The oldest and most broadly received creed in Western Christianity. Its earliest ancestor is the "Old Roman Creed" from the 2nd century, used as a baptismal confession in Rome. The fully developed text emerges by the 8th century. The name reflects a pious legend (each apostle contributed one phrase) rather than literal authorship — but the content is genuinely apostolic, summarizing the faith the apostles preached. Its structure is Trinitarian: article one on the Father and creation, article two on the Son and redemption, article three on the Holy Spirit and the Church.
The Apostles' Creed is the minimum confession of catholic Christianity. It names no theologians, takes no position on debated doctrines (predestination, sacraments, polity), and makes no pronouncements on politics. It simply asserts: (1) one God, Father, creator; (2) Jesus Christ His only Son — conceived by the Spirit, born of a virgin, suffered under Pilate, crucified, died, buried, descended, rose on the third day, ascended, seated, will return to judge; (3) the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, communion of saints, forgiveness of sins, resurrection of the body, life everlasting. Every clause is biblical. Every clause has been disputed by some group — which is why having the creed matters. A Christian who can confess the Apostles' Creed without mental reservation is in substantial continuity with the global, historical Church. A church that cannot say it has departed from that stream. "I believe" (Latin credo) is the opening word: personal, corporate, confessional.