THE APOSTLES' CREED
STUDY GUIDE 1.1
Lesson 1: The Articles of Faith
Section 1: History

OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES

Introduction

I. History

A. Development

B. Purpose

  1. Scripture

  2. Traditional Teachings

  3. Apostles’ Creed


REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What is the importance of the Apostles' Creed, according to the lesson?

2. What is the probable origin of the Apostles' Creed?

3. When was the form of the Apostles' Creed as we know it today standardized? In what language?

4. What was the "Old Roman Creed"? Explain its history and importance.

5. What authority does the Apostles' Creed have for the church?

6. What was the view of Origen, Hyppolytus and Basil, Christian writers from the third and fourth centuries, regarding the authority of the Scriptures and the authority of traditional church teachings?

7. What are some of the explanations given by theologians in the lesson that show why there was a need for the Apostles' Creed?

8. Explain the illustration of the "links of chain" with regard to infallibility.

9. What were Cyprian's views of the authority of the traditional teachings of the church?

10. What were Augustine's views about the importance of the creeds of the Church, especially the Nicene Creed?


APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. What is your view of the importance of the Apostles' Creed?

2. Do you think it is important to believe all the doctrines in the Apostles’ Creed? Why or why not?

3. How would you answer someone who said that all we need is the Bible, and that creeds such as the Apostles' Creed are unnecessary?