What was the Synod of Gangra?

The Synod of Gangra was a Christian council in the fourth century. It convened in Gangra, a town in the province of Paphlagonia (modern-day Turkey). One of its purposes was to condemn the teachings of Eustathius of Sebaste, a bishop of Sebastia in Armenia. Eustathius was a founder of monasticism and a friend of Basil of Caesarea.

Historical Context

In the fourth century, Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity. This newfound toleration of Christians in an empire that had previously persecuted them created opportunities and challenges for the church. One challenge was maintaining a unified theology across such a vast region. There was a rapid increase in sectarian movements, including one led by Eustathius of Sebaste, a bishop known for his extreme asceticism.

Eustathius and his disciples promoted strict celibacy, severe fasting, and the renunciation of material possessions. Asceticism is highly regarded in many Christian traditions, but Eustathius went to extremes—he condemned marriage and family as sinful. If a person was married with children, Eustathius encouraged him to abandon his family. These outrageous teachings prompted the church to organize the Synod of Gangra.

Objectives of the Synod of Gangra

The Synod of Gangra was organized to combat Eustathius’ teachings and reaffirm fidelity to biblical teaching. The council’s objectives included the following:

• to address the idea that marriage and raising children were incompatible with Christian holiness

• to reinforce the church’s authority and hierarchal structure of government

• to balance ascetic practices against Scripture

• The synod rejected the teaching that marriage was sinful. Celibacy is not superior to marriage. Marriage is a sacred institution blessed by God: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25–17, ESV).

• The council denounced abandoning spouses and children in the pursuit of asceticism. Fulfilling familial responsibilities is part of the Christian life: “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8, ESV).

• The council reaffirmed the importance of respecting ecclesiastical authority: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account” (Hebrews 13:17, ESV).

• The council decreed that fasting and celibacy are biblical but should be voluntary and not imposed universally: “The Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. Everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:1–5, ESV).