The Apostles’ Creed

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The Origin of the Creed

The Apostles’ Creed is one of the most ancient expressions of basic Christian beliefs. (The word “creed” comes from Latin “credo”, which means “I believe.”) Its current form dates to the sixth century, but it reflects the earliest statements of Christian faith. Although one tradition suggests it was written by the twelve apostles, this isn’t likely. But if you analyze the creed, it breaks down into twelve brief affirmations about the Christian faith. These twelve statements reminded early Christians of the twelve apostles. There is a tight connection between the faith of the apostles and what we find in the Apostles’ Creed.

The Apostles’ Creed shows very little evidence of the theological debates that arose later in the life of the church. This suggests that the creed arose very early in Christian history. It also makes the creed widely accepted in almost every branch of Christianity.

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almight. From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church: the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

An Analysis of the Creed

The overwhelming majority of the Apostles’ Creed deals with Jesus. It opens with a short statement about the Father, and briefly mentions the Holy Spirit near the end. In between, most of the creed focuses on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

The creed ends with a number of affirmations that relate to God’s promises and gifts to us.

• His church. “Catholic” is simply an archaic word meaning “universal”. This does not refer to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the communion of all God’s people (“saints”) throughout time. One of God’s great gifts is the creation and establishment of the church.
• The forgiveness of sins. This is the good news of the gospel. Broken relationships between us and God and between us and others have been made right in the life and work of Christ.
• The resurrection of the body. Many people think of the afterlife as disembodied spirits floating around somewhere. But God’s physical creation is good. This is affirmed in the physical resurrection of our bodies.