What is Perichoresis?

Perichoresis is a theological term used to describe the interpenetration and mutual indwelling of the three persons of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This concept illustrates the profound unity and relationship within the Godhead, where each person of the Trinity fully shares in the life and essence of the others without losing their distinct personal identities. The term comes from the Greek word perichōrēsis, which means “rotation” or “a going around,” emphasizing the dynamic and relational nature of the Triune God. Perichoresis highlights the idea that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in a perfect, loving communion, eternally giving and receiving from one another.

Biblical Foundations

Scriptural Basis for Perichoresis

While the term “Perichoresis” itself is not found in the Bible, the concept is rooted in various passages that speak to the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The idea of mutual indwelling and relational unity is present throughout the New Testament, particularly in the teachings of Jesus about His relationship with the Father and the Spirit.

• John 10:30 (NIV):
  

  “I and the Father are one.”

  This verse reflects the profound unity between Jesus and the Father, a central aspect of the concept of Perichoresis. It suggests that while the Father and the Son are distinct persons, they are united in essence and purpose.

• John 14:10-11 (NIV):
  

  “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.”

  Jesus’ teaching about His indwelling relationship with the Father is a clear biblical foundation for the concept of Perichoresis, emphasizing the mutual indwelling and unity between the Father and the Son.

• John 17:21 (NIV):
  

  “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

  In Jesus’ prayer for unity among His followers, He references the unity and indwelling relationship He shares with the Father, again pointing to the concept of Perichoresis.

Theological Interpretations

Perichoresis has been a significant concept in Christian theology, particularly in discussions about the nature of the Trinity and the relationships between the persons of the Godhead. It has been used to articulate the balance between unity and distinction within the Trinity.

• Trinitarian Theology: Perichoresis is crucial for understanding the orthodox Christian doctrine of the Trinity, where God is one in essence but exists in three distinct persons. This concept helps to maintain the balance between unity and distinction, ensuring that the persons of the Trinity are not seen as separate beings but as one God in three persons.
  • Matthew 28:19 (NIV):
    

    “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

    The Trinitarian formula in this verse underscores the equal status and unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which Perichoresis helps to explain.

• Perichoresis and Divine Love: Perichoresis also emphasizes the loving relationship between the persons of the Trinity, where each person fully participates in the life of the others. This eternal exchange of love within the Godhead is seen as the model for Christian love and community.
  • 1 John 4:16 (NIV):
    

    “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

    This verse reflects the idea that God’s very nature is love, which is perfectly expressed in the mutual indwelling of the Trinity.

Historical Development and Key Figures

Early Church and Patristic Thought

The concept of Perichoresis was developed by the early Church Fathers as they sought to articulate the nature of the Trinity and to defend the doctrine against various heresies that either denied the distinctness of the persons or the unity of the Godhead.

• Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 329-390 AD): Gregory of Nazianzus, one of the Cappadocian Fathers, was instrumental in the development of Trinitarian theology. While he did not use the term “Perichoresis” explicitly, his teachings on the Trinity laid the groundwork for understanding the relational unity of the Godhead.
  • Gregory’s Theological Orations: Gregory’s writings emphasized the unity of the divine essence and the distinctness of the persons, which are key aspects of Perichoresis.
• John of Damascus (c. 676-749 AD): John of Damascus is credited with popularizing the term “Perichoresis” in his theological writings. He used the term to describe the interpenetration and mutual indwelling of the Trinity, emphasizing that the persons of the Trinity share the same essence and work together in perfect harmony.
  • John’s Exposition of the Orthodox Faith: In this work, John of Damascus explains the concept of Perichoresis as it relates to the Trinity, arguing that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are united in their actions and essence.
• Cyril of Alexandria (c. 376-444 AD): Cyril of Alexandria also contributed to the development of the concept of Perichoresis, particularly in his Christological writings. He used the concept to explain the union of Christ’s divine and human natures, arguing that they interpenetrate without confusion or separation.
  • Cyril’s Letters: Cyril’s correspondence, particularly during the Christological controversies, reflects his use of Perichoresis to articulate the unity of Christ’s natures.

Medieval and Reformation Theology

During the medieval period, Perichoresis continued to be an important concept in discussions of both Trinitarian theology and Christology. It was further developed by theologians who sought to explain the mystery of the Trinity and the Incarnation.

• Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274 AD): Aquinas integrated the concept of Perichoresis into his systematic theology, particularly in his discussions of the Trinity and the Incarnation. He emphasized that the persons of the Trinity are distinct yet fully participate in the divine essence, a key aspect of Perichoresis.
  • Summa Theologica: In this foundational work, Aquinas explores the relationship between the persons of the Trinity, using concepts akin to Perichoresis to explain their unity and distinction.
• John Calvin (1509-1564 AD): Although Calvin did not focus extensively on Perichoresis as a technical term, his Trinitarian theology reflects the principles of mutual indwelling and unity within the Godhead. Calvin emphasized the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, while maintaining their essential unity.
  • Institutes of the Christian Religion: In his Institutes, Calvin articulates a robust doctrine of the Trinity, which, while not using the term Perichoresis, aligns with its principles.

