Expert: Sal - 6/28/2010

Question
Hi Sal,

In a previous answer you stated you could provide a brief list of early Christian writers who, prior to Constantine, wrote that Sunday was already the Christian day of worship.

I'd appreciate this list, and if possible a list of scriptural reference to "Breaking Bread on  the First Day" and the "Lord's Supper on the First Day"

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Robb

Answer
Dear Robert:

He is a list of the early Christians writers that I mentioned.

“Wherefore, also we keep the 8th day with joyfulness, the day also on which Jesus rose from the dead” (Epistle of Barnabas, 75-100 AD).

“Be not deceived with strange doctrines, nor with old fables, which are unprofitable. For if we still live according to the Jewish Law, we acknowledge that we have not received grace…If, therefore, those who brought up in the ancient order of things have come to the possession of a new hope, no longer observing the Sabbath, but living in the observance of the Lord's Day, on which also our life has sprung up again by him and by his death” (Ignatius of Antioch, 107 AD).

"Furthermore, I do not suppose that you need to learn from me how ridiculous and unworthy of any argument are their scruples about food, their superstition about the Sabbath, their pride in circumcision, and their shame in fasting" (Letter to Diognetus, 125 AD).

“On the day called Sunday all who live in the cities or in the country gather together in one place, and the memoirs of the Apostles of the writings of the prophets are read…But Sunday is the day on which we all hold a common assembly, because it is the first day of the week on which God…made the world; and Jesus Christ our Savior on the same day rose from the dead” (Justin Martyr, 145 AD).

“We solemnize the day after Saturday in contradistinction to those who call this day their Sabbath”(Tertullian, 200 AD).

“The Apostles further appointed: On the first day of the week let there be services and reading of the holy Scriptures and the oblation, because on the first day of the week our Lord rose from the place of the dead” (The Didascalia, 225 AD).

“The day of the light…was the day of his Resurrection from the dead, which they say as being the one and only truly holyday and the Lord's Day” (Eusebius of Caesarea, 319 AD).

Here is a reference that shows that in Bible times Christians had already begun meeting together on Sunday. "Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made" (1 Cor. 16:1-2).

Here is a reference showing that Christians were celebrating the Lord's Supper on Sunday. "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight" (Acts 20:7).

I hope this helps.

God Bless You,
Sal