THE APOSTLES’ CREED

(Oldest Confession of Christian Faith)

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator 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, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there 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 life everlasting.  Amen.

LATIN
| credo |

Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum: qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus, descendit ad infernos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis, ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis, inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos.

Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen.

The APOSTLES’ CREED is one of the oldest and most widely used statements of Christian faith, especially in the Catholic Church. Its history reflects the early Church’s effort to preserve and transmit the essentials of Christian belief. It grew out of the baptismal profession of faith in the early Church, was shaped to defend orthodoxy, and by the 8th century had reached its final form. It continues to serve as a concise, universal statement of Christian belief.

Origins

The Creed did not come directly from the Apostles themselves (as it is often believed), but tradition holds that it summarizes their teaching. Its roots lie in the early baptismal formulas of the Church (2nd–4th centuries), where new Christians professed their faith before baptism. The earliest known form is the 2nd century “Old Roman Symbol” (Vetus Symbolum Romanum) a shorter version of what later became the APOSTLES’ CREED.

By the 4th century, local churches in Rome and Gaul (modern France) were using versions of this baptismal confession. The text gradually expanded between the 5th–8th centuries, adding phrases for orthodox clarity against heresies (like, Gnosticism, Arianism):

  • “Maker of heaven and earth”
  • “Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary”
  • “Descended into hell” (or “to the dead”)
  • “Catholic Church,” “communion of saints,” “life everlasting”

The final form of the APOSTLES’ CREED as we know it today was standardized in the 8th century, especially through its use in the Frankish Church under Charlemagne.

Liturgical Use

The APOSTLES’ CREED became a central part of catechesis and liturgical prayer. It is recited in the Rosary, the Divine Office, and at Baptism, where it serves as the profession of faith. In contrast, the Nicene Creed (325, expanded in 381) is used in the Mass, especially on Sundays and solemnities.

Significance

The APOSTLES’ CREED is a summary of the essentials of Christian faith: belief in the Trinity, the Incarnation, the Resurrection, and eternal life. Its simplicity and antiquity make it a cornerstone of Christian identity and catechesis.
Timeline of the development of the Apostles’ Creed
(For references, please refer to the main article)

2nd century (Rome)
The Old Roman Symbol emerges as a baptismal profession of faith. Short, simple statements affirm belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

3rd–4th centuries
Local variations of baptismal creeds appear in different churches. These creeds are used to instruct catechumens (new converts) and to safeguard orthodoxy against heresies like Gnosticism and Arianism.

4th century (Nicene Creed)

The Nicene Creed is composed at the Councils of Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381). While distinct, it influences the theological precision of Western baptismal creeds.

5th–7th centuries
The Old Roman Symbol is expanded in Gaul and other regions. Additions clarify doctrines such as Christ’s descent into hell and the resurrection of the body.

8th century (final form)
The APOSTLES’ CREED reaches its standardized form in the Frankish Church under Charlemagne. It becomes widely adopted in the Western Church as the definitive baptismal creed.

Medieval period onward
The Creed is firmly established in catechesis, liturgy, and private devotion. It is recited in the Rosary, the Divine Office, and at Baptism.

The APOSTLES’ CREED grew from the Old Roman baptismal confession into a universal summary of Christian belief. By the 8th century, it had crystallized into the form we know today, and it remains a cornerstone of Catholic faith.