The Biblical Basis for Church on Sunday

Are We Worshipping the Lord on the Wrong Day?

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Paul, still sore and scraped from a hard week making tents, walked down the dusty streets of Corinth. The scent of baked bread and roasted meat wafting through the air as he approached a familiar home. He saw a garrison of Roman soldiers and acted conspicuous, trying not to draw attention to himself. As he ducked in the door to avoid Roman detection, he saw that the house of Priscilla and Aquila was bustling with life, voices of both Jews and Romans mingling in quiet conversation. The glow of the midday sun shone against the walls as Paul stepped inside, greeted warmly by his fellow believers. In the center of the room stood a large table set with food, prepared for the agape feast—a communal meal of love and fellowship. The anticipation of breaking bread together filled the air, as men and women, Scythian and Barbarian, slave and free alike gathered, eager to hear the Word of the Lord and share in His gospel of peace.

In Acts 20:7, it states, "On the first day of the week, the disciples gathered to break bread. Paul spoke to them, intending to depart the next day, and continued his message until midnight." This passage offers a glimpse into the early Christian practice of gathering on the first day of the week. But, why do most churches today gather on Sundays instead of Saturdays, the day of the traditional Shabbat? Is there a biblical mandate for this, or is it merely a matter of tradition? Did pagan influences change the original day of worship from Saturday to Sunday?

Understanding the reasons behind Sunday worship requires an exploration of both Scripture and history. Is this simply a matter of undue pagan influence, or does Sunday hold a deeper biblical significance? We will examine the scriptural and historical roots of the Lord’s Day and whether it aligns with God’s will.

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The History of the Sabbath in the Mosaic Covenant

The Sabbath was first instituted in Genesis 2:3 when God rested on the seventh day after creating the heavens and the earth. This day of rest became a cornerstone of Jewish religious life when God commanded it in the Mosaic Law. Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15 both emphasize the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel. It was a sacred day, set apart for worship, reflection, and physical rest, reinforcing the bond between God and His chosen people.

For the Israelites, the Sabbath was a day of rest and worship, a reminder of God's work in creation and their deliverance from Egypt. The law strictly prohibited labor on the Sabbath, and severe penalties were in place for those who violated it (Exodus 31:14-15). The Sabbath was central to the Jewish identity, reinforcing their unique relationship with God as His chosen people. Beyond being a legal obligation, it became a defining characteristic of the Jewish faith, marking their devotion and obedience to the covenant they had entered into with Yahweh. Additionally, observance of the Sabbath set Israel apart from other nations, solidifying its role as a holy people dedicated to God’s statutes and commands.

Understanding the Timing of the Sabbath

The Jewish Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday and lasts until sundown on Saturday. This is based on the Hebrew understanding of a day, which begins at evening (Genesis 1:5, "And there was evening and there was morning, the first day"). Observant Jews and groups such as the Seventh-day Adventists argue that this remains the divinely ordained day of worship.

Beyond the biblical foundation, Jewish tradition and Rabbinic teachings have emphasized the importance of rest and reverence during the Sabbath. The strict adherence to the Sabbath laws reflected the desire to maintain holiness, ensuring that God’s commandments were upheld in every aspect of life. The observance of the Sabbath was seen as a covenantal sign, binding Israel to God, yet its rigidity at times led to legalistic interpretations that overshadowed the spiritual purpose of the day.

The Argument for Sabbath Observance Today

Ellen G. White, a prominent figure in the Seventh-day Adventist movement, wrote extensively about the importance of Sabbath observance. In The Great Controversy, she stated, "The Sabbath is a golden clasp that unites God and His people." This reflects the belief that the Sabbath remains a vital, unchanging institution that continues to be relevant for believers today. White and other Adventist scholars argue that maintaining the seventh-day Sabbath is an essential mark of obedience to God's law, distinguishing true worship from traditions influenced by external forces in the world.

Several other groups like the Seventh-day Adventists, insist that the Mosaic covenant's Sabbath commandment remains binding on Christians. They argue that the shift to Sunday worship was a later development influenced by pagan traditions, particularly the Roman sun-god worship. The claim is that the early church was pressured to conform to Roman practices, leading to the abandonment of the biblical Sabbath.

However, this argument overlooks clear scriptural and historical evidence that the first Christians began meeting on Sundays. The New Testament does not portray Sabbath observance as a legalistic requirement for followers of Christ. Instead, it emphasizes faith in Jesus and the transformation brought about by the New Covenant.

Extra-Biblical Sources for Sunday Worship

In addition to biblical evidence that we will explore, several extra-biblical sources confirm that early Christians gathered on Sunday for worship. The writings of early church fathers provide strong historical testimony to this practice.

The Didache (c. 90 AD)

One of the earliest Christian documents outside of the New Testament, the Didache, mentions believers gathering on the "Lord’s Day" for breaking bread and giving thanks. This supports the idea that Christians were meeting on Sundays long before it became an institutionalized practice.

Ignatius of Antioch (c. 107 AD)

Ignatius, a disciple of the Apostle John, wrote in his letter to the Magnesians: “Those who were brought up in the ancient order of things have come to the possession of a new hope, no longer observing the Sabbath, but living in accordance with the Lord’s Day.” His writings demonstrate that the shift from Saturday to Sunday worship was already established in the early 2nd century.

