From Saturday to Sunday: The Change in Day of Worship in Early Christianity

Introduction

The transition from Saturday to Sunday as the day of worship marks a significant shift in religious practice, closely tied to the early Christian movement. This change was not a sudden or arbitrary decision but rather the result of historical, theological, and political developments that transformed the origins and practices of the early Christian church. This article delves into the genesis of this transformation, highlighting key texts and ancient practices that elucidate the transition.

The Day of the Lord's Resurrection

The significance of Sunday as a day of worship is deeply rooted in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, the blood of Jesus ratified the inauguration of the new covenant, marking the beginning of a new era in the worship of God. This event set the stage for the transformation in the observance of the Sabbath to Sunday, as mentioned in the New Testament text of John 4:24. The word 'sabbath' signifies a cessation of normal activities, prompting believers to rest when needed.

The Early Church and Its Practices

During the 1st century, the early church began to differentiate itself from the Jewish faith. It placed greater emphasis on the day of the Lord's resurrection, which became the primary identification marker for believers who were later labeled as “Christians.” This shift in focus led to the adoption of Sunday as the new “First Day,” as evidenced by Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2.

The practice of meeting on the first day of the week for the breaking of bread and other community activities can be observed as early as the first century, indicating the significance of this shift in worship practices. Many believers initially continued to attend Jewish Sabbath services, but this eventually phased out as the church's identity became increasingly distinct from that of the synagogue.

The Role of Emperor Constantine

The formal shift to Sunday worship was not accomplished in a vacuum. Historical context reveals that the transition was partly influenced by the political decision of Constantine I, who, after his conversion from sun worship to Christianity, designated Sunday as the official day of worship. This decision was consistent with the broader cultural and religious landscape of the Roman Empire, where many vassal states worshipped the sun, and Apollo was a prevalent deity.

The naming of days after celestial bodies reflects this cultural heritage. Sunday is designated for the sun, and the naming of other days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday) accords with the names attributed to various deities and celestial bodies in Greco-Roman and pre-Christian Germanic cultures. This naming convention aligns with the transformation of religious practice in early Christianity, symbolizing the shift from a sun-centered worldview to a Christ-centered one.

Conclusion

The transition from Saturday to Sunday as the day of worship in the early Christian church was a complex process that involved theological, cultural, and political factors. It marked a significant doctrinal shift and was not a sudden change but rather the result of long-standing developments in the early Christian movement. Understanding this historical transition helps us appreciate the depth and significance of the shift in religious observance that occurred within the early Christian community.