The Apostles' Creed

Every Sunday during the Easter Season we will be professing the Apostles’ Creed rather than the Nicene Creed.  The Apostles’ Creed is so called because legend has it that each of the Apostles contributed to its composition.  The Apostles’ Creed, which summarized the teaching of the Apostles, was originally a baptismal creed that was given to the Elect before they were baptized as part of their formation.  At Baptism, each line was put into the form of a question to which the Elect gave their assent, indicating their acceptance of the faith in which they were about to be baptized.   We still use this type of dialogue with those about to be baptized, as well as with the entire community on Easter Sunday.  

In the Apostles’ Creed, it says that Jesus descended into hell.  This might provoke questions such as “Why did Jesus go to hell?”  “Isn’t that the place where only bad people go?”  While this might be the popular definition or understanding of hell, it is the Biblical definition to which the creed is likely referring.  In Ephesians 4:9 it says that “He (Christ) had first descended into the lower regions of the earth.”  This lower region of the earth refers to a place where dead people, both bad and good, went to await judgment before the coming of Christ.  This place is sometimes referred to as Hades or the Netherworld.  Those “good” souls who had died were awaiting resurrection in this place.  They could not experience resurrection until Jesus had died and risen.  So the Apostles’ Creed professes our belief that Christ opened the possibility of resurrection not only for the “good” souls who were awaiting resurrection but for all of us.

The word “creed” comes from the Latin cor dare, meaning “to give one’s heart.”  Let us pray that as we profess the Apostles’ Creed we might give our heart to deeper faith and trust in the living God.