Arianism takes its name from Arius, a presbyter in Alexandria who began teaching around AD 318 that the Son of God was not eternal but was instead a created being. Arius famously summarized his doctrine in the phrase, “There was a time when He was not.” He insisted that before the Son was begotten, He did not exist. In this view, Jesus was exalted above all creation but was nevertheless a creature Himself, subordinate and different in nature from God the Father.