Making Disciples and Baptizing

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.”

The Apostles’ Creed summarizes the truth about God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit revealed in the Bible. Following Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples” and to baptize them, the early church developed this brief “I believe” (Credo) statement as a guide in teaching new believers about the Christian faith.

For example, it became a tradition for new believers to learn about the faith and be baptized when the church cele­brated Easter in springtime. In the weeks leading up to Easter, new believers studied the Apostles’ Creed. On Easter eve, they confessed it to­gether, and then on Easter morning they were baptized and broke bread together, celebrating their first Lord’s Supper as members of the church.

Of course, it was important to keep learning by reading and meditating on God’s Word, but not everyone had access to the Scriptures. So the Apostles’ Creed, in its simple, straightforward way, helped people immensely. It gave everyone a clear statement of the Christian faith.

The creed is still helpful today as the church continues to make disciples and baptize them. We can depend on the bedrock truths of this creed; these are words to stand on as we trust and serve our loving God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in any situation.

God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we worship you. Help us to grow in your knowledge and grace as we serve you today. Amen.