Understanding the Apostles’ Creed

Josh Reading
5 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 25 minutes ago

If you’ve spent any time in a church—whether Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or Non-Denominational—you may have heard a congregation stand together and declare a statement beginning with the words: The Apostles’ Creed begins with the words “I believe in God, the Father Almighty...” and stands as one of the most ancient and unifying summaries of Christian beliefs.

But what is the Apostles’ Creed? Where did it come from? The Apostles’ Creed receives affirmation from multiple Christian traditions throughout history and today. Now we will explore both the historic significance and the lasting impact of this declaration of faith.

What is the Apostles’ Creed?

The Apostles’ Creed consists of a brief definition of essential Christian beliefs. The Apostles’ Creed serves as a declaration of Christian faith which derives its foundation from biblical teachings rather than being part of the Bible itself. The document presents a basic overview of Christian doctrine that children can learn easily yet provides profound guidance for Church faith throughout centuries.

The Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe 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, died, and was buried; He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again; He ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and He will 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.

A Brief History

Although the Apostles’ Creed bears their name, the apostles themselves did not compose it. The Apostles’ Creed originated as a second-century Christian belief statement that probably served as a baptismal confession within Roman churches. Tertullian and Irenaeus mentioned early versions of it in their work, and the Creed reached its final form by the fourth century.

The name of the Creed mirrors the conviction that it encapsulates the teachings of the apostles as presented in the New Testament (Acts 2:42; 2 Thessalonians 2:15). This Creed belongs to a wider collection of creeds and confessions created by the early Church both to prevent heresy and to educate new believers about the core elements of the faith.

Why Do All Major Branches of Christianity Affirm It?

Major branches of Christianity uphold the Apostles’ Creed because it faithfully summarises apostolic teaching.

The Apostles’ Creed stands out because it serves as an ecumenical statement accepted across different Christian denominations. The Apostles’ Creed maintains its widespread acceptance among Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox believers, mainline Protestants and numerous Non-Denominational churches despite their many differences and diversity. Why?

1. It’s Grounded in Scripture

Each statement within the Creed reflects a truth found in the Bible.

For instance:

“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth” — Genesis 1:1; Matthew 6:9.
“Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord” — John 3:16; Romans 10:9.
“Born of the Virgin Mary” — Matthew 1:18–23.
“Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried” — Matthew 27:26–61.
“He descended to the dead” — 1 Peter 3:19; Ephesians 4:9.
“On the third day He rose again” — Luke 24:6–7.
“He ascended into heaven” — Acts 1:9–11.
“He is seated at the right hand of the Father” — Mark 16:19; Hebrews 1:3.
“He will come to judge the living and the dead” — 2 Timothy 4:1.
“I believe in the Holy Spirit” — Acts 1:8; John 14:26.
“The holy catholic Church” — Ephesians 4:4–6 (note: catholic here means universal).
“The communion of saints” — Hebrews 12:1; Romans 12:5.
“The forgiveness of sins” — Acts 10:43; 1 John 1:9.
“The resurrection of the body” — 1 Corinthians 15:42–44.
“And the life everlasting” — John 3:36.

2. It Affirms Unity in Essentials

Despite differences among Christians regarding secondary beliefs like baptism and church governance, the Apostles’ Creed concentrates on fundamental principles. The Apostles' Creed functions as a foundation point for Christian orthodoxy. The core message reassures believers that their shared beliefs outweigh their differences.

According to theologian J.I. Packer, the Creed functions as both a “yardstick of truth” and a “map of the Christian belief system.”

3. It Connects Us to the Historic Church

When Christians recite the Apostles’ Creed they participate in communion with the historic and worldwide Church. Throughout history, Christians from different cultures and continents have upheld these fundamental truths. The Creed's words connect us beyond individual self to a universal faith community wherever we find ourselves in worship.

4. It Shapes Discipleship

The Creed functions as a catechetical framework which structures the teaching and discipleship process. This framework provides instructions for sharing our faith with others—particularly with new believers and children. During baptismal services and confirmation classes, as well as regular worship liturgies, many churches integrate it into their practices. The Creed functions as more than a simple list of beliefs because it helps create a Christian worldview.

Addressing Common Misunderstandings

The Apostles’ Creed functions as a summary of Christian doctrine rather than a replacement for Scripture. Creeds provide us with a clear and memorable method to express the teachings of Scripture.

Another common question concerns the line, “He descended to the dead.” This phrase derives from biblical references such as 1 Peter 3:19 and Ephesians 4:9, expressing the belief that Jesus genuinely experienced death before His resurrection.

While interpretations of this vary across Christian traditions, the phrase upholds the biblical testimony of Christ’s victory over death.

Conclusion: A Living Faith

The Apostles’ Creed represents an active declaration of faith that transcends its ancient origins. By reciting the Creed we declare our beliefs and root ourselves in foundational truths that empowered the early Church to endure persecution and execute their global mission.

No matter if you are just beginning or have been a follower of Jesus for years, you should reflect on the Creed. The Creed's words will deepen your faith while shaping your worship and linking you with Christ's body throughout history and across the world.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” — Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)