What was one major focus of the Council of Ephesus?

The Council of Ephesus, held in 431 AD, is most prominently known for its declaration of the Virgin Mary as Theotokos, which means "God-bearer" or "Mother of God." This designation was a crucial development in Christological debates of the time, responding to various theological disagreements concerning the nature of Christ and Mary’s role in the Incarnation. By affirming Mary in this way, the council aimed to clarify Christ's divine nature and the belief that He was fully divine and fully human from the moment of His conception. This affirmation helped to unify the understanding of Christ's identity within the church and addressed concerns raised by Nestorianism, which argued for a separation between Christ's divine and human natures.

This focus on the Theotokos was not merely a matter of honoring Mary; it was deeply intertwined with the theological foundations of the church, ensuring a proper understanding of the Incarnation and its implications for salvation and the nature of God.