Abstract

The purpose of this article is to read the Nicene Creed in the light of contemporary documents, that is, those written during the years when the Arian crisis erupted and the great Nicene Council was held. The paper, therefore, examines these writings in order to identify the context and antecedents of the crucial expressions of the creed. In particular, the writings of Arius, Eusebius of Caesarea, Alexander, and Eusebius of Nicomedia are analysed. This approach makes it possible to place the expressions of the creed in their original theological context.