Have you ever wondered what John meant when he wrote, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10)? In many churches today, this phrase is quickly linked to Sunday, often called the “Lord’s Day” in sermons and hymns. But what if a closer look at Scripture and the apostles’ consistent practice reveals a different understanding—one that aligns more closely with God’s unchanging commands? Let’s examine this verse thoughtfully, drawing from the Bible’s own context, to challenge assumptions and invite a fresh relearning of apostolic teachings.
The Verse in Context: John’s Vision on Patmos #
Revelation 1:10 stands alone as the only place in Scripture where “the Lord’s day” appears. John, exiled on Patmos, describes being “in the Spirit”—a state of prophetic revelation—on this day. He doesn’t define it further here, so we must let the rest of the Bible interpret it. Jesus is clearly “Lord” (Philippians 2:11; Acts 2:36), so “the Lord’s day” belongs to Him. But which day does Scripture attribute to the Lord in this way?
The fourth commandment declares the seventh day as “the Sabbath of the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:10). Isaiah calls it “My holy day” and “the holy day of the Lord” (Isaiah 58:13). Jesus Himself claimed lordship over it: “The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28). The apostles followed this pattern—resting and worshiping on the seventh day (Luke 23:56; Acts 13:42-44; 17:2). No verse transfers this title to another day.
Thought-provoking question: If “the Lord’s day” refers to a day owned by Jesus, and He repeatedly identified with the seventh-day Sabbath, why assume it means Sunday without explicit biblical support?
No Biblical Basis for Sunday as “the Lord’s Day” #
The New Testament mentions the “first day of the week” eight times, often tied to the resurrection or practical matters like collections (Matthew 28:1; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). Yet none call it “the Lord’s day” or command its observance as holy. The term “Lord’s day” in Revelation stands unique—no apostolic instruction links it to Sunday worship.
Historical shifts occurred later: Emperor Constantine’s 321 AD edict promoted Sunday rest, influenced by sun worship traditions. Church claims later asserted authority to transfer solemnity from Saturday to Sunday, admitting no Scriptural command exists for the change. Some sources even note that insisting on Scripture alone would lead to seventh-day observance.
The apostles never debated or recorded such a transfer. If Sunday were the new “Lord’s day,” we would expect clear teaching amid discussions on other changes like circumcision. The silence speaks volumes.
Challenge to consider: When mainstream teachings label Sunday “the Lord’s Day,” are they following apostolic example or later traditions? What if Revelation 1:10 points back to the day Jesus called His own—the seventh-day Sabbath?
The Sabbath as a Day of Revelation and Blessing #
John received his profound vision on “the Lord’s day,” a time of spiritual insight. The Sabbath, set apart from creation (Genesis 2:2-3), is a day for rest, worship, and drawing near to God. It pictures redemption and points to ultimate rest in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10). Many testify to receiving physical, mental, and spiritual blessings from honoring it—benefits John may have experienced in his exile.
Jesus kept the Sabbath even in death’s shadow (Luke 23:56), and the early believers continued the practice. The Sabbath remains “the Lord’s day” because it belongs to Him as Creator and Redeemer.
What if embracing this understanding restores a weekly rhythm of revelation and renewal? The Sabbath isn’t burdensome—it’s a delight (Isaiah 58:13-14), a memorial of God’s power and love.
Evaluating Modern Teachings: Tradition vs. Scripture #
Many churches today equate “the Lord’s Day” with Sunday, often citing resurrection events or early gatherings. Yet Scripture attributes no such title to the first day. The apostles’ lives show fidelity to the seventh day without compromise. This invites reevaluation: Are we honoring God’s command or human customs?
At Yovel Ministries, we’re committed to returning to biblical foundations. Revelation 1:10 may not be about Sunday at all—it could affirm the Sabbath as the day belonging to our Lord. What does this stir in your heart? Does it prompt a deeper search of Scripture?
Share your thoughts below—let’s continue exploring these truths together and align our worship with God’s word.
