What Is the Apostles' Creed — Meaning Explained

The Apostles' Creed is one of the oldest and most widely used statements of Christian belief. Despite its name, it was not written by the apostles themselves but is called the Apostles' Creed because it summarizes apostolic teaching. Its earliest form, the Old Roman Creed, dates to the second century, and it developed into its present form by the eighth century. The creed is structured in three sections corresponding to the three persons of the Trinity. The first section affirms belief in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. The second and longest section affirms belief in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: 'who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, 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 sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.' The third section affirms belief in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Several phrases are particularly significant. 'Conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary' affirms both the divinity and humanity of Christ. 'Suffered under Pontius Pilate' anchors the gospel in real history. 'Descended into hell' (or 'to the dead') has been variously interpreted; some understand it as Christ's suffering on the cross, others as His victory over death between crucifixion and resurrection. 'The holy catholic church' uses 'catholic' in its original sense of 'universal,' not referring to the Roman Catholic Church specifically. 'The communion of saints' affirms the fellowship of all believers. 'The resurrection of the body' rejects the Greek view that the body is evil and affirms the biblical hope of bodily resurrection. The Apostles' Creed has served as a baptismal confession, a catechism, and a unifying statement of Christian faith across denominational lines. Its simplicity made it accessible to new converts, while its comprehensiveness covered the essential doctrines of the faith. It remains a valuable tool for teaching, worship, and Christian unity.