One of the most foundational summaries of the Christian faith is embodied in the Apostles’ Creed. Have you ever wondered where it came from? What are the truths that have endured the test of time? This summer we will take an eight-week journey to dig deeper into what we believe as followers of Christ. Pastor Brian Dennert (and resident theologian) authored a post on our Faith Church blog that gives an introduction to the Apostles’ Creed. Whether you read it before, during or after the sermon series, I Believe, in understanding the Creed we can live as better followers of Christ.
An excerpt from “Intro to the Apostles’ Creed” By Brian Dennert Campus Pastor | Beecher Origins of the Creed Some have said that the Apostles’ Creed was effectively written by the 12 apostles 10 days after the Ascension of Jesus (presumably after Matthias replaced Judas, see Acts 1:12-26), with each apostle contributing a line to the Creed. That is a great story, but there doesn’t seem to be much evidence to substantiate it. While it might not have been written by the apostles, its content traces itself back to their teaching, with forms of this Creed dating all the way back to the second century. Irenaeus and others (such as the
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church leader Tertullian) pointed out that these truths come from the teaching of the Apostles — thus, the name Apostles’ Creed. In some ways, the exact origin of the Apostles’ Creed is mysterious, especially compared to other creeds and confessions. It does not seem to have been written by a particular person or a council. Rather than arising as a response to some false teaching spreading in churches, this Creed came about from the life and worship of the Western church. This use of the Creed in worship shows that it seems to have been a guide for what a Christian believed. Today’s Implications of the Apostles’ Creed The Creed has great value for us today. It features key beliefs about the Christian faith and even points
