Is the Sabbath Saturday or Sunday?

Is the Sabbath Saturday or Sunday?

The question of whether the Sabbath is Saturday or Sunday is one that has stirred much debate among Christians throughout history. Understanding the origins, biblical foundations, historical transitions, and theological implications is crucial for anyone seeking clarity on this important aspect of faith.

The Sabbath holds a significant place in Judeo-Christian traditions as a day dedicated to rest and worship. While Judaism observes the Sabbath on Saturday, Christianity has predominantly shifted its day of worship to Sunday. This raises a vital question: Is the Sabbath biblically ordained to be on Saturday, or has there been a legitimate shift to Sunday? Exploring this topic requires delving into Scripture, examining historical developments, and understanding the theological arguments that have shaped this practice.

Biblical Foundations of the Sabbath

Creation and the Universal Sabbath

The origin of the Sabbath dates back to the Creation week. In Genesis 2:2–3, after completing His work of creation in six days, God rested on the seventh day, blessed it, and sanctified it. This act set a divine precedent for a weekly day of rest. Importantly, at this point in history, there were no Jews or distinct nations—only humanity as a whole. Jesus affirmed the universal nature of the Sabbath when He said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27), indicating that the Sabbath was intended for all people, not a specific group.

The Ten Commandments and the Seventh Day

The Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, include a clear directive regarding the Sabbath: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy… the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:8–10). This commandment emphasizes the importance of the seventh day—Saturday—as a day of rest and spiritual reflection. The use of “remember” suggests that the Sabbath was already an established practice, hearkening back to Creation.

Jesus’ Observance of the Sabbath

Throughout His ministry, Jesus upheld the significance of the Sabbath. Luke 4:16 notes that it was His custom to attend the synagogue on the Sabbath. While He challenged the Pharisees’ legalistic interpretations, He never nullified the Sabbath commandment. Instead, He clarified its purpose, teaching that acts of mercy and necessity are appropriate on this day (Matthew 12:12). Jesus declared Himself “Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28), reinforcing His authority over its proper observance.

Historical Transition sabbath Saturday to Sunday

Early Church Practices

The early Christian church, predominantly Jewish, continued to observe the seventh-day Sabbath. The Book of Acts records that the apostles attended synagogues on the Sabbath to teach and fellowship (Acts 13:14, 42–44; 17:2). There is no biblical record of an official change from Saturday to Sunday worship during the apostolic age.

Anti-Judaism and Separation

In the years following Christ’s resurrection, tensions grew between Jews and Christians. The destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and subsequent Jewish revolts led to increased persecution of Jews by the Roman Empire. To avoid association with Jews and escape persecution, Gentile Christians began distancing themselves from Jewish customs, including Sabbath observance.

Emperor Hadrian’s ban on Jewish practices after the Bar Kokhba revolt (A.D. 132–135) intensified this separation. Christians sought to establish a distinct identity, and abandoning the Sabbath—a day heavily associated with Judaism—was a significant step in that direction.

The Influence of Sun Worship

During the second century A.D., sun worship became increasingly prominent in Roman culture. The cult of Sol Invictus (“Unconquered Sun”) was particularly influential. The Roman seven-day week designated Sunday as the day of the sun, a day already imbued with religious significance in paganism.

Early Christian leaders, operating within this cultural context, began to draw parallels between the “Sun of Righteousness” (a title for Christ found in Malachi 4:2) and the physical sun. This allegorical association made Sunday an attractive option for Christian worship, aligning with the existing societal norms.

The Role of the Roman Church

The church in Rome, being at the heart of the empire and composed largely of Gentile converts, played a pivotal role in shifting Christian practice from Sabbath to Sunday. Prominent figures like Justin Martyr advocated for Sunday worship, arguing that it commemorated Jesus’ resurrection and the creation’s beginning.

Moreover, the Roman church instituted measures to discourage Sabbath observance. Fasting on Saturdays was introduced to make the day less appealing, contrasting with the feasting typical of Jewish Sabbath practices. Pope Sylvester I (reigned A.D. 314–335) endorsed this practice, explicitly aiming to separate Christian customs from Jewish ones.