Modern Theological Reflections

In the modern era, Perichoresis has been revisited and expanded upon by theologians who have used it to explore various aspects of Trinitarian theology, ecclesiology, and Christian community.

• Jürgen Moltmann (1926-2023 AD): Moltmann, a prominent modern theologian, has written extensively on the Trinity and has used the concept of Perichoresis to emphasize the relational and communal nature of God. He argues that the mutual indwelling of the Trinity serves as a model for human relationships and the Church.
  • The Trinity and the Kingdom of God: In this work, Moltmann explores the social implications of the Trinity, arguing that the Church should reflect the relational unity and mutual indwelling of the Triune God.
• Catherine Mowry LaCugna (1952-1997 AD): LaCugna was another modern theologian who emphasized the practical implications of Perichoresis for Christian life. She argued that the relational nature of the Trinity should inform the way Christians live in community and relate to one another.
  • God for Us: The Trinity and Christian Life: LaCugna’s work explores how the doctrine of the Trinity, particularly the concept of Perichoresis, should shape Christian ethics and community.

Broader Theological Implications

Perichoresis and Trinitarian Theology

Perichoresis is central to understanding the mystery of the Trinity, particularly how the persons of the Godhead can be distinct yet fully united. It helps to maintain the balance between unity and distinction within the Trinity, ensuring that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not seen as separate beings but as one God in three persons.

• Unity and Distinction: Perichoresis allows for a robust understanding of the unity of the Godhead while preserving the distinct personhood of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is crucial for maintaining orthodox Trinitarian theology.
  • John 14:16-17 (NIV):
    

    “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

    This passage reflects the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which are understood in light of Perichoresis.

Perichoresis and Ecclesiology

The concept of Perichoresis has also been applied to the Church, particularly in discussions of Christian community and unity. The mutual indwelling of the Trinity serves as a model for how Christians are to live in relationship with one another, reflecting the love and unity of the Godhead.

• Christian Community: Perichoresis emphasizes the importance of mutual love, respect, and interdependence within the Christian community. Just as the persons of the Trinity exist in perfect unity and love, so too are Christians called to live in unity with one another.
  • Ephesians 4:3-6 (NIV):
    

    “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

    This passage reflects the unity of the Church, which is modeled after the unity of the Trinity.

• Ecclesial Unity: Perichoresis also has implications for the unity of the global Church. The mutual indwelling of the Trinity serves as a reminder that the Church, despite its diversity, is called to reflect the unity of the Godhead in its mission and witness to the world.
  • John 17:22-23 (NIV):
    

    “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

    This verse underscores the connection between Trinitarian unity and the unity of the Church, both of which are grounded in the concept of Perichoresis.

Perichoresis and Christian Life

Perichoresis also has practical implications for Christian living, particularly in how believers understand their relationship with God and with one another. The mutual indwelling of the Trinity serves as a model for the mutual love and service that should characterize Christian relationships.

• Imitation of Divine Love: Just as the persons of the Trinity are united in love, Christians are called to imitate this divine love in their relationships with others. This includes self-giving, mutual respect, and a commitment to unity.
  • John 15:12 (NIV):
    

    “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

    This command reflects the love that exists within the Trinity, which is the model for Christian love.

• Participation in the Divine Life: Perichoresis also emphasizes the believer’s participation in the divine life. Through the Holy Spirit, Christians are invited to share in the life of the Trinity, experiencing the love, joy, and unity that characterize the Godhead.
  • 2 Peter 1:4 (NIV):
    

    “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

    This verse highlights the believer’s participation in the divine nature, which is made possible through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Legacy and Influence in Christian Doctrine

Perichoresis has had a profound influence on Christian theology, particularly in the development of Trinitarian doctrine. It has helped to articulate the mystery of the Trinity and to safeguard the Church’s teaching on the unity and distinction within the Godhead. It has also influenced ecclesiology, Christian community, and the understanding of divine love.

Conservative Reflection on Perichoresis

From a conservative theological perspective, Perichoresis is embraced as a vital concept for understanding the mystery of the Trinity. It helps to maintain the orthodox Christian belief in one God in three persons, emphasizing both the unity and the distinction within the Godhead. Conservative theologians value Perichoresis for its ability to safeguard against heresies that either divide the Trinity or collapse the persons into one.

Final Thoughts on God’s Love and Jesus

Perichoresis ultimately reflects the depth of God’s love and the perfect unity that exists within the Trinity. It serves as a model for Christian relationships, inviting believers to share in the divine love that flows between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through Perichoresis, Christians are reminded of the relational nature of God and are called to live in loving communion with one another, reflecting the unity and love of the Triune God.

• 1 John 4:16 (NIV):
  

  “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

This verse encapsulates the heart of Perichoresis: the mutual indwelling of love within the Trinity, which is both the source and the model for the love that Christians are called to embody in their own lives. Through Perichoresis, believers are invited to participate in the divine life, to experience the fullness of God’s love, and to reflect that love in their relationships with others.