Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. (Colossians 2:16-17, NLT)
In Colossians 2:16-17, the apostle Paul advises believers not to let anyone judge them based on dietary choices, religious festivals, New Moon celebrations, or Sabbath days, stating that these are merely a shadow of what was to come, with the actual substance found in Christ. Likewise, Romans 14:5 underscores the principle of personal conviction, explaining that while one person may regard a particular day as more sacred, another may see all days alike; each individual should be fully convinced in their own mind.
In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. (Romans 15:5, NLT)
These passages establish that Sabbath-keeping is a matter of spiritual freedom rather than a divine commandment for Christians. Scripture instructs believers not to judge one another regarding this issue, emphasizing that each person should follow their conscience.
In the early chapters of Acts, the first followers of Jesus were primarily Jewish. As Gentiles began to accept salvation through Christ, the early church faced the question of whether these new believers should observe the Mosaic Law. The apostles addressed this issue during the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15:1-35, ultimately concluding that Gentile believers should only abstain from food sacrificed to idols, sexual immorality, meat from strangled animals, and blood. Notably, Sabbath-keeping was not included in these instructions, which suggests it was not considered essential for Gentile Christians. It isn’t easy to imagine the apostles omitting such a command if Sabbath observance was required for all believers. Below is an excerpt from the letter sent to the Gentile believers from the Jerusalem Council.
“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements: 29 You must abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. If you do this, you will do well. Farewell.” (Acts 15:28-29, NLT)
A common misconception in the Sabbath debate is the belief that the Sabbath was designated as a day of worship. Groups like the Seventh-day Adventists argue that Saturday should be the mandated day for church services. However, the original Sabbath command, found in Exodus 20:8-11, focused on refraining from work, not assembling for worship.
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. (Exodus 20:8-11, NLT)
While Jewish tradition has long associated Saturday with worship, this was not the primary purpose of the Sabbath as seen in Exodus above. For the question at hand, it is also vital to remember that in the Book of Acts, gatherings described as occurring on the Sabbath typically involve Jews or Gentile converts to Judaism rather than Christian assemblies.
But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia. On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services. 15 After the usual readings from the books of Moses and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.”…42 As Paul and Barnabas left the synagogue that day, the people begged them to speak about these things again the next week. 43 Many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, and the two men urged them to continue to rely on the grace of God. (Acts 13:14-15, 42-43, NLT)
Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. 3 He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” 4 Some of the Jews who listened were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with many God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women. (Acts 17:1-4, NLT)
Each Sabbath found Paul at the synagogue (in Corinth), trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike. (Acts 18:4, NLT)
*Parentheses in the above verse from the book of Acts, indicating what city the synagogue was located in, are added by the author of the post.
As for the early Christians, Acts 2:43-47 reveals that they met daily in the temple courts and in their homes, sharing meals with joyful and sincere hearts.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (Acts 2:43-47, NLT)
If there was a specific day Christians favored for gathering, it was Sunday, the first day of the week, not Saturday.
On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to share in the Lord’s Supper. Paul was preaching to them, and since he was leaving the next day, he kept talking until midnight. (Acts 20:7, NLT)
On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. (1 Corinthians 16:2, NLT)
Passages such as Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2 show that early Christians met on Sunday, honoring the resurrection of Jesus, not as a replacement Sabbath but as a special day for worship and fellowship.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with worshiping on Saturday. Believers are encouraged to worship God every day, not just on weekends. Some churches offer both Saturday and Sunday services (and on other days too), reflecting the freedom found in Christ (Romans 8:21; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1). If a Christian feels led to observe the Sabbath by refraining from work and/or worship on Saturday, they are free to do so (Romans 14:5).
However, those who are convinced that they ought to worship on Saturday should not judge those who do not follow the same practice (Colossians 2:16). Likewise, those who do not observe the Sabbath should be careful not to cause others to stumble in their faith (Romans 14:20-23; 1 Corinthians 8:9).
In conclusion, Christians do not have to observe a Saturday Sabbath. It is wise to have a day in which we cease from our work; that day, our practices and schedules should help us focus on Christ. Yet, the day we set aside for spiritual, emotional, and physical rest can be any day of the week, including Saturday or Sunday. We have tremendous freedom in Jesus, including the day we set aside as our Sabbath rest. In this non-essential belief of the Christian faith (concerning the day of the week we set aside to worship our glorified Savior), may we follow the words often credited to the early Church father, Augustine.
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity”
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