The Council of Ephesus (431 AD): Hypostatic Union, Nestorianism, & Theotokos - with Matt Pursely

In this episode, we continue our series on the first four ecumenical councils of the early church, diving into the Council of Ephesus (431 AD). Matthew Pursely joins us again to explore the theological debates surrounding Nestorius, the nature of Christ, and the implications of the hypostatic union—Jesus being fully God and fully man.

We discuss how this council addressed Nestorianism, affirmed Mary as the "Theotokos" (God-bearer), and shaped Christian understanding of communion and humanity’s connection to Christ.

Recommended Resources

For those wanting to dive deeper into the councils and related theology:

Edward Siecienski – The Filioque: History of a Doctrinal Controversy
Adonis Vidu – Exploring the Doctrine of Divine Inseparability
John Behr – The Nicene Faith (2 volumes) and John the Theologian and the Mystery of Christ
Kallistos Anatolios – Retrieving Nicaea
John Henry Newman – Arians of the Fourth Century
William Bright – Notes on the Canons of the First Four General Councils
Todd Miles – Superheroes Can’t Save You: Epic Examples of Historic Heresies (compares heresies to superhero archetypes—highly recommended entry-level read).