Third Council of Constantinople (Sixth Ecumenical Council), 680–681

On November 7, 680, an ecumenical council opened in Constantinople, the imperial city on the Bosporus, under Emperor Constantine IV. Bishops from across the empire gathered with papal legates representing the Roman see, seeking unity in the truth about Christ. Meeting near the great churches of the capital, the council examined Scripture, earlier councils, and the testimony of faithful teachers to settle a question that troubled worship and preaching: how the incarnate Son obeys the Father.

Monothelitism

Monothelitism taught that Christ had only one will. Though often presented as a compromise, it weakened the confession that Jesus is fully God and fully man. The council rejected this error and confessed that the one Lord Jesus Christ possesses two wills—divine and human—united without confusion or division. His human will is real, not imaginary, and yet never sinful or rebellious. In Gethsemane, Scripture shows both His true humanity and His perfect obedience: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Key Figures

Constantine IV supported the council’s work, recognizing that peace in the Church depends on clarity about the Savior. Papal legates carried the teaching associated with Pope Agatho, urging a straightforward confession of Christ’s fullness. On the other side, leaders such as Macarius of Antioch resisted and were corrected. The council also vindicated the costly witness of Maximus the Confessor, who endured exile and brutal punishment for refusing to deny Christ’s true human will. His sufferings were a form of steadfast love—heroism marked by patience, courage, and reverence for God’s Word.

Lasting Significance

By confessing Christ’s two wills, the council strengthened the Church to trust the whole Christ who redeems our whole humanity. If the Son did not assume a human will, then human obedience would remain unhealed. But Jesus says, “For I have come down from heaven not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 6:38) This doctrine encourages believers: our salvation rests on the obedient Son who truly became man for us, and who enables His people to worship, endure, and follow in faithful submission to the Father.