Q. 50.  What is a creed?  A. A creed is a summary or list of the chief truths we believe or profess to believe.  It is a compendium of doctrine.

Q. 51.  Why is this creed called the Apostles’?  A. This creed is called the Apostles’ because it came down to us from the Apostles, and also to distinguish it from longer creeds in use in the Church, such as the Nicene Creed, which is said in the Mass; the Athanasian Creed, which is said in the priests’ divine Office, and the Creed of Pope Pius IV, which is used on solemn occasions.

Q. 52.  Do all these creeds teach the same doctrines?  A. All these creeds teach the same doctrines, for the longer creeds are only a fuller explanation of the truths contained in the Apostles’ Creed.

Q. 53 Who were the Apostles?  A. The Apostles were the twelve men selected by Our Lord to be the first bishops of His Church.

Q. 54.  How do you know the Apostles were bishops?  A. I know the Apostles were bishops because they could administer the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Orders and make laws for the Church, as we learn from Holy Scripture, and these powers belong to bishops alone.

Q. 55.  Who were the disciples of Our Lord?  A. The disciples were the seventy-two chosen followers of Our Lord, whom He sent to preach and perform good works in every city and place whither He Himself was to come.  The Apostles also are frequently called “the disciples.”

Q. 56.  Why did the Apostles leave us a creed?  A. The Apostles left us a creed that all who wished to become Christians might have a standard of the truths they must know and believe before receiving Baptism.

Q. 57.  How many articles or parts in the Apostles’ Creed?  A. There are twelve articles or parts in the Apostles’ Creed.  They refer to God the Father in the works of creation; to God the Son in the works of redemption; to God the Holy Ghost in the works of sanctification; and each article contradicts one or more false doctrines on these subjects.

Q. 58.  What does Creation mean?  A. To create means to produce out of nothing.  God alone has this power, and He alone can be called “Creator.”

Q. 59.  Had Jesus Christ more than one Father?  A. God the Father, the First Person of the Blessed Trinity, is the only real and true Father of Jesus Christ, as the Blessed Virgin is His true Mother.  St. Joseph, whom we also call His father, was only His foster-father or guardian upon earth.

Q. 60.  By what names is Our Lord called?  A. Our Lord is called by many names, such as Our Saviour, Our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Son of God; Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, the Messias, Son of David, Lamb of God and others to be found in the litanies.  Each name recalls to our mind some benefit received or prophesy fulfilled.

Q. 61.  Of what religion was Pontius Pilate? 
A. Pontius Pilate was a pagan; that is, a worshiper of false gods.

Q. 62.  Why do we say “died” instead of “was put to death”?  A. We say “died” to show that Our Lord gave up His life willingly; for how could He be put to death against His will, who could always restore His life as He did at His resurrection?