Apostles' Creed facts for kids

The Apostles' Creed is an old and important statement of Christian beliefs. It's like a short summary of what Christians believe. Many Christian churches use it during their worship services and as a way to teach their faith.

This creed is often used in churches like the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran churches, and Anglican churches. Many Protestant groups, such as Presbyterians and Methodists, also use it.

The Creed is called the Apostles' Creed because it has twelve main parts, or "articles." Long ago, people believed that after Pentecost, God inspired each of Jesus' twelve main followers to write one part of the Creed.

Why Was the Apostles' Creed Created?

People have different ideas about exactly when and how the Apostles' Creed was first made. Many think it came from an even older statement of faith called the "Old Roman Symbol" from the 1st or 2nd century. It was also influenced by another important creed called the Nicene Creed.

This creed was likely created to explain and defend core Christian beliefs. In the early days of the Church, there were groups like the Gnostics who had very different ideas about Christ and God. The Apostles' Creed helped to clearly state what the Church taught.

For example, the Creed says that Christ was truly born, suffered, and died on the cross. This was important because some Gnostics believed that Christ only *seemed* to be human and didn't truly suffer or die. The Creed made it clear that Jesus was fully human and divine.

Because it was written so early in history, the Apostles' Creed focuses on basic beliefs. It doesn't discuss some of the more complex issues that came up later in Christian history.

What Does the Apostles' Creed Say?

The Apostles' Creed is a powerful summary of Christian faith. Here are two common English versions.

Roman Catholic Church Version

This version is used by the Roman Catholic Church. It keeps the tradition of having twelve main points:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

On the third day he rose again.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.

Amen.

Ecumenical Version

The English Language Liturgical Consultation (ELLC) created this version in 1988. Their goal was to make a text that many different Christian groups could use.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

Images for kids

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  This old picture from the 1200s shows the apostles writing the Creed. They are getting ideas from the Holy Spirit.

See Also

In Spanish: Símbolo de los apóstoles para niños

• Related creeds:
  • Nicene Creed