What is the Apostles' Creed?

The Apostles' Creed is a foundational statement of Christian belief that articulates key doctrines in a concise form. It originated as a baptismal confession in the early Christian community and evolved over time.

What are the main beliefs outlined in the Apostles' Creed?

The Apostles' Creed outlines beliefs in the Trinity, the life and work of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life.

Why do some churches recite the Apostles' Creed during services?

Churches recite the Apostles' Creed during services to affirm their faith and connect with the foundational beliefs of Christianity. It is often used in liturgical settings, particularly during baptisms.

How is the Apostles' Creed used in modern Christian worship?

In modern Christian worship, the Apostles' Creed is often recited during services, especially in liturgical traditions. It is used to affirm faith and is a key component of baptism ceremonies.

What is the meaning of 'descended into hell' in the Apostles' Creed?

The phrase 'descended into hell' in the Apostles' Creed refers to the belief that Jesus descended to the dead after his crucifixion, symbolizing his victory over death and his solidarity with humanity in death.

What is the role of the Apostles' Creed in baptism ceremonies?

In baptism ceremonies, the Apostles' Creed is often recited as a declaration of faith by the person being baptized or by their sponsors. It serves as a public affirmation of the beliefs into which the individual is being initiated.

How do the teachings of the Apostles' Creed relate to the Bible?

The teachings of the Apostles' Creed are derived from biblical principles and summarize key Christian doctrines found in the Bible. It serves as a concise expression of the faith that aligns with scriptural teachings.

Why is the Apostles' Creed considered a basic statement of faith?

The Apostles' Creed is considered a basic statement of faith because it succinctly outlines the fundamental beliefs of Christianity, making it accessible and easily memorized for teaching and liturgical use.

The Apostles' Creed

Foundational texts · Updated April 1, 2026

Overview

The Apostles' Creed was not actually written by the apostles themselves, despite its name. Known for its concise articulation of key doctrines, the creed's origins lie in the early Christian community, evolving over time rather than being penned by the very first followers of Jesus.

In the 2nd century, the story of the Apostles' Creed begins as a baptismal confession, a simple declaration of faith used during the rite of initiation into the Christian community. An early form of this creed, referred to as the "Roman Symbol," was already in use by the church of Rome by the mid-2nd century. It served as a template for the creed's development. A popular legend from the 4th century, likely more inspirational than factual, claimed that each of the twelve apostles contributed a line to the creed, resulting in its twelve articles. Though this tale captures the imagination, it lacks historical verification. The creed gradually took shape over the centuries, reaching its final form in the late 6th or early 7th century, reflecting a mature expression of early Christian teaching.

Today, The Apostles' Creed is one of the most enduring and widely recognized statements of faith in Western Christianity. By the 8th century, it had become a staple in Christian liturgy, particularly during baptisms, and it continues to hold a prominent place in many denominations. While its authorship may not trace directly to the apostles themselves, the creed remains a vital link to the theological foundations laid by the early church, encapsulating essential Christian beliefs in a form that has transcended centuries and cultures.

The Apostles' Creed was not actually written by the apostles themselves, despite its name.

Common questions

What is the Apostles' Creed?: The Apostles' Creed is a foundational statement of Christian belief that articulates key doctrines in a concise form. It originated as a baptismal confession in the early Christian community and evolved over time.
What are the main beliefs outlined in the Apostles' Creed?: The Apostles' Creed outlines beliefs in the Trinity, the life and work of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life.
Why do some churches recite the Apostles' Creed during services?: Churches recite the Apostles' Creed during services to affirm their faith and connect with the foundational beliefs of Christianity. It is often used in liturgical settings, particularly during baptisms.
How is the Apostles' Creed used in modern Christian worship?: In modern Christian worship, the Apostles' Creed is often recited during services, especially in liturgical traditions. It is used to affirm faith and is a key component of baptism ceremonies.
What is the meaning of 'descended into hell' in the Apostles' Creed?: The phrase 'descended into hell' in the Apostles' Creed refers to the belief that Jesus descended to the dead after his crucifixion, symbolizing his victory over death and his solidarity with humanity in death.
What is the role of the Apostles' Creed in baptism ceremonies?: In baptism ceremonies, the Apostles' Creed is often recited as a declaration of faith by the person being baptized or by their sponsors. It serves as a public affirmation of the beliefs into which the individual is being initiated.
How do the teachings of the Apostles' Creed relate to the Bible?: The teachings of the Apostles' Creed are derived from biblical principles and summarize key Christian doctrines found in the Bible. It serves as a concise expression of the faith that aligns with scriptural teachings.
Why is the Apostles' Creed considered a basic statement of faith?: The Apostles' Creed is considered a basic statement of faith because it succinctly outlines the fundamental beliefs of Christianity, making it accessible and easily memorized for teaching and liturgical use.

Source: Met · CC0

Key facts

Origin: The Apostles' Creed originated as a baptismal confession in the early Christian church, likely around the 2nd century.
Roman Symbol: An early version of the creed, known as the 'Roman Symbol,' was used in the church of Rome by the middle of the 2nd century.
Twelve Articles: A legend from the 4th century claimed that each of the twelve apostles contributed one article to the creed, but this is not historically verified.
Textual Development: The text of the Apostles' Creed reached its final form in the late 6th or early 7th century.
Widespread Use: By the 8th century, the Apostles' Creed was widely used in Western Christianity, particularly in the context of baptism.

Context

The Apostles' Creed is one of the oldest statements of Christian faith, serving as a foundational text for many Christian denominations. It is a concise summary of core Christian beliefs and is traditionally used in baptismal rites. Despite its name, the creed was not directly composed by the apostles but evolved over centuries as a reflection of early Christian doctrine.