The former bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, Athanasius, was the first person to use the term “canon” when referring to Scripture and its authority, and he opposed a major hersey known as Arianism. Named for Alexandrian churchman Arius, Arianism stated that Jesus was not in full agreement with God the Father, and therefore the concept of the Trinity could not be correct. This led to the formation of the Council of Nicea, where Athanasius would be exiled several times and ultimately flee for his life. Despite this, his faith and his positions about the total authority of Scripture never wavered. He died on May 2, 373.
