Definition

1. Noun:
   • The third ecumenical council of the early Christian Church: The Council of Ephesus was a major ecclesiastical assembly convened in the year 431 AD in the city of Ephesus (in present-day Turkey).
   • A council affirming doctrinal beliefs: This council is historically significant for declaring that Mary, the mother of Jesus, is Theotokos (God-bearer or Mother of God) and for condemning the teachings of Nestorius, which were seen as separating Christ's divine and human natures. It also formally condemned the teachings of Pelagius regarding grace and original sin.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The theological debates at the Council of Ephesus were pivotal for early Christian doctrine.
  • A central outcome of the Council of Ephesus was the condemnation of Nestorianism.

Advanced Usage

• "The decrees of the Council of Ephesus": Refers to the official doctrinal statements and canons established by this council.
  • The decrees of the Council of Ephesus were intended to unify the church's teaching.

Variants and Related Words

• Ecumenical Council (n): A conference of ecclesiastical dignitaries and theological experts convened to discuss and settle matters of Church doctrine and practice.
• Theotokos (n): A Greek title for Mary, meaning "God-bearer" or "Mother of God," formally endorsed at the Council of Ephesus.
• Nestorianism (n): The Christian doctrine condemned at the Council of Ephesus, associated with Nestorius, emphasizing the disunion between the human and divine natures of Jesus.

Synonyms

• Third Ecumenical Council: The formal designation for the Council of Ephesus within the history of the Christian Church.

Related Phrases

• "To uphold the decisions of Ephesus": To affirm or defend the doctrinal positions established by this council.
  • Many Christian traditions continue to uphold the decisions of Ephesus.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. the third ecumenical council in 431 which declared Mary as mother of God and condemned Pelagius