The Apostles’ Creed, known in Latin as Symbolum Apostolorum or Symbolum Apostolicum, is a widely used Christian creed that serves as a foundational statement of faith in many Western Christian traditions. It is distinct from the Nicene Creed but remains explicitly Trinitarian, affirming belief in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Despite lacking explicit Christological definitions found in the Nicene Creed, the Apostles’ Creed has been integral to Christian worship and catechesis.

Historical Development

The origins of the Apostles’ Creed trace back to early Christian formulations of faith. While medieval tradition suggested that each of the twelve Apostles contributed one article to the creed, historical evidence points to its development in the 5th century in Gaul, building upon the Old Roman Symbol, a 4th-century Latin creed.

Early Creeds and Formulations

The term symbolum (creed) was first used in the 3rd century by St. Cyprian and St. Firmilian to describe the baptismal profession of faith. The earliest known reference to the term “Apostles’ Creed” appears in a letter from the Synod of Milan in AD 390. The Old Roman Creed, which influenced the Apostles’ Creed, likely originated as a baptismal formula based on Matthew 28:19.

The earliest versions of the creed lacked full Christological statements. A fragment from Testamentum in Galilaea Domini Nostri Iesu Christi (circa 150–180 AD) contains a simple declaration of faith:

I believe in the Father almighty, and in Jesus Christ, our Savior, and in the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, in the holy Church, and in the remission of sins.

This formula predates later expansions that included details of Christ’s passion, resurrection, and ascension.

Evolution and Standardization

By the 5th century, the Apostles’ Creed had developed into a form closely resembling its modern iteration. Faustus of Riez recorded a nearly identical version, and by the 8th century, Charlemagne promoted its use throughout his empire, replacing the Old Roman Creed in liturgical practices.

The Apostolic Creed remains a vital expression of Christian faith, uniting diverse denominations through its foundational beliefs.

Structure and Content

The Apostles’ Creed is traditionally divided into twelve articles of faith:

• Belief in God the Father – Acknowledgment of God as almighty and creator of heaven and earth.
• Jesus Christ as the Son of God – Affirmation of Jesus’ divine sonship.
• Conception by the Holy Spirit, Birth from the Virgin Mary – Declaration of Christ’s miraculous conception and incarnation.
• Suffering under Pontius Pilate, Crucifixion, Death, and Burial – Recognition of Christ’s passion and historical crucifixion.
• Descent into Hell, Resurrection on the Third Day – Belief in Christ’s descent and triumph over death.
• Ascension and Seat at God’s Right Hand – Christ’s enthronement in heaven.
• Judgment of the Living and the Dead – Christ’s second coming and final judgment.
• Belief in the Holy Spirit – Affirmation of the Spirit’s divine presence.
• The Holy Catholic Church and Communion of Saints – Unity of believers and participation in the Church.
• Forgiveness of Sins – Assurance of divine mercy.
• Resurrection of the Body – Belief in bodily resurrection.
• Life Everlasting – Hope in eternal life.

A Flemish tapestry depicting the first four articles of the Creed.

The phrase “communion of saints” highlights the spiritual unity of all believers, both living and deceased. This further emphasizes the shared faith and fellowship of the Christian Church.

Theological Significance

The Apostles’ Creed’s simplicity and comprehensiveness make it a central teaching tool in Christianity. Unlike the Nicene Creed, it does not explicitly define the divine nature of Christ or the Holy Spirit, making it more adaptable across denominations. It serves as a baptismal confession and is widely used in catechism and liturgical prayers.

Liturgical and Denominational Use

Catholic Church

The Apostles’ Creed has been a foundational part of Catholic catechesis and liturgical practice since the early Middle Ages. It is often recited in the Rosary and is an alternative to the Nicene Creed during Mass, particularly in Lent and Easter seasons.

Protestant Traditions

Many Protestant denominations, including Lutherans, Anglicans, Presbyterians, and Methodists, incorporate the Apostles’ Creed into worship and baptismal rites. The Evangelical Lutheran Church, for example, uses the creed in both traditional and contemporary forms.

History of the Catholic Church: How and When Did Catholicism Begin?

The Apostles’ Creed in Baptism and Worship

The creed’s origins as a baptismal profession remain evident in its continued use in baptismal rites. In Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions, the creed is recited in an interrogative form, where candidates or sponsors affirm their faith in response to questions posed by the minister.

Variations and Translations

Different Christian traditions have slightly varied translations of the Apostles’ Creed. The phrase descendit ad inferos (“He descended into hell”) is sometimes rendered as “He descended to the dead” in Protestant versions. The term “holy catholic Church” is often explained as referring to the universal Christian Church rather than Roman Catholicism.

The Apostles’ Creed in Music and Culture

The creed has inspired various musical settings, from medieval Gregorian chant to contemporary worship songs. Composers like Martin Luther, Rich Mullins, and Hillsong Worship have adapted the creed into hymns and modern Christian music.

Questions and Answers

Where did the Apostles’ Creed originate?

It likely developed in 5th-century Gaul as an expansion of the Old Roman Symbol, an earlier baptismal creed used in Rome. Though attributed to the Twelve Apostles in legend, its actual formulation evolved over time.

How is the Apostles’ Creed structured?

It follows a trinitarian format: affirming God the Father as Creator, Jesus Christ’s incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit’s role in the Church and eternal life.

Why does the Creed include “He descended into hell”?

This phrase, added in the 4th century, references Christ’s descent into the realm of the dead, reflecting Ephesians 4:9 and early Christian theology about His victory over death.

What role does the Apostles’ Creed play in worship?

It is commonly recited in baptism, daily prayers, and worship services across denominations, including Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Methodist traditions.

How does the Apostles’ Creed differ from the Nicene Creed?

The Nicene Creed, formulated in 381, explicitly defines Christ’s divinity and the Holy Spirit’s nature, while the Apostles’ Creed is simpler and focuses on core Christian beliefs.

Why do some versions differ slightly?

Different Christian traditions have minor variations in wording due to translation preferences and theological emphasis, but the core meaning remains the same.