Constantine’s Edict and Formalisation

The Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity and subsequent Edict of Milan in A.D. 313 granted Christians freedom of worship. In A.D. 321, Constantine enacted civil legislation declaring Sunday a day of rest:

“On the venerable Day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed.”

This edict aligned the empire’s laws with the church’s emerging practice, further entrenching Sunday observance and diminishing the Sabbath’s prominence.

Examining Arguments for Sunday Observance

Commemoration of the Resurrection

A primary argument for Sunday worship is that it honors Jesus’ resurrection, which occurred on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1). While this is a significant event in Christian faith, there is no biblical mandate to transfer the sanctity of the Sabbath to Sunday. The New Testament does not record Jesus or the apostles instituting Sunday as a new day of rest and worship.

New Testament References to the First Day

Only eight passages in the New Testament mention the first day of the week, and none establish it as the Sabbath:

• Acts 20:7 describes the disciples gathering to break bread and listen to Paul’s teaching. However, this was an evening meeting (what we would consider Saturday night), and Paul was departing the next day. This isolated event does not indicate a weekly practice of Sunday worship.

• 1 Corinthians 16:2 instructs believers to set aside money “on the first day of every week” for a collection. This was a private act of budgeting, not a public worship service.

• Revelation 1:10 mentions “the Lord’s Day,” a term some associate with Sunday. However, this interpretation is debated, and there is strong evidence that “the Lord’s Day” refers to the eschatological Day of the Lord rather than a weekly day of worship.

Abolition of the Law?

Some argue that the Ten Commandments, including the Sabbath, were abolished under the New Covenant. However, Jesus stated, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets… but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). The apostle Paul affirmed the law’s value, saying, “The law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good” (Romans 7:12).

The moral principles of the Ten Commandments are upheld in the New Testament. While ceremonial laws specific to Israel (such as sacrifices and festivals) were fulfilled in Christ, the Sabbath commandment is rooted in Creation and serves a perpetual purpose.

Modern-Day Sabbath Observance

Seventh-Day Observers

Denominations like the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Seventh Day Baptists continue to observe Saturday as the Sabbath. They base their practice on a literal interpretation of the biblical commandment and the example set by Jesus and the apostles.

I've listened as many Christians share their journey to embracing the seventh-day Sabbath. Often initially skeptical, time-and-time again they examine the biblical evidence and historical inconsistencies surrounding Sunday worship. Concluding that the Sabbath remains on the seventh day, a time blessed by God for rest and spiritual enrichment.

First-Day Observers

The majority of Christian denominations worship on Sunday. This practice is often rooted in tradition and ecclesiastical authority rather than explicit biblical instruction. Many believers are unaware of the historical developments that led to this shift and accept Sunday worship as the norm.

Why the Sabbath Matters

A Sign of Relationship

The meaning of the Sabbath is deeper than just a day; it is a sign of the covenant relationship between God and His people (Ezekiel 20:12). It serves as a weekly reminder of God’s role as Creator and Redeemer.

Rest and Restoration

In today’s fast-paced world, the Sabbath offers an opportunity for physical rest and spiritual renewal. Observing the Sabbath allows believers to step back from daily pressures and focus on their relationship with God and others.

Obedience and Love

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Observing the Sabbath is an expression of love and obedience to God. It’s not about legalism but about aligning one’s life with God’s will.

In conclusion, Is the Sabbath Saturday or Sunday?

The transition from Saturday to Sunday worship was influenced by a combination of historical, cultural, and political factors rather than a directive from Scripture. The Bible consistently designates the seventh day—Saturday—as the Sabbath. While Sunday worship has become a widespread tradition, it lacks a clear biblical mandate.

Understanding the origins and significance of the Sabbath, helps us understand biblically what day is the sabbath, and invites believers to re-examine their practices in light of Scripture. The Sabbath offers a gift of rest, a time to remember God’s creation and redemption. Embracing the Sabbath can deepen one’s faith and strengthen their relationship with God.

As you consider the question, “Is the Sabbath Saturday or Sunday?” reflect on the biblical evidence and historical context. Seek guidance through prayer and study. Ultimately, the goal is to honour God and grow in your walk with Him, remembering that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).