Apostles' Creed Background

A brief background of the Apostles' Creed:

For many years after the time of the apostles, the teachings were passed orally, and Christians were persecuted for their beliefs by Romans, among others. Early in the fourth century, the Roman Emperor, Constantine, turned the tables and declared Christianity the official religion of the empire. The Christians of that time were passionate but not very organized, so the emperor brought together the most influential leaders in the local churches, referred to as bishops, and charged them with the duty of crafting a statement which could define the basics of the Christian God. This was known as the Nicene Creed since this council happened in the city of Nicaea.

Over time, a rift developed between the culture and communities centered in Rome and Constantinople.  The Western church of Rome did not have the same traditions as the Eastern church of Constantinople. The division came to a head when some leaders in the Western Church made a slight revision to the Nicene Creed, and while the Eastern Church did not disagree with the theology, they were opposed to changing this defining document.

In an attempt to keep the the church from splitting, a more ancient but less defined creed known as the Apostles' Creed, used mostly at baptisms, was brought back into use to take the focus off of the controversial wording of the Nicene Creed.

The Apostles' Creed was not written by the Apostles, but it followed the teachings of the Apostles. The early church relied heavily upon the teaching of the Apostles since they were the ones who were closest to Jesus and witnessed what Jesus said and did. The New Testament books all have a connection to at least one Apostle, and the Nicene Creed attests to their leadership with the phrase, "one, holy, Christian, and Apostolic church."

The Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker 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 into hell. 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 Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.