This work is a comprehensive study of both the well- and the lesser-known creeds. J. N. D. Kelly presents the rise, development, and use of formularies in the creative centuries of the Church’s history. The book opens with an examination of creedal elements in the New Testament and continues with an enquiry into the relation of creeds to the rite of baptism. Kelly then studies the evidence for ‘the rule of faith’ in the second century, discusses the old Roman Creed, and finally, considers the creeds of the Eastern Church and their relation to Western creeds and to those propounded by the fourth-century councils. He pays particular attention to the Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed. In addition, there is a lengthy and largely original reconstruction of the expansion of the Roman Creed and its acceptance throughout Europe as the present Apostle’s Creed. This valuable work emphasizes the liturgical setting of ancient creeds and elucidates theirs theology as it was understood by those who framed them.