Follow the evidence through time
Avoid a single leap from an ancient picture to the entire modern practice. Study artifacts, positive texts, contrary voices, and councils as different kinds of evidence.
Key points
- 3rd–4th centuries: Dura supplies physical evidence of Christian paintings. Epiphanius supplies a significant early objection.
- 6th–7th centuries: Gregory defends the instructional use of images while resisting their adoration. Trullo emphasizes Christ's human depiction.
- 8th–9th centuries: Hieria and Nicaea II frame the conflict; later icon defenders develop the case. The restoration in 843 follows a renewed period of iconoclasm.
- The historical case is cumulative and includes development and conflict. Do not claim uniform documented apostolic icon veneration.