On the Unity of Christ

by Cyril of Alexandria

In the early fifth century the Christian world was racked by one of the most fierce theological disputes it had known since the Arian crisis of the previous century. The center of debate turned on the nature of the personhood of Christ, and how divine and human characteristics could combine in Jesus without rendering his subjectivity hopelessly divided, or without reducing his authentic humanness to an insubstantiality. These arguments soon polarized in the conflict between two great churches, Alexandria and Constantinople, and their powerful archbishops, St Cyril (d. 444) and Nestorius (d.c. 452) respectively. Cyril is, arguably, the most important patristic theologian ever to deal with the issues of Christology. The text here translated is one of his most important and approachable writings, composed in the aftermath of the Council of Ephesus (431) to explain his doctrine to an international audience. He argues here for the single divine subjectivity of Christ, and describes how it encompasses a full and authentic humanity in Jesus - a human experience that is not overwhelmed by the divine presence but fostered and enhanced by it. Accordingly, for St Cyril, Christology becomes a paradigm for the transfigured and redeemed life of the Christian. This book is essential reading for all those interested in the theology and spirituality of the fathers, in the ancient church's use of scripture, and the way in which the church once creatively expressed its thinking through the media of philosophy and the natural sciences.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Religion, Christian, Classics, Nonfiction, Philosophy

151 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 429

About the author

Cyril of Alexandria (Greek: Κύριλλος Ἀλεξανδρείας; c. 376 – 444) was the Patriarch of Alexandria from 412. to 444. He was enthroned when the city was at the height of its influence and power within the Roman Empire. Cyril wrote extensively and was a leading protagonist in the Christological controversies of the later 4th and 5th centuries. He was a central figure in the First Council of Ephesus in 431, which led to the deposition of Nestorius as Patriarch of Constantinople.

Cyril is counted among the Church Fathers and the Doctors of the Church, and his reputation within the Christian world has resulted in his titles Pillar of Faith and Seal of all the Fathers, but Theodosius II, the Roman Emperor, condemned him for behaving like a "proud pharaoh", and the Nestorian bishops at the Council of Ephesus declared him a heretic, labelling him as a "monster, born and educated for the destruction of the church."

Cyril is well-known due to his dispute with Nestorius and his supporter Patriarch John of Antioch, whom Cyril excluded from the Council of Ephesus for arriving late. He is also known for his expulsion of Novatians and Jews from Alexandria.

The Roman Catholic Church did not commemorate Saint Cyril in the Tridentine Calendar: it added his feast only in 1882, assigning to it the date of 9 February. The 1969 revision moved it to 27 June, considered to be the day of the saint's death, as celebrated by the Coptic Orthodox Church. The same date has been chosen for the Lutheran calendar. The Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Church celebrate his feast day on 9 June and also, together with Pope Athanasius I of Alexandria, on 18 January.

Reviews

[Michael O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Cyril of Alexandria is his rebuttal to Nestorianism, a heresy created by the Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, which held that Jesus Christ had 2 natures: one divine, one human, contained within one person, separate initially, then merging into one. On the face of it, this doesn't sound too off base. However, the Church --- or perhaps I should say, most Church leaders --- at this point in history, having just dispatched previously the heresy of Arianism which denied longstanding doctrine regarding the Holy Trinity, were in little mood to entertain yet another heterodox innovation to the Trinitarian doctrine, holding that Christ is of 2 natures simultaneously, both divine and human, in hypostatic union.

When I was a Protestant, not as knowledgeable then on Early Church history, I tended to see these debates as arcane, akin to debating how many angels can dance on the head of a pin --- and as reflective of a growing corruption of the Church. However, this was ignorant. Coming out of centuries of persecution by pagan authorities, and now in this time, facing an undercurrent seeking to compromise Christian doctrine with some pagan notions, there was a tendency, by degrees, for Christianity itself to devolve into yet another form of polytheism --- by corrupting the doctrine of the Trinity into 3 gods --- a Father, a Son, and a Holy Spirit. So the Early Church Fathers, mindful of this tendency, took a dim view of anything suggesting otherwise than a complete union of all three members of the Godhead. In addition, the notion that a mortal human being, not divine, might become "divine" like Jesus Christ was rightly seen as opening the door for false messianic cults. Which is in indeed has happened in cases where the doctrine of the Trinity has not been taught nor properly understood --- such as Charles Manson, Jim Jones, Hong Xiuquan (of Taiping Rebellion infamy), etc.

So Cyril of Alexandria wrote this treatise in response to Nestorius. Unlike Sts. Ambrose, Athanasius, and Augustine whose writings tend to be didactic, diplomatic, intellectual -- and, perhaps, verbose --- Cyril comes straight to his points, not unlike a prizefighter coming, swinging, from out of his corner at the ring of the bell. He speaks poignantly and directly with well-aimed, clear and concise arguments for why the Nestorian view of the Trinity is wrong and why the Orthodox view must be correct. His manner reminded me of some of the writings from another great work, The Philokalia.

