The Creed as Song, the Council as Liturgy: Jacob of Serugh on the Council of Nicaea
This paper explores Jacob of Serug’s poetic interpretation of the Council of Nicaea, examining how he weaves theological concepts into verse and imagery. As one of the most prolific Syriac poets of late antiquity, Jacob crafted a rich and complex literary account of the council, reflecting his broader exegetical and theological concerns. His verse not only narrates the historical event but also transforms it into a spiritual and rhetorical performance to reinforce Nicene orthodoxy among his audience. This study analyzes Jacob’s poetic structure, rhetorical strategies, and theological motifs to highlight how he engages with the Christological debates that shaped his era. His depiction of the council extends beyond mere historical recounting; instead, he integrates scriptural allusions, typological readings, and dramatic dialogues to present Nicaea as a moment of divine revelation and apostolic continuity. He aligns himself with the Nicene tradition while adapting its arguments for a Syriac-speaking audience immersed in a vibrant exegetical culture. Furthermore, this paper situates Jacob’s work within the broader Syriac literary tradition, considering how his poetic exegesis compares to other contemporary and later treatments of the council. His use of metaphor and narrative framing underscores the didactic function of poetry in shaping theological discourse, demonstrating how poetic form serves as both an artistic and doctrinal medium. Ultimately, this study argues that Jacob of Serug’s poetic engagement with the Council of Nicaea is not merely a retelling but an interpretive act that reaffirms the council’s theological authority while making its doctrinal affirmations vivid and memorable for his audience. By elucidating these dimensions, this paper sheds new light on the intersection of poetry, theology, and historical memory in late antique Syriac Christianity.