Hello Buddy
My reply to your Emailed answers below are kept in blue and red and purple colour for easier readability and view ability too.
Dear,
Thank you so much for your question
and your desire to find the answers to living righteously in God’s Word. Since
God made us, He knows us better than anyone and is the final authority on
everything right.
Agree. Absolutely right.
You are to be commended for going to
the Bible for solutions to life’s issues. I hope I can help you find His
answers.
Thanks for trying. While we are preaching and teaching, we both may encounter new truths to learn and old false lies to unlearn.
There are two passages that clearly
show that the first century Christians met together to engage in acts of
worship.
Okay.
Two things you mentioned. 1. Meeting together and 2. Engaging in acts of worship. Before we proceed to those 2 Scripture passages, just for the record; According to your understanding or interpretation of the situation around 2000 years ago, was that these 01st Century Christians first MET TOGETHER and you came to the “clear” conclusion that they MET TO ENGAGE IN ACTS OF WORSHIP.
Buddy, as I am proceeding to write my answer to you. I myself am keeping my mind blank without any pre-conceived ideas, thoughts or teachings as to what must have conclusively happened in the first century at that precise moment at the meeting. For that I am following the Scriptures as quoted and supported by you.
Before I
proceed any further, I would like
to say that, I let “Scripture Interpret Scripture” or in the words of Isaiah 28:10 “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line,
line upon line; here a little, and there
a little:” Restoration
Study Bible, 04th Edition.
Good News
Translation
He is trying to teach us letter by letter, line
by line, lesson by lesson." – Isaiah
28:10
As a Serious
Student of Scripture, I prefer to
practice good EXEGEGIS practices.
EXEGEGIS
Exegesis is
the exposition or explanation of a scriptural text based on a careful,
objective analysis. The word exegesis literally means “to lead out of.” That
means that the interpreter is led to his conclusions by following the text or
scripture of God’s word.
EISEGESIS
The opposite
approach to Scripture is eisegesis, which is the interpretation of a passage
based on a subjective, non-analytical reading. The word eisegesis literally
means “to lead into,” which means the interpreter injects his own ideas into
the text or scripture or word of God, making it mean whatever he/she wants too.
Having said the above, let’s proceed further now.
The first is Acts 20:7: “Now
on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread,
Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message
until midnight.” The breaking of bread was obviously the Lord’s
Supper and Paul preached to them. Both are acts of
worship. And they were having fellowship on the first day of the
week.
First, you did not mention from which English Translation or Version of the Bible did you Quote Acts 20:7
If it’s the King James Version, then please be aware that the word “day” is italicized in the King James Version, meaning it was added by translators. The phrase 3 should properly read, “And upon the first of the…” The word “week” in the Greek is Sabbaton, or Sabbath, Strong’s Greek Dictionary. In Word Studies in the New Testament, M.R. Vincent notes, “The noun Sabbath is often used after numerals in the signification of a week” (Acts 20:7 note). The Greek text behind this phrase, therefore, literally reads “And upon the first of the Sabbaths.” You are basing your full teachings on a wrong foundation. On a wrong English translation of God’s Holy Inspired Word. In Greek it does not say, first day of the week.
Continuing further………….
The New King James Bible states that he was ready to depart “on the next day”; that is totally misleading as this inaccurate translation in English language gives the impression that he wanted to depart on Monday.
Now I am addressing both of your Scriptures, first Acts
20:7 and then 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight”. RSB Bible, 04th Edition.
The day this meeting was on is not
relevant in any case,
as one can have a gathering to preach or study the Word or do financial
collections on any day of the week and that does not change an Eternal
Commandment of God.
“This Scripture does not say that Paul
observed Sunday, the first day of the week, as a day of worship. If this were an example
for us today, we would be starting the service on Saturday night – not on
Sunday morning. Verse 7 shows Paul preached to them until midnight.
Also services would have to continue till dawn (verse 11).”
