Articles of religion or confessions of faith are used to inform others of what a person, a church or society believe with respect to religious beliefs. Some churches restrict membership to those who will subscribe to their articles of religion. One of the problems that this brings is that there comes a time when a new believer cannot, in conscience, subscribe to a tenet of belief that they do not understand. It may be the article is badly worded or poorly written, or may in fact be in error. In which case, a new believer could not in conscience subscribe to something they do not understand. This did not happen in the early days of the Christian church, as there was Apostolic authority to settle matters of religious differences. Those whom the Lord added to the church were such as should be saved, and they did not have to subscribed to a written confession of faith like those we are about to look at in a moment. Even the Apostles were growing in knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, just as we do today.

Peter is an example of an Apostle was in error whom Paul had to withstand to the face, over matters of doctrine and practice. 1 Galatians 2.7.