Monarchianism stressed the undivided rule, or monarchy, of the Godhead

The term derives from the Greek monarchia ("rule") which describes the single, undivided rule of the Godhead in the Trinity. It had several variants in the ancient church that can be categorized into two kinds. 1) "Dynamic Monarchianism" or "Adoptionism" held that divine power was bestowed upon the mere man Jesus as the adopted son of God. 2) "Modalist Monarchianism" or "Sabellianism" held that one God reveals himself in three different modes or ways. This was sometimes mockingly called "Patripassionism" because, according to some, it implied that God the Father had suffered crucifixion along with the Son.