The available evidence in regard to the premillennialism of the first century is not extensive by most standards, but such evidence as has been uncovered points in one direction-the premillennial concept. Peters in his classic work,
The Theocratic Kingdom cites no less than fifteen advocates of premillennialism in the 1st century...The notable testimony of Papias, who was associated with the Apostle John...Peters also lists as Premilleniarians Clement of Rome, Barnabas, Hermas Iganatius, and Polycarp. The second century like the first bears a sustained testimony to the Premillennial character of the early church. ....Premillennialism was undisputed for the first 90 years of the 2nd century. Among those who can be cited in this century as holding Premillennialism Peters names Pothinus, Justin Martyr, Melito Hegesippus, Tatian, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Hippolytus, and Appollinaris...Peters accordingly cites the conclusion of Semisch in
Herzgog's Cyclopaedia, 'Chiliiasm constituted in the sec.century so decidely an article of faith that Justin held it up as a criterion of perfect orthodoxy'....Amillenarians and postmillenarians have not only no positive evidence in favor of their position but no evidence that there was even a reasonable minority in the church contending against premillennialism. Apparently none of the orthodox fathers thought of challenging this important doctrine for the first two centuries.(The Millennial Kingdom, John Walvoord, p.119-121)
Regarding the Apostles Creed both the Old Roman form (4th century) and the received form (7th-8th century) came when Premillennialism had declined in the church. Howver, Epihanius (374 A.D.)in his creed does state that and he shall come again, with glory to judge the quick and dead; of whose kindom shall be no end If we regard, then, the present text of the Apostles Creed as a complete whole, we can hardly trace it beyond the 6th, certainly not beyond the close of the 5th century, and its triumph over all other forms in the Latin Church was not completed till the 8th century.. (Schaff, The Creeds of Christendom, (Vol.1), p.19)
"Read the 'Apostles Creed' sometime." Read the "Apostles Creed" as many times as you wish, but you will never read it in the scriptures; it's not there. - It is an out-growth of the implantation of pagan ritual,and repetative recital by Constantine when he over-powered Christianity.