Why do Christians worship on Sunday?
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Question: Why do Christians worship on Sunday?
Answer:
Christians worship on Sunday primarily to honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is believed to have occurred on the first day of the week. Here are the key reasons for this practice:
1. Resurrection of Jesus
- Biblical Basis: The New Testament records that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. This is mentioned in all four Gospels (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, John 20:1).
- Early Christian Practice: Early Christians began gathering on Sundays to commemorate the resurrection. Acts 20:7 mentions the disciples coming together on the first day of the week to break bread, which many interpret as a reference to communal worship and the Eucharist.
2. Apostolic Tradition
- Apostolic Teaching: The apostles and early church leaders encouraged meeting on the first day of the week. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul instructs believers to set aside a sum of money on the first day of the week, indicating that this was a common time for gatherings.
3. The Lord’s Day
- Terminology: Early Christians referred to Sunday as “the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10), distinguishing it from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday). This term reflects the significance of Sunday as the day of Jesus’ resurrection.
4. Historical Development
- Church Fathers: Early church fathers, such as Ignatius of Antioch and Justin Martyr, wrote about Christians gathering on Sundays. Justin Martyr, in his First Apology (Chapter 67), explicitly states that Christians met on Sunday to celebrate the resurrection.
- Council of Laodicea: By the 4th century, the Council of Laodicea (around 363-364 AD) formalized Sunday worship by decreeing that Christians should honor the Lord’s Day and, if possible, refrain from work.
5. Distinction from Judaism
- Separation from Jewish Practices: As Christianity spread among Gentiles, the practice of meeting on Sunday helped distinguish Christians from Jews, who observed the Sabbath on Saturday. This shift was part of the broader effort to establish a unique Christian identity.