Please note that Paul spoke
until midnight (verse 7), healed the young man who
fell down from the third story (verses 9-10); THEN broke bread and ATE (verse
11); and continued preaching until daybreak (same verse), ready to depart “on
the morrow” (verse 7) or SUNDAY morning (the New King James Bible states
that he was ready to depart “on the next day”; that is misleading as it could
give the impression that he wanted to depart on Monday).
“Next, we realize that the breaking of bread
was not a religious service, but merely the eating of a meal. Acts 27:33-38
proves this. Notice Paul’s situation. He was a Roman prisoner in the midst
of many Gentiles on board a ship (Acts 27:1-2). Obviously Paul was not holding
a religious service. The men ate for their health (verses 33-34).”
Verse 36
states expressly that “they
were all very encouraged and ALSO took FOOD themselves.” Other examples,
showing that breaking bread simply refers to the “ordinary” act of eating a
meal, can be found in Acts 2:42, 46 (“breaking bread from house to house, they
ate their FOOD with gladness…”) and also in Luke 24:30, 35 (two disciples
recognized Jesus when He broke bread to eat with them).
“Acts 20:7
does not describe a regular service. Notice the context. Paul was en route from
Greece to Jerusalem (Acts 20:2-3, 16). Since he did not know when he would see
the brethren again, he wanted to teach them as much as possible. The people
were more than willing to listen. So, after the Sabbath Paul remained behind
teaching the brethren, while his ship sailed around the peninsula (verse 13).
He remained talking with them till midnight and continued after a short meal
until daybreak (Verse 11). Then after Paul had stayed as long as he could, he
left them to walk across the peninsula to meet the boat (verses 13-14). He worked
on that Sunday by taking this long walk of some 19 miles!
“There is
nothing in the above Scripture to indicate it was Paul’s custom to observe
Sunday. In fact, all
through the book of Acts we see it was Paul’s custom to observe the Sabbath
(Acts 17:2; 13:14-15; 42-44). We also note in reading Acts 20:6 that Paul was
traveling after having observed the Days of Unleavened Bread. He continued to
observe the annual holy days as well as the weekly Sabbath years after Christ
had died as He remained faithful to the commands of God.”
And in Acts 2:46 we again see that
breaking of bread was done with every meal and does not imply communion. The Disciples going from house to house
witnessing and fellowshipping with others implies no such thing and obviously
does not change a Commandment of God either.
Based on the
translation in the New King James Bible, it seems obvious that the activities in
Acts 20:7 refer to the first day of the week. Since days start and end with
sunset, the disciples stayed after Sabbath services and after the Sabbath had
ended, to have a meal together on Sunday, while Paul continued to preach to
them. Why is it then that some claim that the gathering of the disciples and
the breaking of bread occurred on the Sabbath and not on Sunday?
The answer is
based on a peculiar choice of words in the Greek, as in the
original, the word for “week” is “sabbaton” (the word “sabbaton” refers in some
way to the Sabbath). The entire phrase “first of the week” (the word
“day” is not in the original) is derived
from the Greek expression “MIA TON SABBATON” (that is, FIRST (“mia”) of THE
(“ton”) WEEK (“sabbaton,” i.e., OF WEEK). The Luther Bible from 1545 renders
Acts 20:7 as follows: “On a Sabbath, when the disciples came together to break
bread, Paul preached to them…” (“AVff einen Sabbath aber / da die Jünger
zusamen kamen / das Brot zu brechen / prediget jnen Paulus…”)
As we see,
Luther rendered the word “sabbaton” here as “a Sabbath,” while
most translations say, “of week.” The Interlinear Translation also says,
“On first of the week…”
The scripture at 1 Corinthians 11:20 clearly states that THIS IS NOT to eat the Lord’s Supper
New International Version
So then, when you come together, it is not the
Lord's Supper you eat,
English Standard Version
When you come together, it is not the Lord’s
supper that you eat.
Berean Study Bible
Now then, when you come together, it is not the
Lord’s Supper you eat.
Berean Literal Bible
Therefore, of you coming together in one place,
it is not to eat the Lord's supper.
New American Standard Bible
Therefore when you meet together, it is not to
eat the Lord's Supper,
New King James Version
Therefore when you come together in one place,
it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper.
King James Bible
When ye come together therefore into one
place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
Christian Standard Bible
When you come together, then, it is not to eat
the Lord's Supper.
Contemporary English Version
When you meet together, you don't really
celebrate the Lord's Supper.
Good News Translation
When you meet together as a group, it is not the
Lord's Supper that you eat.
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore, when you come together, it is not
really to eat the Lord's Supper.
International Standard Version
When you gather in the same place, it is not to
eat the Lord's Supper.
Now when you come together at the same place, you are not really eating the Lord's Supper.
New Heart English Bible
When therefore you assemble yourselves together,
it is not the Lord's supper that you eat.
A Faithful Version
Therefore, when you assemble together in one
place, it is not to eat the Lord's supper.
GOD'S WORD® Translation
When you gather in the same place, you can't
possibly be eating the Lord's Supper.
New American Standard 1977
Therefore when you meet together, it is not to
eat the Lord’s Supper,
King James 2000 Bible
When you come together therefore into one place,
this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
American King James Version
When you come together therefore into one place,
this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
Douay-Rheims Bible
When you come therefore together into one place,
it is not now to eat the Lord's supper.
Darby Bible Translation
When ye come therefore together into one place,
it is not to eat [the] Lord's supper.
English Revised Version
When therefore ye assemble yourselves together,
it is not possible to eat the Lord's supper:
Webster's Bible Translation
When therefore ye come together in one place,
this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
Weymouth New Testament
When, however, you meet in one place, there is
no eating the Supper of the Lord;
World English Bible
When therefore you assemble yourselves together,
it is not the Lord's supper that you eat.
Young's Literal
Translation
ye, then, coming together at the same place --
it is not to eat the Lord's supper;
|
“When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Master's supper”. 1 Corinthians 11:20 (RSB Bible 04th Edition)
People often quote
the story in Acts 20—of Paul and his fellow workers meeting on the first day of
the week to “break bread together” (v. 7)—as evidence that Paul celebrated the
Communion service as part of a worship service on a Sunday. They assume that
this demonstrates Paul’s regard for Sunday as a sacred day. There are a few problems with this idea.
Jesus instituted the Communion service on the
Thursday night before His crucifixion as a way to commemorate His death
(Matthew 26:26:30), not His resurrection. Paul confirms this when he writes to the church in Corinth,
“As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s
death till He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). According to these Scriptures,
participating in the Communion service highlights
Christ’s sacrificial death.
“Breaking
bread” is not clearly defined in the Scriptures as being a Communion service. Luke, the writer of Acts, records one other time when
believers met to break bread together: “So continuing daily with one accord in
the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with
gladness and simplicity of heart” (Acts 2:46). If we assume that “breaking
bread” means having a communion service, these believers were celebrating every
day!
Going
back to the story of Paul, after
having broke bread, the record says that Paul preached until midnight and
“there were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together”
(Acts 20:8). Luke is referencing the biblical method of counting days,
beginning in the evening (Genesis 1). Following this reckoning, this meeting
would have taken place on what we consider Saturday night.
Since this is the only record of a Christian
meeting on the first day of the week, it would seem that Luke would highlight
the importance of honouring Christ’s resurrection if the Sabbath had been
changed. But the key point of this story is a resurrection of a dead believer,
with no reference at all to Christ.
CONCLUSION TO
FIRST SCRIPTURE OF ACTS 20:7:
Admittedly,
to “break bread” in Bible times often referred to the eating of common meals.
God once warned His prophet Jeremiah not to “break bread for the mourner”
(Jeremiah 16:7, RSV). Jesus “took bread...and broke it”
with the disciples to whom He appeared on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:30, 35).
The early Christians are said to have continued daily “breaking bread from
house to house” eating “food with gladness and simplicity of heart” (Acts
2:46). Paul once “took bread and...broke it” and instructed his
275 companions on board a ship to Italy to eat it for their “preservation”
(Acts 27:34-35, NASB). In ancient times, to “break bread” was a figure of
speech known as synecdoche where a part (to break bread) was put for the whole
(to eat a common meal, regardless of the kind of food and drink consumed).
