Synod of Hippo

Definition

The Synod of Hippo was a regional church council held in 393 AD in North Africa that played a crucial role in the early development of the Christian biblical canon. This gathering of bishops is significant because it established a list of accepted books for the Old and New Testaments, which would later influence the formation of the Christian Bible and affirm the authority of these texts within the church.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Synod of Hippo was convened by Bishop Aurelius and included numerous bishops from North Africa.
2. The synod's decisions helped solidify which writings were considered scripture, emphasizing texts that aligned with apostolic teachings.
3. The canon established at Hippo included the deuterocanonical books, which are recognized by Catholic and Orthodox Christians but not by most Protestant denominations.
4. The outcomes of the Synod of Hippo were not immediately binding on all Christians, as different regions had varied opinions on canonical texts.
5. Later councils, such as the Council of Carthage, built upon the foundation laid by the Synod of Hippo, further validating its decisions on the biblical canon.

Review Questions

• How did the Synod of Hippo contribute to the process of canon formation in early Christianity?
  • The Synod of Hippo contributed significantly to canon formation by establishing an authoritative list of texts deemed sacred for both the Old and New Testaments. This gathering of bishops critically evaluated various writings, emphasizing those that aligned with established apostolic teachings. The decisions made at this synod laid the groundwork for future councils and helped shape what would be recognized as the Christian Bible.
• Evaluate the impact of the Synod of Hippo's decisions on later church councils regarding biblical authority.
  • The decisions made during the Synod of Hippo had a lasting impact on subsequent church councils, notably influencing the Council of Carthage. By outlining a clear canon, it provided a framework for later discussions about which texts should be accepted as scripture. The consensus reached at Hippo facilitated a more unified understanding of biblical authority across different regions, leading to greater consistency in Christian teachings and practices.
• Assess how the outcomes of the Synod of Hippo reflect broader trends in early Christianity regarding scriptural interpretation and authority.
  • The outcomes of the Synod of Hippo reflect broader trends in early Christianity as it sought to establish a unified doctrine amid diverse beliefs and interpretations. By carefully selecting which texts were deemed authoritative, church leaders aimed to preserve authentic teachings and protect against heretical views. This desire for doctrinal clarity illustrates how early Christians navigated their faith’s evolution, emphasizing a collective pursuit for shared beliefs that could withstand theological disputes and enhance communal identity.

Related terms

Canon: A set of texts or books that a religious community regards as authoritative scripture.

Apostolic Succession:

The uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles through successive popes and bishops.

Council of Carthage:

A later church council held in 397 AD that reaffirmed the decisions made at the Synod of Hippo regarding the biblical canon.