gentleexit

Not events at Nicea but it sets up succinctly what Nicea faced and would have to do.

Alexander tried to stop certain readings but his opponents were slippery - "by saying these things, and by unfolding the divine Scriptures, we have often refuted them. But they, chameleon-like ...". Their arguments still resonated and people listened. Alexander had "anathematized such men", but that didn't stop other powerful bishops supporting them including Eusebius of Nicomedia.

The stage is set for Nicea's escalations. A precise definition of the orthodox position and its banned alternative to take out the fence sitters. Anathema, enforced Rome-wide, to remove or neuter powerful bishops like Eusebius.

I think it's a valuable stage setter.