The Apostles’ Creed is a concise, early Christian statement of faith that summarizes the central truths of the Bible. It affirms God as Creator, a truth presented in the first sentence of the Bible. The Creed expresses the reality of Jesus Christ’s life, death, resurrection, which Isaiah, Micah, and others prophesied about in the Old Testament (Isaiah 9:6-7, 53; Micah 5:2) and which all of the New Testament verifies. It indicates a future judgment (Acts 10:42; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 1:17-18) and speaks of the work of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–17; Acts 2:1–4). The Apostle’s Creed also mentions the Church, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life (Acts 2:38–42; Ephesians 1:7; John 3:16, 5:28–29; Revelation 21:1–4) .
Although not written by the apostles themselves, the Creed emerged in the early centuries of the Church as a unifying confession for Christians across diverse traditions. Today, the Creed continues to guide believers in affirming core Christian doctrines and understanding the universal nature of the Church. Though certain phrases, such as Jesus “descending into hell” and the “holy catholic church,” need to be interpreted within biblical context, the Apostles’ Creed still emphasizes the unity of all who follow Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13).
Have you ever had to give an elevator pitch? If you were in sales, you probably have. If you weren’t, maybe you’re thinking it’s some weird sort of elevator baseball game. The phrase is used to mean a short summary of your main points—-given in the time it might take for an elevator ride. The Apostle’s Creed might be considered the “elevator pitch” for the key points of Christianity.
And many religious traditions,---including Roman Catholics, many Orthodox Churches, the Anglican Church, and many Protestant churches—use this early Christian statement of faith.. Originally used as a baptismal statement, it was later formalized in writing by Rufinus in 390 and has been preserved in its Latin and English translations. The full version used today came even later, likely sometime in the fifth century. Though legend has it that the apostles authored the Creed(hence the name), that claim is historically inaccurate.
Despite its name, the Apostles' Creed was not written by the biblical apostles but originated after the lives of the apostles. A shortened form of the creed was used as a baptismal confession by the mid-second century and was written down by Rufinus in 390. The full version used today came even later, likely sometime in the fifth century.
The English translation of the original Latin reads,
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He arose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
whence 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 life everlasting.
Amen.
The origin of the Apostles' Creed is often shrouded in myth and legend. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia notes, "The legend was that the creed took shape at the dictation of the Twelve Apostles, each of whom contributed a special article. Thus, Peter, it was alleged, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, commenced, 'I believe in God the Father Almighty'; Andrew (or according to others, John) continued, 'And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord'; James the elder went on, 'Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,' etc. This legend is not older than the 5th or 6th centuries, and is absurd on the face of it."
Despite its interesting history, the Apostles' Creed forms an important creedal statement covering many areas of Christian theology. Two concerns continue to exist, however. First, there is much dispute regarding the phrase that Jesus "descended into hell." Second, the holy catholic church is only biblical in the sense of the universal church, including all believers in Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church as an institution was not the intended original reference of this creed. "Catholic" is another term for "universal." All Christians are called to believe in the one universal church or body of Christ consisting of all people who have come to faith in Jesus Christ.
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