The Bible doesn’t explicitly mention Sundays as a special day of worship. The concept of Sunday being significant comes from the fact that Jesus resurrected on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. This event marked a shift from the Jewish custom of observing the Sabbath (Saturday) as a day of rest and worship to early Christians gradually beginning to gather on Sundays. The New Testament shows instances of believers meeting on the first day of the week for fellowship and breaking bread. However, it doesn’t command or lay down specific rules about Sunday worship. The essence of the biblical teaching on this matter is not so much about the specific day, but the act of dedicating time regularly for rest, worship, and community.
Curious to learn more about Sundays and their significance according to the Bible? Let’s delve into the scriptures together.
What Does the Bible Say About Sundays?
Exploring what the Bible says about Sundays takes us into a fascinating blend of history, tradition, and spiritual practice. Initially, the Sabbath, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, was the traditional day of rest and worship in Jewish culture. With the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week, Sunday gained significance among early Christians.
The New Testament doesn’t explicitly mandate Sunday as a replacement for the Sabbath, but it does record early Christians gathering on the first day of the week. These gatherings were times of fellowship, teaching, breaking bread, and prayer. Sunday became significant as a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, a day filled with joy and hope.
The apostles didn’t establish strict rules about Sunday worship. Instead, they focused on the importance of gathering together, encouraging one another, and remembering the Lord. The shift from Saturday to Sunday as a day of gathering was not about legalism but about commemorating the new life through Christ.
God’s view, as revealed through Jesus and the New Testament, is more about the spirit of worship and rest than about adhering to specific days. Jesus taught that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, highlighting the purpose behind the day of rest – to benefit and rejuvenate us, not to be a burden.
Sunday, in Christian tradition, became a day for believers to gather in remembrance of Jesus’ resurrection. It symbolizes new beginnings, freedom from sin, and the promise of eternal life. However, the Bible makes it clear that worship and devotion to God are not confined to any specific day. Every day is an opportunity to live out one’s faith and to rest in God’s grace.
As we examine specific Bible verses, we will gain more insights into how the early church viewed Sunday gatherings and what lessons we can draw from these practices for our contemporary worship and rest.
Bible Verses About Sundays
- Acts 20:7 – “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them.” This shows the early Christians meeting on Sundays for fellowship and communion.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2 – Paul instructs the Corinthian believers to set aside a sum of money on the first day of the week, indicating the regular gathering and practice of giving on Sundays.
- Revelation 1:10 – John mentions being in the Spirit on the “Lord’s Day,” a term traditionally understood to refer to Sunday, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
- Mark 16:9 – Mark’s Gospel notes that Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, highlighting the significance of Sunday in Christian tradition.
- John 20:19 – “On the evening of that first day of the week… Jesus came and stood among them.” This verse narrates Jesus appearing to His disciples on a Sunday, further adding to its significance.
- Exodus 20:8-11 – The commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy. While this refers to Saturday, the principle of setting aside a regular day for rest and worship is relevant.
- Colossians 2:16-17 – Paul advises not to let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration, or a Sabbath day. This suggests a focus on spiritual reality over specific days.
- Romans 14:5-6 – “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike.” Paul’s words here give believers the liberty to choose how they observe days of worship and rest.
- Hebrews 10:24-25 – Encourages not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another. This emphasizes the importance of regular fellowship, irrespective of the day.
- Matthew 12:8 – “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” Jesus’ statement indicates His authority over the Sabbath and by extension, the concept of rest and worship days.
While the Bible does not explicitly designate Sundays as a mandatory day of worship, it highlights the significance of this day in early Christian tradition, especially as a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. The essence of the Biblical teaching is not fixated on the specific day, but rather on the importance of setting aside regular time for rest, worship, and community. This approach shows flexibility and emphasizes the spiritual intent behind observing a day of rest and worship. Whether it’s Sunday or any other day, the focus is on dedicating time to God, reflecting on His goodness, and fostering fellowship with other believers. The Bible encourages us to view such days not as rigid obligations, but as opportunities for spiritual rejuvenation and growth in our faith journey.
