Council of Ephesus

What Was the Council of Ephesus?

The Council of Ephesus was the Third Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church.

It was held in AD 431 to address the teaching of Nestorius, Bishop of Constantinople.

The council defended the unity of Jesus Christ and affirmed that Mary is truly Mother of God.

What Was Nestorianism?

Nestorius objected to calling Mary Theotokos, meaning Mother of God.

His teaching seemed to divide Christ too sharply, as though Jesus were two separate persons: one human and one divine.

The Church rejected this because Jesus Christ is one Divine Person with both a divine nature and a human nature.

Mary, Mother of God

The title Mother of God does not mean Mary is older than God or the source of Christ’s divinity.

It means that the child born of Mary is truly God the Son made man.

Because Jesus is one Divine Person, Mary is rightly called Mother of God.

Saint Cyril of Alexandria

Saint Cyril of Alexandria was one of the chief defenders of the Catholic faith at Ephesus.

He opposed Nestorius and defended the truth that Jesus Christ is one Person.

Cyril acted with the authority of Pope Saint Celestine I, who had already condemned Nestorius if he refused to recant.

The Role of Pope Celestine I

Pope Saint Celestine I charged Saint Cyril to act on his behalf against Nestorius.

Papal legates later arrived at the council and confirmed the condemnation of Nestorius.

This showed the unity of the council’s judgment with the authority of the Apostolic See.

The First Session

The council opened on June 22, AD 431.

Nestorius refused to appear before the bishops, despite being summoned.

The council examined his writings, compared them with the faith of Nicaea, and condemned his teaching.

The Condemnation of Nestorius

The council declared that Nestorius was excluded from episcopal dignity and from the assembly of bishops.

His refusal to obey the summons of the council and his false teaching about Christ led to his deposition.

The people of Ephesus rejoiced when the council defended Mary’s title and the true doctrine of Christ.

The Unity of Christ

Ephesus defended the truth that Jesus Christ is one Person.

The Son of God did not merely dwell in a man named Jesus.

The eternal Word truly became flesh.

The same Jesus who was born of Mary is the Son of God.

Theotokos

Theotokos is a Greek title meaning “God-bearer” or “Mother of God.”

This title protects the truth about Jesus Christ.

If Mary is not Mother of God, then the one born of her would not be truly God.

Ephesus affirmed that Mary bore the Word made flesh.

Why Ephesus Matters

Ephesus matters because it protects the truth of the Incarnation.

Jesus is not divided into two persons.

He is one Divine Person, true God and true man.

This truth is essential for salvation, because the one who suffered, died, and rose again is truly the Son of God made man.

Common Misunderstandings

Mother of God Does Not Mean Mary Created God

Mary is a creature. She did not create the divine nature.

The Title Protects Christ, Not Just Mary

Calling Mary Mother of God safeguards the truth that Jesus is truly God.

Jesus Is Not Two Persons

Jesus Christ is one Divine Person with two natures.

Ephesus Did Not Invent Marian Doctrine

The council defended the apostolic faith about Christ and Mary’s true role in the Incarnation.

Key Truths About Ephesus

• Ephesus was held in AD 431.
• It is the Third Ecumenical Council.
• It condemned Nestorius.
• It defended the unity of Christ.
• It affirmed Mary as Mother of God.
• It protected the doctrine of the Incarnation.
• It confirmed that Jesus is one Divine Person.
• It prepared the way for Chalcedon’s later clarification of Christ’s two natures.

What Does This Mean For Me?

The Council of Ephesus reminds us that Marian doctrine always points back to Jesus Christ.

Mary is honored because of who her Son is.

When Catholics call Mary Mother of God, they are confessing that Jesus Christ is truly God, truly man, and one Savior of the world.

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Next, study: Chalcedon

Learn how the Church clarified that Jesus Christ is one Person in two natures: divine and human.