise, Nicaea. I like this kind of video. It's a good development of your ongoing work, kind of like doctrinal development.

[joelchamp]

I love these quick but important teaching videos on different aspects of theology and church history

[brendapaul]

Enjoyed this, you really did simplify it. Praying for you and your channel x

[TradForChrist]

Austin, this video was AWESOME DUDE! This does put a smile on my face. I am so excited to see more!! God bless, may God allow more of these to be produced.

[timothyjones]

Thanks for dumming it down & summing it up. As I’ve learned to tell people in my field of study & practice of over 40 years as a mental health professional, “it’s complex but not complicated.”

[gaah]

Awesome!! Please continue with all the major ecumenical councils (until Nicaea II). I'm sure this will be very helpful for lots of people!

[wfp]

I was in Nicaea last week visiting the mosque where the 2nd Nicaean council was held (yes it’s a mosque now). We must never forget that the bishops all knew and spoke koine Greek every minute of the day. It was their common language so when modern cultists (including advocates of the New Thought heresy in the USA) try to rewrite the early church teachings we need to put their false teaching into context. Btw some trivia: the location of the first council has now been been found but is difficult to visit as its below water.

[Woulfiee]

That's a great project! Keep it up, please. Peace be with you!

[katywest]

Can't wait for the rest of the series! Great job Austin & Ryan!