The Apostles’ & Nicene Creeds

CREED The word “creed” comes from the Latin “credo” which means “I believe.”

Why do we need creeds when we have the Bible? In Romans 6:17 St. Paul says, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offenses, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them.”

False Teachers The word “teaching” can also be translated “doctrine.” Early Christians had doctrine or teaching prior to having a complete New Testament Even St. Paul’s letters were interpreted in different ways by some church elders and members. Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes from the OT read identical scripture but interpreted it in different ways

Response to Great Commission In Matthew 28:16-20 we read: 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Original Intent 1) evangelize; 2) teach new converts; 3) protect the church from distorted teaching

How did the Creed arise? According to “the great commission” found in Matthew 28:18-20, an important part of being a Christian in the early church was teaching others and baptizing them in the name of the Triune God. A concise summary of the Christian faith would help in both these tasks

Early Creed Apostles’ Creed: AD 140 – Ad 390 As new converts were being baptized, Hippolytus would ask them, “Do you believe in God?” They would answer “I believe in God, the Father Almighty…” “Do you believe in Jesus Christ?” They would answer “I believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God...,”etc. The Nicene Creed: Adopted in 325, the same year that the NT was compiled.

What does it teach? The Creed’s short length made it easy to memorize. Its wording sets out clear understanding of the Christian faith. Every phrase can be supported by multiple references to Scripture. However, the creed only includes those aspects of faith that the early Christians viewed as the bare essentials