The Apostles' Creed (also known as the
12 articles of Faith)
©
Michael H. Anderson
The Symbolum Apostolorum was developed between the second and
ninth centuries. It is the most popular creed used in worship by Western
Christians. Its central doctrines are those of the Trinity and God the
Creator.
Legend has it that the Apostles wrote this creed on the tenth day after
Christ's ascension into heaven. That is not the case, though the name stuck.
However, each of the doctrines found in the creed can be traced to
statements current in the apostolic period. The earliest written version of
the creed is perhaps the Interrogatory Creed of Hippolytus (ca. A.D.
215). The current form is first found in the writings of Caesarius of
Arles (d 542).
The creed was apparently used as a summary of Christian doctrine for
baptismal candidates in the churches of Rome. Hence it is also known as
The Roman Symbol. As in Hippolytus' version it was given in question and
answer format with the baptismal candidates answering in the affirmative
that they believed each statement.
This site was last updated
06/10/01