THE PASSAGE IN QUESTION…
•Acts 20:7: “And upon the first day of the week when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.”
Wrong interpretation— The common idea is that Paul was holding a Sunday worship service.
Proper explanation— Note that the word “day” is italicized in the King James Version, meaning it was added by translators. The phrase 3 should properly read, “And upon the first of the…” The word “week” in the Greek is Sabbaton, or Sabbath, Strong’s Greek Dictionary. In Word Studies in the New Testament, M.R. Vincent notes, “The noun Sabbath is often used after numerals in the signification of a week” (Acts 20:7 note). The Greek text behind this phrase, therefore, literally reads “And upon the first of the Sabbaths.”
First for what?
The verse refers to the
first weekly Sabbath in the seven-Sabbath (seven-week) count to Pentecost. Paul
was moved to give a message on this day. This
occurred following a regular meal that the disciples had enjoyed on a weekly
Sabbath, not Sunday
Dear Buddy, Thanks to you I decided to do a little research and check how many Scriptures in the English Bible Translations have this sentence with the word, “Day” which is for an Empirical fact NOT EXISTING IN THE ORIGINAL HEBREW, GREEK OR ARAMAIC MANUSCRIPT COPIES OF GOD’S WORD. The sentence in concern is, “FIRST WEEK OF THE DAY”.
Examination of the term
“First day of the Week” in the New Testament
One
of the regular comments I hear about “Sabbath observance”, is that the 1st
Century Church met on the “1st Day of the Week” and not on the “Sabbath”. Did
Peter, Paul, James and the rest of the Disciples in the 1st Century change the
day of worship from “The Sabbath” to “The 1st Day of the Week”? This is an
examination of the Greek behind our English translations in an attempt to
understand what “The 1st Day of the Week” meant in the Original Greek Manuscripts.
I encourage you, dear Buddy to take
the time to examine the following, to do your own research and test these
conclusions.
Lev 23:15&16
from the 1611 print of the King James Version of the Bible (Please note the highlighted words “Seven Sabbaths” & “Fifty
Days”)
» The
Strong’s Greek Concordance numbers will accompany the related word within
brackets (eg. G4521) for each reviewed verse. The below examination will reveal
that the phrase “First day of the Week” did not have the word “day” in
the Greek Manuscripts. Accordingly, our examination will show, that this phrase should read
“First Week” or “First of the Weeks”. The term “First Week” or “First of the
Weeks” refer to the “First” of the seven “Weeks” in the 50 day count from
Christ’s Resurrection(First fruits) to Pentecost. Our examinations will arrive
at the conclusion, that wherever the New Testament reads “First day of the
Week”, it actually meant “First Week” or “First of the Weeks” in Greek.
And that it exclusively referred to the “First” of the seven “Weeks” in the 7
Week count towards the day of Pentecost as seen in Lev 23:15,16, Deut 16:9,10.«
There are only 8 verses overall, in the
New Testament writings, with the term “First day of the Week”. It will be
our objective to check each of these 8 verses to better understand
what this phrase means.
The verses are as follows:
Matthew 28:1 In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
Mark 16:2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
John 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Act 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
1Co 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him
in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
What most people do not understand is that, all of the above verses are connected (in some way or the other) to some of the Feasts/Appointed times of God (Passover, Week of Unleavened Bread, First fruits & Pentecost [50 days or Feast of Weeks]).
Because of this, we need to have some background information that will help us better understand the above Scriptures before we start our examination.
A. Christ died on the day of Passover (John 18:28, 19:14, Mat 27:46-50, Mar 15:33-37, Luke 23:44-46). This is not a fixed day, such as “Friday” on our modern Calendars. Passover could fall on any day of the week, and depends solely on the Biblical Calendar (Leviticus 23:5).
