Have you ever wondered why the “first day of the week” appears in the New Testament at all? In many churches today, this phrase—referring to Sunday—is celebrated as a day of worship, often tied to the resurrection of Jesus. But what if a careful reading of those passages shows something quite different? Let’s look closely at every mention of the first day in the New Testament, guided by the apostles’ teachings and practices. This exploration may prompt you to rethink popular assumptions and relearn what Scripture actually emphasizes.
The Eight Mentions: A Limited and Specific Picture #
The New Testament refers to the “first day of the week” only eight times, and none present it as a holy day of commanded rest or worship. Here’s a breakdown of each:
- The Resurrection Accounts (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2, 9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1) — These describe women coming to the tomb early on the first day to find Jesus risen. The focus is the miraculous event of the resurrection, not establishing a new day of observance. The resurrection is central to Christian faith, but no verse instructs believers to transfer Sabbath holiness to this day.
- The Evening Appearance (John 20:19) — On the same first day evening, the disciples gathered behind locked doors “for fear of the Jews,” and Jesus appeared to them. This was a fearful, private meeting after the resurrection—not a planned worship service or a pattern for weekly gatherings.
- The Gathering in Troas (Acts 20:7) — “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” This farewell meeting occurred after sunset on what we call Saturday (since biblical days begin at sunset), with Paul departing at daybreak. Breaking bread was a common fellowship meal, not evidence of a new holy day.
- The Collection Instruction (1 Corinthians 16:2) — “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” Paul advised setting aside offerings privately at home on the first day—practical preparation, not public worship or a mandated assembly.
These are the only references. No command exists to observe the first day as holy, rest from labor, or gather for worship weekly. Thought-provoking question: If the first day held special significance as a replacement for the Sabbath, why the complete absence of any apostolic directive?
Contrast with the Sabbath in Apostolic Practice #
The apostles consistently honored the seventh-day Sabbath. Jesus kept it as His custom (Luke 4:16), and believers rested according to the commandment even after the crucifixion (Luke 23:56). Paul reasoned in synagogues every Sabbath, preaching to Jews and Gentiles alike (Acts 13:42-44; 17:2; 18:4). The Sabbath is repeatedly called “the Sabbath of the Lord” (Exodus 20:10) and a day of holy convocation (Leviticus 23:3).
The first day mentions lack any such language—no “holy,” no rest command, no transfer of solemnity. The resurrection on the first day is celebrated, but the Bible never uses it to redefine the day of rest. Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17), yet the apostles continued Sabbath observance without recorded change.
Challenge to reflect on: When mainstream teachings elevate Sunday based on resurrection events or these verses, are they following the apostles’ clear example, or has tradition filled a biblical silence?
Why the Limited Significance Matters #
The first day’s mentions highlight key moments—the resurrection and early fellowship—but do not establish it as a sacred replacement for the Sabbath. The silence on any shift is striking, especially amid debates over other practices. History later shows influences like Constantine’s edict promoting Sunday rest, but Scripture remains consistent: The seventh day is God’s sanctified memorial of creation and redemption (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:11; Deuteronomy 5:15).
Reclaiming this understanding invites deeper alignment with apostolic teaching. The Sabbath offers weekly rest and worship as God designed, while the first day events remind us of the victory of the resurrection without redefining sacred time.
At Yovel Ministries, we’re passionate about returning to biblical patterns. What does this limited role of the first day stir in you? Does it encourage a fresh look at how we honor God’s day? Share below—let’s continue the conversation and grow in truth together.
