What was the purpose of the Council of Carthage?

Historical Context and Setting

The city of Carthage was a significant center of early Christian thought and activity in North Africa. By the late fourth and early fifth centuries, various church leaders in this region gathered to address theological disputes, define essential doctrines, and confirm authoritative texts for use in worship and teaching. These assemblies became known collectively as the Councils of Carthage. Multiple gatherings took place over several decades, often presided over by influential bishops such as Aurelius of Carthage and Augustine of Hippo, each addressing pressing issues of the time.

Primary Purpose of the Council

A primary function of the Council of Carthage (particularly the assembly in A.D. 397, followed by expansions in 419) was to settle which writings would be treated as Scripture within local congregations. During these significant proceedings, church leaders discussed longstanding questions about which texts held apostolic authority and were therefore fit for reading and teaching in congregations. Their conclusions were not the creation of a new list; rather, these decisions recognized and formalized a collection of Old and New Testament books already widely accepted among believers.

The Council also addressed heretical teachings and church disciplinary matters, resolving uncertainties about pastoral practice and moral issues. These actions helped maintain unity in teaching across the broader Christian community.

Formation of the Canon

One of the most historically recognized outcomes was the affirmation of the 27 books of the New Testament. Although other councils, such as the 393 Council of Hippo, had already listed the same books, the 397 Council of Carthage reinforced that record, reflecting the conviction that these books traced back to the apostles and their close associates.

The Council’s decision built on earlier work by church leaders like Athanasius, who had circulated a famous Easter Letter in A.D. 367 naming the 27 New Testament books. By reinforcing these ideas, the Council of Carthage gave local churches in North Africa a clear statement of which texts carried the highest trustworthiness and doctrinal authority.

Doctrinal and Theological Focus

Alongside the question of the canon, the Council of Carthage responded to theological disputes such as Donatism and Pelagianism, helping to unify church practice and doctrine. Especially influential in this period was Augustine of Hippo, who emphasized the necessity of divine grace for salvation. His treaties, produced around the same time, clarified biblical teaching on human nature, sin, and redemption.

These councils sought to maintain fidelity to the words of Scripture. As it is written, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Council’s rulings elevated the church’s commitment to God’s timeless truth, guarding sound doctrine for generations to come.

Scriptural Harmony and Authority

Participants viewed the Council’s rulings as consistent with passages like 2 Peter 1:20–21, which underscores that “no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”. They understood these words to affirm the Spirit’s guiding role in producing and preserving the text of Scripture.

By aligning their decisions with recognized apostolic teachings, the Council leaders underscored the unity of Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, these sacred writings point to the redemptive work of the Creator, culminating in Christ’s resurrection. The clarity of which books constituted that message allowed believers to stand upon the sure foundation of biblical truth.

Archaeological and Historical Evidence

Archaeological work in North Africa has uncovered inscriptions, church foundations, and writings from the era that confirm a strong Christian presence during the fourth and fifth centuries. Surviving letters, sermons, and ecclesiastical records from Augustine, as well as various synodal decrees, corroborate the formal decisions made in Carthage.

These historical records match the biblical manuscript evidence from regions far beyond North Africa. Fragmentary papyri, codices, and quotations from early Christian teachers all converge to attest that the same core New Testament books were recognized in different congregations across the Roman Empire. This wide agreement adds weight to the consistency and reliability of canonical Scripture.

Legacy and Continuing Significance

The Councils of Carthage established patterns still relevant to many Christian traditions worldwide. By confirming an authoritative set of biblical books and addressing heresies, these councils helped preserve doctrinal integrity. Their influence is observed today in how most Christian groups recognize the same 27 New Testament writings.

Moreover, the Council’s concern to uphold Scripture echoes for modern readers seeking to test every teaching by God’s Word. As believers study these texts, they also find unity in the central message of redemption—a message confirmed through the resurrection of Christ and taught consistently in the final canon of Scripture. The Council of Carthage thus played a vital role in helping stabilize and define a Scripture-based faith for future generations.