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The concept of Council of Laodicea in Christianity

The Council of Laodicea refers to a significant ecclesiastical assembly in the 4th century that played a crucial role in issues regarding the canon of scripture within early Christianity. It is known for recognizing the canonical status of certain texts, including the Epistles of St. John, and for addressing the inclusion of the book of Amos in the canon list. The council also dealt with topics such as the prohibition of lovefeasts and practices of angelic invocation, although its authenticity and impact are debated by scholars.

Synonyms: Ecumenical council, Religious assembly, Synod of laodicea

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Council of Laodicea'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) This refers to a council that decided on the canon of scripture, that would have never accepted the Second Epistle, if Peter was not the author.[1] (2) The council of Laodicea is a historical text, whose works confirm the canonicity of Amos, and is used in the text, and his work confirms the canonicity of the book.[2] (3) A religious gathering that omitted Revelation from its list of books to be read publicly, due to its prophetic obscurity, but this did not diminish its importance.[3] (4) This phrase points to a gathering or assembly, likely of a religious nature, that took place at a specific location and time in history.[4] (5) A synod in the 4th century that addressed angelic invocation practices within the Christian community.[5]

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) An attempted assembly in the Eastern church that dealt with the canon issue, though its authenticity and impact are debated among scholars.[6] (2) A council that recognized the canonical status of the Epistles of St. John at the end of the 4th century.[7]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) An assembly in the early Christian church that included the book of Amos in its canon list.[8]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) A historical gathering referenced in documents that were criticized for anachronism, as it occurred after the death of Alexander.[9]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.