What was the purpose of the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD?

The Council of Nicaea, convened in 325 AD, primarily aimed to address significant theological disputes within early Christianity, particularly the nature of Jesus Christ and his relationship to God the Father. This was a critical period in the church's development, with varying beliefs causing divisions among Christians. The council sought to establish a unified doctrine, resulting in the formulation of the Nicene Creed, which articulated foundational beliefs regarding the divinity of Christ. By doing so, the council played a vital role in shaping orthodox Christian theology and reducing the chances of sectarian conflict among Christians.

Trade promotion does not relate to the council’s mission, as the focus was strictly on theological matters. Similarly, while education is important for clergy, it was not the primary concern addressed by the council, which was more about establishing common beliefs. Finally, defending the empire against invasions was a concern of the Roman state, but it was not within the purview of the Council of Nicaea, emphasizing instead the internal harmony necessary for the burgeoning Christian community.