B. Passover eve starts off the days of Unleavened Bread which
continue on for 7 days (Leviticus
23:6-8). The day following Passover, which is the 1st day of Unleavened
Bread is always a “Special/High Sabbath” (Leviticus
23:7). It is known as a Special/High Sabbath, because it can fall on
any day of the week, unlike the fixed 7th day Sabbath. (John 19:31)
C. Christ’s
resurrection happened on the day of First fruits. This is the day after the 7th
day Sabbath which follows Passover (Matthew
28:1-6, Mark 16:2-4, Luke 24:1-3, John 20:1, 2). In other words, It is
always the 1st Day of the week following Passover (Leviticus 23:10, 11).
D. Pentecost
which means “50 days” is counted from the Day of First Fruits. Pentecost will
always fall after 50 days(7 weeks) from the Feast of First fruits (Lev 23:15,16, Deut 16:9,10) which is
the day Christ rose from the Dead
E. For
example, if Passover fell on the 4th Day (Wed) of the Week, the 5th Day
(Thursday) of that same week would be the 1st Day of unleavened
bread which would be a special/high Sabbath. The 7th Day (Sat) of the week
would be the regular fixed Sabbath. The next day, which is the 1st Day (Sun) of
the next week, will be the Day of First fruits. Counting 50 days from the Day
of First fruits, brings us to the feast of Pentecost (exactly 7 weeks from
the day of first fruits).
With the above information by our side, let’s
start our examination. The 8 verses highlighted at the onset of this study
have been broken down into 3 parts.
PART
1 – The “First day of the Week” and the Resurrection of Christ
Fact #1: Christ rose from the dead on the day of first fruits
(Sunday after Passover), which begins the 7 week (50 day) count towards Pentecost/Feast
of Weeks.
Fact #2: Out of the 6 instances/verses given below, none of them carry the word “day” in the Greek. This word is given in italics in most English Bible Translations, denoting that it is a word inserted by translators.
Fact #3: If the word “day” is dropped from all of these verses, it would read “The First Week” or “The First of the Weeks”
Fact #4: In all of the below verses, (as Yahshua rose on the day of
First fruits) the week that had begun or dawned, was in fact, “The First
Week” or “The First of the Weeks” towards Pentecost/Feast of Weeks, as it was a
counting of 7 Weeks that led to Pentecost.
Strong’s Support
Matthew 28:1 In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn
toward the first (G3391) day of the week
(G4521), came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
Mark 16:2 And very early in the morning the first (G3391) day of the (G3588) week (G4521), they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first (G4413) day of the week (G4521), he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Luke 24:1 Now upon the first (G3391) day of the (G3588) week (G4521), very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
John 20:1 The first(G3391) day of the (G3588) week (G4521) cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
John 20:19 Then
the same day at evening, being the first
(G3391) day of the (G3588) week (G4521),
when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the
Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto
you.
G3391 – μία – mia – Irregular feminine of G1520; one or first: – a (certain), + agree, first, one, X other.
G3588 – ὁ, ἡ, τό – ho hē to – The masculine, feminine (second) and neuter (third) forms, in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom): – the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
G4413 – πρῶτος – prōtos – Contracted superlative of G4253; foremost (in time, place, order or importance): – before, beginning, best, chief (-est), first (of all), former.
G4521 – σάββατον – sabbaton – Of Hebrew origin
[H7676]; the Sabbath (that is, Shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular
avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension a
se’nnight, that is, the interval between two Sabbaths; likewise the plural in
all the above applications: – Sabbath (day), week.
PART 2 – The “First day of the Week” and the breaking of bread by the Disciples
Fact #1: Similar to the 6 verses highlighted in PART 1, Acts 20:7 does not carry the word “day”
Fact #2: Acts 20:6
highlights that Paul sailed from Philippi amid* the days of unleavened bread,
coming to Troas in 5 days and dwelling there for 7 days, placing the
breaking of bread comfortably in “The First Week” or “The First of
the Weeks” towards Pentecost/Feast of Weeks.
Act 20:6 And we sailed away from Philippi after (G3326)* the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.
