One of the many false claims out there today is that the Emperor Constantine invented the idea of the Deity of Christ in order to unite the Empire and introduced the concept at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. There is not a shred of truth to that claim. Not only do the Scriptures say otherwise, but so do the early Church fathers: Here are some quotes (of many that could be cited):

1) Polycarp (69-155) “yet believe in our Lord and God Jesus”

2) Ignatius (50-117) “by the will of the Father and of Jesus Christ our God”, also “once you took on new life through the blood of God”

3) Justin Martyr (100-165) “prove that Christ is called both God and Lord of hosts”

4) Melito of Sardis (died 180) “because they slew God, who hung naked on the tree”

5) Irenaeus of Lyons (130-202) “He is Himself God, and Lord, and King Eternal”

6) Clement of Alexandria (150-215) “He alone being both, both God and man”

7) Tertullian (150-225) “For God alone is without sin; and the only man without sin is Christ, since Christ is also God.”

8 ) Origen (AD 185-254) – “while made a man remained the God which He was.”

For the sources of these quotes: