Question 24: What is the Apostles’ Creed?

Answer:

The Apostles’ Creed is an ancient summary of the Christian faith, affirming belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son, and the Holy Spirit. It proclaims the core truths of the Gospel and is used by the Church in baptism, catechesis, and daily worship. (Matthew 28:19, Romans 10:9–10, 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, 2 Timothy 1:13, Ephesians 4:4–6)

Full Scripture References

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19 (BSB)

“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9–10 (BSB)

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (BSB)

“Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” — 2 Timothy 1:13 (BSB)

“There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” — Ephesians 4:4–6 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Apostles’ Creed is one of the oldest and most foundational statements of Christian belief. Though not written by the apostles themselves, it reflects the apostolic teaching faithfully preserved and passed down by the early Church. It is structured around the Trinity: God the Father as Creator, Jesus Christ as Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit as Sanctifier. This trinitarian shape mirrors the baptismal command of Christ in Matthew 28:19, and the creed has historically been used in baptismal liturgies to affirm the faith of the Church.

The creed affirms key events in the life of Christ—His conception by the Holy Spirit, His birth, suffering, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and future return to judge the living and the dead. These affirmations come straight from Scripture (1 Corinthians 15:3–4) and form the heart of the Gospel message. Belief in the Church, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting point to the ongoing work of the Spirit and our hope in the age to come.

In the Anglican tradition, the Apostles’ Creed is recited daily in Morning and Evening Prayer, reminding believers of the truths that sustain their faith. The Book of Common Prayer also includes it in the baptismal rite, where sponsors and candidates affirm their belief in the creed as their entry into the life of the Church. Article VIII of the Thirty-Nine Articles says the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds “ought thoroughly to be received and believed.”

The Right Rev. Dr. Paul Barnett, an evangelical Anglican scholar, describes the creed as “the Christian’s script, which summarizes the Gospel in the simplest and clearest terms.” Its simplicity does not diminish its depth. In fact, the Apostles’ Creed gives believers a concise theological backbone, enabling them to profess their faith with confidence and clarity in a pluralistic and often confused world.

The Apostles’ Creed links us to the ancient and global Church. When we say, “I believe,” we do not speak alone—we speak with countless Christians across the centuries who have held to this same faith. It is both deeply personal and profoundly communal. In confessing it, we proclaim the Gospel, anchor our hearts in God’s truth, and take our place within the communion of saints.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD) wrote: “The Church, though scattered throughout the whole world… has received this faith from the apostles and their disciples.” — Against Heresies, 1.10.1

Though not using the creed by name, Irenaeus describes the early unified proclamation of faith the Apostles’ Creed reflects. Tertullian (c. 155–220 AD) spoke of a “rule of faith”: “This rule was taught by Christ, delivered to the apostles, and handed down to the Church.” — Prescription Against Heretics, 13

Tertullian’s “rule of faith” functioned as an early form of the creed used to instruct and defend the faithful. St. Hippolytus (c. 170–235 AD) included a baptismal creed: “When someone is baptized, they say: ‘I believe in God the Father… and in Jesus Christ… and in the Holy Spirit.’” — Apostolic Tradition, 21

Hippolytus’s description closely parallels the Apostles’ Creed, showing its early use in catechesis and baptism. St. Ambrose of Milan (c. 340–397 AD) said: “This is the Creed of the Roman Church… the faith which has preserved the apostolic teaching unsullied.” — Exposition of the Christian Faith, 2.5

Ambrose affirms the Apostles’ Creed as a summary of apostolic doctrine and a bulwark against heresy. St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) taught: “Let the Creed be your mirror. Learn it by heart; say it over to yourselves. Let it be your treasure.” — Sermon 213

Augustine encouraged all believers to know and cherish the Apostles’ Creed as the core of their faith and life.