What does Patripassianism mean?

Definition and Etymology

Patripassianism is a term derived from the Latin words “pater” (meaning “father”) and “passio” (meaning “suffering”). It refers to the belief that God the Father Himself suffered on the cross. This view is typically associated with certain strands of Modalism (the teaching that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are merely different modes or manifestations of one divine Person rather than three co-equal, co-eternal Persons).

Historical Context

During the mid to late second century and early third century, various teachings arose attempting to explain the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Patripassianism emerged in some groups that tended to collapse the distinctions among the Persons of the Godhead.

Early Church figures, such as Tertullian (c. 155–220 AD), wrote against what he called “Praxaean heresy”—a viewpoint akin to Patripassianism. Originating from leaders like Praxeas and later Sabellius, these teachings confused the persons of the Trinity by asserting that the Father took on flesh and personally endured crucifixion. Tertullian countered this by arguing for clear, biblically rooted distinctions: the Son is begotten of the Father but not the same Person as the Father.

Key Theological Concerns

1. Nature of the Trinity: Patripassianism was deemed problematic because it compromised the biblical understanding that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in eternal unity yet as distinct Persons. According to the Scriptures, the Son prays to the Father (e.g., “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me…” [Luke 22:42]), indicating a real relationship between them, not merely different modes of one Person.

2. Roles in Redemption: The New Testament describes the Father sending the Son into the world (John 3:16), and the Son offering Himself (Hebrews 9:14) in obedience to the Father’s will. Patripassianism conflates these unique roles and suggests the Father, rather than the Son, directly endured crucifixion.

3. Christ’s Unique Suffering: The gospel accounts and apostolic teachings consistently identify Jesus (the Son) as the one who suffered and died. For instance, “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). Recognizing the Son’s unique role in suffering maintains scriptural clarity.

Biblical Counterarguments

1. Jesus’ Prayer Life: Jesus addresses the Father in prayer with personal distinction—“I glorified You on earth…” (John 17:4). A genuine relationship is shown, not a single Person changing modes.

2. Baptism of Jesus: At Christ’s baptism (Mark 1:9–11), the Son is baptized, “the Spirit descended on Him like a dove,” and “a voice came from heaven: ‘You are My beloved Son…’” (Mark 1:11). All three Persons are distinctly active.

3. Multiple Testimonies: Throughout the New Testament, the Father’s declaration, the Son’s work, and the Spirit’s indwelling bear witness to God’s triune nature (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:14).

The uniform scriptural witness does not suggest that the Father Himself was crucified, but rather that the Father planned salvation, the Son fulfilled it in suffering, and the Holy Spirit applies it to believers.

Implications for Understanding the Trinity

1. Preservation of Doctrine: The Church’s historical rejection of Patripassianism underscores the importance of a balanced Trinitarian doctrine: one God in three Persons, without blending or separating them beyond biblical parameters.

2. Consistency with Scripture: Scripture presents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in cooperative harmony, each Person sharing the divine essence yet engaging with humanity in distinct ways. A correct view of the Trinity ensures proper worship and guards against confusion that can disrupt biblical faith (e.g., John 1:1, where the Word was with God and was God, highlighting unity yet distinction).

3. Atonement and Love: Understanding the Son as the one who suffered magnifies the work of both Father and Son. The Father’s love is shown in sending the Son, while the Son’s love is displayed in willingly laying down His life for our salvation (1 John 4:9–10). The Holy Spirit reveals these truths to hearts and empowers believers to live in light of them.

Pastoral and Devotional Reflections

1. Faith in God’s Plan: Recognizing distinct Persons in the Godhead can deeply comfort believers who see that the plan of redemption involves the Father’s will, the Son’s sacrifice, and the Spirit’s sustaining presence.

2. Guarding Sound Teaching: In daily life, a biblical view of the triune nature of God protects against error and invites believers to worship with awe. It reminds us that God is personal, relational, and consistently involved in human history—culminating in Christ’s resurrection.

3. Hope for Eternity: Christ’s redemptive work, acceptable before the Father, offers the only path of salvation (Acts 4:12). This underscores the significance of understanding who truly bore our sins and rose again, confirming the believer’s hope.

Conclusion

Patripassianism, in teaching that the Father Himself suffered on the cross, distorts the scriptural revelation of the Trinity. From earliest Christian writings to the examination of clear biblical passages, the Church has rejected this idea. Instead, Scripture unveils a tri-personal God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—eternally one in being yet distinct in Person.

By upholding this biblical distinction, believers safeguard the fullness of Christ’s atoning work, maintain a coherent view of how each Person of the Godhead participates in salvation, and preserve the wonder of the gospel. As the New Testament attests, the Father sent the Son, who suffered, died, and rose again, and the Holy Spirit testifies to this truth, inviting all who believe to worship and know God in Trinity and in truth.