Understanding the Biblical Basis for Sunday Worship: A Closer Look at Acts 20:7, 1Cor. 16:1-3, and 1Cor. 5:8
While understanding the biblical basis for various religious practices, including worship on Sundays, can sometimes be challenging, it is essential to carefully consider the context and intent of the scriptures. This article explores how passages such as Acts 20:7 and 1Cor. 16:1-3 are cited as justification for Sunday worship, and why 1Cor. 5:8 and 1Cor. 7:19 might seem to contradict these interpretations.
Acts 20:7 and 1Cor. 16:1-3 as Justification for Sunday Worship
One popular argument for Sunday worship is rooted in the early church's practice mentioned in Acts 20:7, where the apostles met together for the breaking of bread 'on the first day of the week.' Similarly, in 1Cor. 16:1-3, Paul instructs the Corinthians to set aside funds 'on the first day of the week' for the benefit of the poor. These texts are often taken as evidence that the early church upheld Sunday as a primary day of worship, corresponding closely with the current practice observed by many Christian denominations.
1Cor. 5:8 and the Passover Tradition
However, a closer examination of 1Cor. 5:8, which instructs believers to 'purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened,' reveals a reference to the symbolism of the Passover. Rather than a literal command to continue celebrating Passover, this verse emphasizes the symbolic act of cleansing and renewal in Christ. The argument posits that the Passover, though traditionally held on a specific date, was replaced by the symbol of Christ, making the practice of Passover obsolete for Christians.
Similarly, 1Cor. 7:19 calls for believers to 'not be constrained by custom beyond what is written,' further highlighting the idea that specific cultural and religious practices unique to the Jews are no longer necessary for Christians. This principle applies to the observance of Passover and other Jewish feasts, which were specific to the Jewish people and their covenantal obligations.
Scriptural Interpretation and Context
The key to understanding these scriptures lies in how they are applied within the context of early Christian practices and their relation to current Christian worship. Acts 20:7 and 1Cor. 16:1-3 are understood to reflect a consistent pattern of weekly worship and communion among believers, aligning with the modern practice of observing Sunday as the sabbath in many Christian traditions.
Final Thoughts
The texts do not negate the formation of Christian traditions or practices; instead, they provide insight into the cultural and religious shifts between the Jewish and Christian faiths. The emphasis on 'not being constrained by custom beyond what is written' in 1Cor. 7:19 implies that while certain customs and feasts are no longer essential, the core principles that these customs once symbolized remain vital.
The ancient practice of Passover and the significance of the Sabbath, as commanded in the fourth commandment of the Ten Commandments, take on a new symbolic meaning in the context of Christianity. Sunday, as a day of worship and reflection, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice, fulfilling the Passover's original significance.
In conclusion, the scriptural basis for Sunday worship is rooted in the early Christian practices as described in Acts and 1Corinthians, which stress the importance of weekly worship and the communal breaking of bread. The verses in 1Cor. 5:8 and 1Cor. 7:19 are interpreted as emphasizing the symbolic and spiritual significance of these practices, rather than as literal commands to continue specific traditions.