What did the Council of Laodicea address?

The Council of Laodicea, held in the 4th century, is primarily recognized for addressing matters related to church governance and the canon of Scripture. One of the significant contributions from this council was the establishment of regulations concerning the conduct of church ministers and the liturgy. Additionally, it provided guidance on the canon of Scripture, specifically affirming certain books to be considered sacred and authoritative within the Christian tradition, while also indicating which texts should not be included.

This council highlighted the importance of maintaining a unified doctrinal and liturgical practice among Christians, reflecting the early church's efforts to solidify its structure and teachings as it grew in complexity and number. Its focus on these specific issues makes it a crucial milestone in the development of ecclesiastical governance and the formation of the biblical canon, distinguishing it from councils that addressed other theological controversies, such as Christology or the relationship between church and state.