The Apostles’ Creed 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And 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 to the dead; 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. I believe 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. Amen. 

* This reference is to the church universal. The creed existed before the word catholic was applied to the Roman Church.

We stand on the shoulders of long line of faithful Christians who have gone on before us, who now with Christ our Lord seated in the heavenly coliseum, cheering us on as we run the race set before us. They formulated the creed to define the doctrines and firmly establish the pillars on what our faith and beliefs stand on.

Christ appears to the disciples at the table after the Resurrection (Duccio di Buoninsegna d.1319)

The Apostles' Creed (Latin: Symbolum Apostolorum or Symbolum Apostolicum), sometimes titled the Apostolic Creed or the Symbol of the Apostles is a Christian creed or "symbol of faith".

It most likely originates in 5th-century Gaul, as a development of the Old Roman Symbol, the old Latin creed of the 4th century. It has been in liturgical use in the Latin rite since the 8th century, and by extension in the various modern branches of Western Christianity. The Eastern Orthodox Church does not use the Apostles Creed, because the Nicene Creed is more elaborative.

The following gives the original Latin text, with the traditional division into twelve articles, alongside an English translation. 

Underlined passages are those not present in the Old Roman Symbol as recorded by  Tyrannius Rufinus.

1. Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae,	I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth,
2. et in Iesum Christum, Filium Eius unicum, Dominum nostrum,	and believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
3. qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine,	who was conceived from the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary,
4.  passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus,	who suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried,
5.  descendit ad inferos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis,	descended into hell, rose again from the dead on the third day,
6. ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis,	ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father,
7. inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos.	who will come again to judge the living and the dead.
8. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum,	I believe in the Holy Spirit,
9. sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem,	the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints,
10. remissionem peccatorum,	the forgiveness of sins,
11. carnis resurrectionem,	the resurrection of the body,
12. vitam aeternam. Amen.	and the life everlasting. Amen.

Unveiling the Apostles' Creed

A Beacon of Christian Belief

In the tapestry of Christian faith, few threads are as intricately woven and universally revered as the Apostles' Creed. This ancient declaration stands as a cornerstone of belief, embodying the core tenets of Christianity and serving as a unifying force for believers across diverse denominations and centuries. Let us embark on a journey to explore the origins, significance, and enduring relevance of the Apostles' Creed.

Origins and Evolution:

The Apostles' Creed finds its roots in the early Christian communities of the first centuries after Christ's ministry. While not directly authored by the apostles themselves, it emerged as a succinct summary of their teachings and the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. Its composition likely evolved over time, gradually crystallizing into its familiar form by the fifth century.

Structure and Content:

Structured as a series of affirmations, the Apostles' Creed articulates key beliefs concerning God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. It begins with a proclamation of faith in the triune God, acknowledging the Father as Creator, Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit as the divine presence in the life of believers. Each section encapsulates essential truths about God's nature, Christ's redemptive work, and the Christian hope of eternal life.

Significance and Unity:

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Apostles' Creed is its capacity to transcend denominational boundaries and theological differences. Across the vast spectrum of Christian traditions, believers recite these ancient words as a common confession of faith, affirming their shared identity as followers of Christ. In an age marked by division and discord, the Creed serves as a symbol of unity, binding believers together in a shared confession of foundational truths.

Practical Implications:

Beyond its theological significance, the Apostles' Creed holds practical implications for the lives of believers. By affirming belief in God's sovereignty, Christ's saving work, and the hope of resurrection, it offers comfort, assurance, and guidance in the midst of life's challenges. Moreover, the Creed serves as a guide for Christian discipleship, reminding believers of their calling to live out their faith in word and deed.

Enduring Relevance:

Despite the passage of centuries, the Apostles' Creed remains as relevant and potent today as it was in antiquity. Its timeless truths continue to inspire, instruct, and unite believers around the world, transcending cultural, linguistic, and theological barriers. In an age characterized by rapid change and uncertainty, the Creed stands as a steadfast anchor, grounding believers in the unchanging truths of the Christian faith.

Conclusion:

In a world filled with shifting sands and competing voices, the Apostles' Creed stands as a beacon of stability and clarity, guiding generations of believers in their journey of faith. As we recite its ancient words, let us remember the countless saints who have gone before us, professing their faith with courage and conviction. May the Apostles' Creed continue to inspire and uphold the Christian church until the end of time.

Through the Apostles' Creed, we affirm our belief in the God who created us, the Savior who redeemed us, and the Spirit who sustains us. In these timeless words, we find unity, strength, and hope for the journey ahead.

Soli Deo Gloria