Topical Encyclopedia Arius (c. 256–336 AD) was a Christian presbyter and ascetic from Alexandria, Egypt, whose teachings gave rise to the theological doctrine known as Arianism. This doctrine became one of the most significant controversies in early Christianity, challenging the orthodox understanding of the nature of Christ and His relationship to God the Father.Historical Context Arius emerged during a time when the early Church was striving to articulate its understanding of the Trinity and the nature of Christ. The early 4th century was marked by theological debates as the Church sought to define its core doctrines amidst various interpretations of Scripture. Teachings and Beliefs Arius is best known for his assertion that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was not co-eternal with the Father and was a created being. He famously argued that "there was a time when the Son was not," suggesting that the Son was subordinate to the Father. This view was based on passages such as John 14:28, where Jesus says, "The Father is greater than I," and Colossians 1:15, which refers to Christ as "the firstborn over all creation." Arius's teachings were grounded in a strict monotheism, emphasizing the oneness and transcendence of God the Father. He believed that to maintain the Father's supremacy, the Son must be distinct and subordinate, a view that he believed was consistent with the biblical witness. Opposition and Controversy Arius's teachings quickly gained a following but also sparked significant opposition. His views were seen as a threat to the traditional understanding of the Trinity, which held that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal and co-eternal. Key figures such as Athanasius of Alexandria emerged as staunch opponents of Arianism, defending the full divinity of Christ. The controversy reached a critical point at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, convened by Emperor Constantine. The council condemned Arianism and produced the Nicene Creed, which affirmed the consubstantiality (homoousios) of the Son with the Father, stating that the Son is "true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father." Scriptural Considerations Arius's interpretation of Scripture was challenged by other biblical passages that affirm the divinity of Christ. For instance, John 1:1 states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Additionally, Philippians 2:6-7 speaks of Christ, "Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant." These passages, among others, were used by opponents of Arianism to argue for the eternal and divine nature of Christ, consistent with the doctrine of the Trinity. Legacy Despite the condemnation of Arianism at Nicaea, the controversy persisted for several decades, influencing theological debates and ecclesiastical politics throughout the Roman Empire. Arius himself was exiled but later returned to favor before his death in 336 AD. Arianism's impact on the Church was profound, prompting a deeper exploration of Christological and Trinitarian theology. The debates surrounding Arius and his teachings played a crucial role in shaping the development of orthodox Christian doctrine, as the Church sought to articulate a coherent and biblically faithful understanding of the nature of God and Christ. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARIUSa-ri'-us, a'-ri-us (Ares): The reading of the Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) adopted in the Revised Version (British and American) for the former reading Areus and Areios of Josephus. A king of Sparta (309-265 B.C.) who wrote the letter to Onias, the high priest, given in 1 Maccabees 12:7, 20-23. There were two Spartan kings named Arius, and three high priests named Onias. Chronology requires the letter mentioned to have been written by Arius I to Onias I, most probably in the interval between 309 and 300 B.C. See LACEDAEMONIANS. Library Arius. Deposition of Arius. Arius is Charged with the First of the Above-Mentioned Errors... The Letter of Arius to Eusebius, Bishop of Nicomedia The Death of Arius. What the Council Determined About Arius; the Condemnation of his ... After the Banishment of Athanasius, Arius Having Been Sent for by ... Concerning the Same Arius, and the Melitians. The Dispute of Arius with Alexander, his Bishop. Extracts from the Thalia of Arius. Arius Maintains that God Became ... Thesaurus Arius... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARIUS. a ... There were two Spartan kings named Arius, and three high priests named Onias. Chronology ... /a/arius.htm - 6k Creeds Creed Oniares Onias Arithmetic Tyre (59 Occurrences) Spartans Sparta Alexandria (4 Occurrences) Resources What is apostasy and how can I recognize it? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Athanasius? | GotQuestions.org What is Arianism? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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