Tell me more ×
Christianity Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 5 down vote favorite

The Apostles' Creed is perhaps the oldest statement of faith in the Christian tradition. Is there any evidence that it was used by Jesus' first followers? If not, when did it originate?

share|improve this question
+1 Excellent question! – Richard Aug 31 '11 at 16:42

1 Answer

up vote 6 down vote accepted

It was a creed that was developed by the early church. It came into existence after the age of the apostles. However, it finds its biblical basis in the apostles.

From here, in its current form more likely post-Nicene Creed in the early 4th Century AD. From here, it sounds like it was a later form of the Old Roman Creed.

The Nicene Creed (since that's the next question), was first formed at the Councel of Nicea in 325 AD; while the Old Roman Creed was probably founded before that (in the 2nd century).

However, having said all of this, it seems that exact the origins are unknown. But it seems that this was definitely not something directly from the apostles.

share|improve this answer
1  
It being called 'the Apostles Creed' is a bit part in Christian lexical warfare, much as 'the Athanasian Creed' is not from St. Athanasius. Also, it's 'Creed'! The Nicene (sans the part about the Holy Spirit) is the oldest verifiable creed aside from creed-like statements in some of the epistles. – RiverC Aug 31 '11 at 16:52

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.