Justin Martyr (c. 150 AD)

Justin Martyr, one of the most well-documented early church fathers, explicitly described Christian worship gatherings on Sundays. In First Apology, he wrote: “We hold our common assembly on the day of the Sun, because it is the first day on which God, having wrought a change in the darkness and matter, made the world; and Jesus Christ our Savior on the same day rose from the dead.” This provides a clear theological justification for Sunday worship based on both creation and resurrection.

The Epistle of Barnabas (c. 130 AD)

Not to be confused with the Gospel of Barnabas, this early Christian document emphasizes that the Lord’s Day represents a new era. It states: “We keep the eighth day [Sunday] with joyfulness, the day also on which Jesus rose again from the dead.” This reinforces the concept that Sunday worship was tied to Christ’s resurrection and viewed as a new beginning.

Tertullian (c. 200 AD)

Tertullian, an early Christian apologist, affirmed Sunday worship in multiple writings. He countered arguments from Judaizers by explaining that Christians were not bound to the Jewish Sabbath but instead honored the day of Christ’s resurrection.

Eusebius (c. 300 AD)

Eusebius, a historian and bishop, noted that Christians “transferred to the Lord’s Day” their worship practices as a continuation of apostolic tradition. His records provide further historical validation that Sunday worship was an established practice well before Constantine’s influence in the fourth century.

These extra-biblical sources confirm that Sunday worship was not a later Roman invention, but rather an organic development among the earliest followers of Christ.

The Biblical Evidence for Sunday Worship

The most direct biblical reference to this term appears in Acts 20:7. Most scholars agree that the Acts of the Apostles was likely written between AD 61 and 64 a mere 30 years after the death and resurrection of Christ. This verse describes believers in Christ meeting on the first day of the week which is Sunday. Also, in Revelation 1:10, John states, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day." This phrase suggests that by the late first century, believers already recognized a distinct day dedicated to Christ, which aligns with the historical practice of gathering on Sundays.

Most scholars agree that Paul’s letter to the Corinthians was penned between AD 53 and 57, which would be even earlier than that of the Book of Acts. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul also mentions believers assembling on the first day of the week. This reinforces the concept that the Lord’s Day on Sunday was already an established practice among the early church. The connection between the Lord’s Day and Christ’s resurrection also gives theological significance to the day, marking it as a time of renewal and celebration in honor of His victory over sin and death.

This raises the question: Why did the early church shift from the seventh-day Sabbath to Sunday?

Sunday Worship and the Resurrection of Christ

The most significant reason for gathering on Sunday is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. All four Gospels record that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, John 20:1). This momentous event marked the beginning of a new era—the fulfillment of the Old Covenant and the establishment of the New Covenant in Christ’s blood.

By meeting on Sunday, the early Christians were not simply adopting a new day for worship; they were celebrating the defining event of their faith. The resurrection was central to their identity as followers of Jesus, and Sunday became known as "the Lord's Day" (Revelation 1:10). It was a weekly reminder of the new life found in Christ. The significance of the resurrection cannot be overstated—it is the foundation of Christian hope, the victory over sin and death, and the assurance of eternal life.

Conclusion

In examining the biblical and historical foundations of Sunday worship, it is evident that the shift from the seventh-day Sabbath to the first day of the week was not an arbitrary change but a profound theological development. The early church, guided by the significance of Christ’s resurrection, embraced Sunday as the Lord’s Day, a weekly celebration of His victory over sin and death. This practice was affirmed not only by the apostles but also by early church fathers who bore witness to the faith passed down from the first disciples.

While some argue that Sabbath observance remains binding, the New Testament consistently points to the fulfillment of the Law in Christ, freeing believers from rigid legalistic requirements. Instead of clinging to old ordinances, Christians are called to live in the reality of the New Covenant, where every day belongs to the Lord but Sunday holds special significance as the day of resurrection and renewal.

As we gather on Sundays, we are not simply following tradition but participating in a rich, biblical practice that connects us to the earliest followers of Christ. It is a day of worship, fellowship, and testimony, where we proclaim the risen Savior and encourage one another in faith. By embracing Sunday worship, we align ourselves with the heartbeat of the gospel and the enduring witness of the church throughout history.

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Any day of the week is a wonderful day to worship the Lord! Let us worship Him in the Spirit at all times freeing ourselves from the poison of accusation and derision of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Seek the Lord with the following prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the freedom You have given me in Christ. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sins and for raising Him from the dead on the first day of the week. I embrace the joy of Sunday worship as a celebration of Your victory over death and the new life You have given me. Help me to walk in Your grace, free from legalism, and full of gratitude. May I encourage others in their faith and find joy in gathering with fellow believers. Let my worship be sincere, my testimony be bold, and my heart be filled with Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bibliography

1. Carson, D. A. From Sabbath to Lord's Day.

2. Bacchiocchi, Samuele. From Sabbath to Sunday.

3. Pipa, Joseph A. The Lord’s Day.

4. Wright, N. T. The Day the Revolution Began.

5. Moo, Douglas. The Letter to the Romans.

6. Schreiner, Thomas R. 40 Questions About Christians and Biblical Law.

7. Beale, G. K. A New Testament Biblical Theology.

8. Ladd, George Eldon. A Theology of the New Testament.

9. Ferguson, Everett. The Church of Christ.

10. Bauckham, Richard. Jesus and the God of Israel.

Scripture References

• Acts 20:7

• Exodus 20:8-11

• Deuteronomy 5:12-15

• Genesis 2:3

• Genesis 1:5

• 1 Corinthians 16:2

• Matthew 28:1

• Mark 16:2

• Luke 24:1

• John 20:1

• Revelation 1:10

• Colossians 2:16-17

• Acts 9:2