The Sabbath in the New Testament

Many Christians believe the Sabbath was abolished in the New Testament. Is this true? In this lesson, we will examine how the apostles and the early church related to the Sabbath, and analyze the texts frequently used to defend its abolition.

The Practice of the Apostles

What was Paul's custom on the Sabbaths?

He worked making tents He preached on Sundays According to his custom, he went to the synagogue and reasoned with them He ignored the Sabbath

Paul had the same “custom” as Jesus — to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath. And it was not just to reach Jews; in Acts 13:42-44, the Gentiles ask to hear the preaching “on the next Sabbath.”

Did Paul keep the Sabbath only to avoid offending Jews?

Yes, it was only a missionary strategy No, Gentiles also gathered with him on the Sabbath He preferred preaching on Sundays Paul never kept the Sabbath

If Paul wanted to change the day of worship to Sunday, why did he not tell the Gentiles: “Come back tomorrow, on Sunday”? Instead, the whole city gathered “on the next Sabbath.”

How does Acts describe Paul's regular practice in Corinth?

He reasoned every Sabbath in the synagogue and persuaded Jews and Greeks He replaced the Sabbath with Sunday meetings He stopped preaching on specific days He taught that no Gentile should listen on the Sabbath

In Acts 18:4, Paul reasoned in the synagogue “every Sabbath.” Verse 11 says he stayed in Corinth for a year and six months. The account shows a regular practice of Sabbath teaching, not an apostolic instruction changing the day of worship to Sunday.

What About References to Sunday?

Does Acts 20:7 prove that Christians met every Sunday?

Yes, it was a regular Sunday service No, it was a nighttime and special farewell meeting, not a Sunday command It was a celebration of the resurrection Paul commanded Sunday meetings

Even understanding this meeting as occurring on the first day according to biblical reckoning, that is, Saturday night after sunset, the main point remains: the text describes a special farewell meeting, not a command to keep Sunday.

Does 1 Corinthians 16:2 command Sunday worship?

Yes, it was the regular worship day No, Paul asked each one to set aside an offering IN THEIR HOME on the first day It was a public offering in the church It proves the change from Saturday to Sunday

The text says “each of you set something aside” (at home), there is no meeting mentioned! Paul wanted the collection ready when he arrived, without having to gather offerings in a rush. It was an administrative instruction, not a liturgical one.

Frequently Misinterpreted Texts

Does Romans 14:5 abolish the Sabbath?

Yes, each one chooses their day No, the context deals with food and the evaluation of certain days, not the weekly Sabbath Paul relativizes all commandments The Sabbath is optional

The context of Romans 14 deals with food (v.2-3) and the evaluation of certain days (v.5-6), matters of conscience among brothers. The chapter does not present an order to revoke the fourth commandment or to replace the Sabbath with another day.

Does Colossians 2:16 prove the Sabbath was abolished?

Yes, Sabbaths were nailed to the cross No, it refers to ceremonial Sabbaths (annual feasts), not the weekly Sabbath of creation All Sabbaths were abolished The text is clear about the weekly Sabbath

The context speaks of ordinances “that were against us” (v.14). The Sabbath of creation was never against us. It was given as a blessing! The “Sabbaths” mentioned are the ceremonial Sabbaths linked to Jewish feasts (see Leviticus 23).

Does Galatians 4:10 condemn keeping the Sabbath?

Yes, Paul prohibits keeping days No, Paul condemns the Galatians' return to paganism or Jewish legalism The text specifically speaks of the Sabbath All special days are prohibited

The context of Galatians is about salvation by works of the law vs. grace. The Galatians were returning to previous practices (v.9) — either Gentile paganism or Jewish legalism. Paul is not abolishing the Sabbath, but condemning the misuse of the law as a means of salvation.

“The Sabbath was embodied in the law given from Sinai; but it was not then first made known as a day of rest.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 283, par. 1.

The Sabbath in New Testament Prophecy

What did Jesus say about the Sabbath in relation to the destruction of Jerusalem (70 A.D.)?

The Sabbath would no longer exist 'Pray that your flight will not take place on the Sabbath' Sunday would be the new day He did not mention the Sabbath

Jesus expected His disciples to still keep the Sabbath 40 years after the cross! If the Sabbath would be abolished at the cross, why would Jesus be concerned about fleeing on the Sabbath in 70 A.D.?

And Now?

The evidence from the New Testament is clear:

The apostles kept the Sabbath: There is no record of change
Texts about Sunday prove nothing: References are rare and not liturgical
Texts “against” the Sabbath have another context: Ceremonial feasts, legalism, not the Sabbath of creation
Jesus expected the keeping of the Sabbath after the cross: Matthew 24:20

The silence of the New Testament about any change is deafening. If something as fundamental as the day of worship were changed, there would be clear instructions!

My Decision

After examining the evidence of the New Testament, I recognize that the apostles continued keeping the Sabbath and that there is no command for change. The texts frequently used against the Sabbath, when analyzed in context, do not abolish it. I desire to base my faith on Scripture, not on traditional interpretations.

Yes, I believe and accept this truth.

5) The Sabbath in the New Testament