The book does have an odd format, unlike any I've read before in Early Christian literature --- somewhat like the way the writings of a 20th Century Christian, St. Paisios, wrote in his books. There are 2 writers, "A" and "B". "A", obviously, Cyril, and "B" appears to be a colleague who acts both as a moderator to the discourse and as a presenter of the Nestorian arguments and rebuttals to the points Cyril makes. While different, I thought it made the text more interesting and conversational than the format of others such as Augustine and Athanasius.

I do think this one of the great works of Christian literature --- and easier to read and understand than some of the weightier texts from that era. I recommend this book for anyone interested in theology, Early Christian writings, and/or in the history of the doctrine of the Trinity.

[Samuel G. Parkison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for orthodox Christology.

[Josh Issa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are getting into Christology and have a basic understanding of the councils, this is a required reading. Cyril expounds the necessity of believing in the unity of the person of Christ extremely clearly from Scripture, and shows exactly how a Nestorian view violates the gospel. There are many ways that he does this, but the most interesting way he does it is by thinking about the self-emptying in Philippians 2 and the ascension and glorification of Jesus.

I would have given this five stars, but it is written in the style of Plato’s dialogues where two people are having a conversation, and even though the second person is meant to be an adversary they say things like “wow you’re so smart and there’s no way to counter that”.

[Matt Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my devotional/theological reading for Christmas and I enjoyed it even more than I had hoped. Cyril addresses many difficult texts and questions near the end that even someone not interested in ancient Christological heresies and orthodox responses to them would find helpful and insightful.

I love this series - I have now read 4 of them (Melito of Sardis, Irenaeus, Athanasius, and now Cyril of Alexandria). The introductions are excellent and the translations are smooth and wonderfully readable.

[Scott Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus Christ is one God and man.

He has existed for eternity and yet was born of a woman.
He bears both divine and human characteristics.
He suffers through His created body and yet remains impassible in the Godhead.
He is the route to the Father, and the only One in whom we may place our hope and faith in for redemption from Adam’s curse.

Cyril excellently dives into the early church heresy that Christ’s nature entered into conjunction with a born man. Writing in the form of a dialogue, I found the conversational nature of his approach both enrapturing and enjoyable. Working a slow conference role with a fellow class mate, we had some fun going back and forth as if Cyril’s conversation was a play to enact.

[Zach Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good, but very repetitive. The entire book is essentially an attack on Nestorianism and an exposition of how the Divine Word did not conjoin himself with a preexistent man in the incarnation, but became man by assuming humanity into himself, making human flesh, along with all of its characteristics and weaknesses, his very own.

[Luke Stamps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. Lucid, biblical defense of the orthodox doctrine of the incarnation against the Nestorian heresy. Should be on a very short list of classics in Christian theology.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I just always read patristics for theology classes?

[Adam Lam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good, foundational, and formative. It's formatted as a QandA with a hypothetical opponent. It is set as a response to Nestorianism, but I found the book to be quite formative regarding all of Christology in general.

Also, my version had the introduction by John Behr, which did a great job of setting the historical stage and summarizing Cyril's thoughts. Would recommend that, at the least.

'What he was by nature, we become by grace'

'The primary mesage of the incarnation was not about the discrete relationship of God and man, but nothing less than the complete reconciliation of God and Man in Jesus.'

'The divine Lord truly experiences all that is genuinely human, in order to transform that which is mortal into the immortal'

[Scot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for class. A deeply rich theological text.

[Matthew McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyril of Alexandria has a masterful grasp on the Scriptures and necessary terminology in order to speak carefully about Christ in such a way as to not divide his person or mix and confuse the Godhead of the Only-Begotten Word of the Father with the human nature he took up in his incarnation. This book serves as a great rebuttal to the Nestorian heresy and a solid exposition of Chalcedonian christology. Cyril himself serves as reliable guide in doing what he seems to find so important on the last page of the book when he says “we are to define the doctrine of faith correctly and without error, and [be] lovers of the doctrines of the truth, who follow in the track or the faith of our holy fathers.” Amen to the fact that the Lord who died on the cross, secured our redemption, and defeated death and the grave is none other than true God, begotten of the Father in eternity and having taken on flesh and the form of a servant in these last days. Hallelujah!

[Chase Riebel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cyril's response to the rise of Nestorianism not only defends against the supposition that Jesus embodied a separate man, but presents Jesus as the "God-man" as orthodoxy sees it today. On the Unity of Christ is a cornerstone in the church's development of a rightly-oriented Christology. The richness of Cyril's work cannot be denied.

While there is no problem with McGuckin's translation of Cyril's work, this book is nonetheless difficult to slog through. The assertation that Jesus is both one hundred percent man and one hundred percent human is a crucial claim. But, it is a claim that the contemporary church knows without hesitation, making it difficult to read Cyril's constant repetition of this truth. This is difficult to gripe about, because Cyril is one of the primary reasons the church is able to recite the claims of the hypostatic union (!) but, the point still stands.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to understand better the Son of God and how He is fully God and fully man.
I was surprised by the snarkiness at times by St. Cyril. I found myself laughing a few times. Also, a few questions I’ve always had about Jesus’ humanity were answered very well in this book. I think every Christian should read this and I would recommend this translation- very readable.

[Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. Want a great survey of the Nestorian controversy, the Third Ecumenical Council, and the mature thoughts of one of the greatest defenders and explicators of orthodox Christology all in 133 pages? Here’s your book!

[Luke Poff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure if it’s the translation or just Cyril himself, but this was at times painful to get through.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book: the major takeaway point that Cyril makes is that Scripture speaks as though Jesus was God and God died on the cross. If we're not to be impious and predicate suffering of divinity or omnipresence of a man, then we need to say that the person of Christ is both divine and human, though the two natures are not mingled. It's also likely that Cyril misunderstood Nestorius, but he was right that Nestorius' policing of the phrase "Mary is the mother of God" was unreasonable, given what Scripture says elsewhere (i.e. Jn. 1:14). We need more of Cyril's care about what we say about God; he needed more categories than orthodox, confused, and heretical. I wouldn't recommend this to a layman, but a very good sermon otherwise.

[Kojo Asante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

It was long, but it was worth it! Cyril does a great job breaking down the orthodox belief of the person of Christ!

[Jon Beadle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love how intense the church fathers get about everything. They pull no punches. We have yet to recover their courage, not just their theology.

[Glenn Wishnew III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful. A remarkable work of theology.

[Alfred Wharton IV · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good theology.

[Ben Chidester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cyril of Alexandria is one of the prominent figures of church history on Christology (he remains the definitive voice on the matter in the Eastern Orthodox church) and this is, according to the editor, his most mature and eloquent work on the subject. It is short and fairly accessible to one with some familiarity with the famous Christologic debates of church history.

This work is surely important, both historically and for the church today, as believers can still benefit from his exposition of the mysterious union of Christ as both God and man. Reading it helped arm me with several unique arguments against any view that would diminish Christ's divinity. But, having read both Theodoret (his primary contemporary rival) and Reformed expositions of Christology, I found it not to be as satisfying as I'd hoped or expected. Cyril easily handles the arguments of the "two Sons" perspective, but when it comes to the true subtleties of the Antiochian position (at least as expressed by Theodoret) and those that pertain to the Reformed, which are often pitted against Cyril, he seems to evade them or to frankly concede them.

Cyril is known for pressing the provocative paradoxes of Christology against his opponents, as the editor notes in the introduction. At one point, Cyril makes such a provocation - that after the Incarnation Christ has only one nature ("We say there is one Son, and that he has one nature even when he is considered as having assumed flesh endowed with a rational soul." pg. 77), a claim zealously pressed by his later supporters and vehemently refuted by his opponents. But later in the work, in explaining the common Antiochian concern of how the impassible God could have suffered, he resorts to distinguishing the natures ("He suffers in his own flesh, and not in the nature of the Godhead." pg. 130). He repeatedly qualifies the provocative statements associated with him based upon the particular nature in view: that Mary is the mother of God, only after the flesh; that God died, but only his flesh and not his divine nature. These are precisely the qualifications argued for by Theodoret and the Reformed; despite all the strife between the two sides, at least in this work, their expositions of Christology seem to be identical on the contentious points. At the few points where I perceived possible difference, disappointingly, I found Cyril's explanation of his thought too imprecise.

Cyril's style was a bit off-putting as well. Frequently, he deflected his interlocutor's questions by simply accusing them of impiety. On several key critiques, he seemed to avoid the question directly or miss its subtlety or merely proof-text, without giving a positive explanation. In this regard, I much preferred the acumen of Theodoret in his Dialogues.

As for the introduction by McGuckin, it is helpful for setting the stage, especially for those with little background to the debates with Nestorious. Yet it is not without some tendentious apologetics for Cyril, and I wish the description of Cyril's Christology would have been more pertinent to the present work - that the tensions mentioned above would have been reckoned with. The theology of Cyril presented is one that seems incongruous with his candid statements on precisely the pressing subtleties that sparked the debate.

[Colby Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true classic demonstration of biblical Christology. Every claim is founded on Scripture, every page contains masterful logic, and every word is not only theologically rich but pastorally beneficial. What a better book to read in our day of belittling the deity of Christ in favor of the historical Jesus than one that unwaveringly confesses and proves that Jesus is the very Word of God who was “born of a woman, according to the flesh,” to whom “belongs the birth and the suffering on the cross since he appropriated everything that belongs to his own flesh, while ever remaining impassible in the nature of God”?

[Nathanael Barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Indeed the mystery of Christ runs the risk of being disbelieved precisely because it is so incredibly wonderful."

A really good read. Humorous, beautiful, and powerful. A great reminder of the importance of the two natures within Christ, and a great emphasis on the balance between them. For anyone who wants to explore the hypostatic union within early church thought, this is worth the read. I have definitely benefited both intellectually and spiritually from the time spent in this book.

[Maria Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

(by now it may be obvious that I’ve been in quarantine all week)

[Hayden Lukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction. Great translation.

[Jordan Payne]

Am gonna need to read this again. And again.

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for class.

[Zack Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Necessary reading. Really presses on the soteriological import of Christ's personal unity.

[William Schrecengost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Timothy Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guy needed a good copy-editor.

3.5 stars. Really excellent in a lot of ways but in general I think a modernized version would be helpful.