Act 20:7 And upon the first
(G3391) day of the (G3588) week (G4521), when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached
unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until
midnight.
*G3326
– μετά – meta – A primary preposition (often used adverbially);
properly denoting accompaniment; “amid” (local or causal); modified variously
according to the case (genitive case association, or accusative case
succession) with which it is joined; occupying an intermediate position between
G575 or G1537 and G1519 or G4314; less intimate than G1722, and less close than
G4862): – after (-ward),X that he again, against, among, X and, + follow,
hence, hereafter, in, of, (up-) on, + our, X and setting, since, (un-) to, +
together, when, with (+ -out). Often used in composition, in substantially the
same relations of participation or proximity, and transfer or sequence.
PART
3 – The “First day of the Week” and the collection for the saints in Jerusalem
Fact #1: Similar to the verses highlighted in PART 1 & PART 2, 1Cor 16:2 does not carry the word
“day”
Fact #2: The collection mentioned in this verse was to be taken to
Jerusalem
Fact #3: Visiting Jerusalem 3 times a year for the feasts,
including Pentecost/Feast of Weeks, was a Commandment given by God (Deut 16:16), and Paul was aware of it (Act 20:16)
Fact #4: Paul mentions that he will stay in Ephesus till Pentecost
in 1Cor 16:8, which would mean that
Pentecost/Feast of Weeks was at hand, connecting 1Cor 16 verse 2 with
verse 8.
Fact #5: This would mean that Paul was asking the believers to
gather the collection for the saints in Jerusalem in “The First Week” or “The
First of the Weeks” towards Pentecost/Feast of Weeks, rather than waiting
to collect the offering till his arrival.
Fact #6: This could not have been a weekly collection as it was
supposed to be sent to Jerusalem
1Cor 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
1Cor 16:2 Upon the first(G3391) day of the week(G4521) let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
1Cor 16:3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve
by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
Another
Clue: Luke’s mention of the Second Sabbath after the First in Luke 6:1
Fact #1: The phrase “Second Sabbath after the First” makes little
sense in the below verse. Understanding that Seven Weeks/Sabbaths
were supposed to be numbered from First fruits till the Pentecost/Feast of
Weeks, helps us understand this phrase better.
Fact #2: According to Luke, this event happened in the 2nd Week of 7 Weeks towards Pentecost
Fact #3: This is a clear indication that the numbering of “Weeks” leading up to Pentecost/Feast of Weeks was a well known fact by Scholars such as Luke, in the 1st Century, which was used as a marker to highlight a time of year
Fact #4: The timing given by Luke (2nd Week towards Pentecost) and
the disciples walking through the corn fields also make absolute sense, as this
would be the time when fields are beginning to ripen and are full with grain.
Luke
6:1 And it came to pass on the second Sabbath after the
first (G1207)(G4521), that he went through the corn fields; and
his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their
hands.
G1207
– δευτερόπρωτος – deuteroprōtos
– From G1208 and G4413; second first, that is, (specifically) a
designation of the Sabbath immediately after the Paschal week (being the second
after Passover day, and the first of the seven Sabbaths intervening before
Pentecost): – second . . . after the first.
Conclusion
The 8 verses that carry the phrase “First day of the Week” in the New Testament
writings should ideally read “The First Week” or “The First of the Weeks”. Each
of the 8 instances/verses in question relate to the “time” (of counting
seven weeks) that lead towards Pentecost. While “First day of the Week”
misinterprets and misrepresents the New Testament accounts leading people to
believe that “Sunday” replaced the “Sabbath” which was commanded by God and
adhered to by Yahshua & His believers, it is my belief that the above
evidence proves that no such change happened at all. The only verses that are
used to promote “Sunday” observance instead of the “Sabbath”, are not speaking
of the “First day of the Week”, but are speaking of the “First
Week” leading up to Pentecost as a marker of time. I hope all of you do your
own research whether this conclusion is true, so that all of us better
understand the Scriptures leading people out of the massive confusion most
bible translations have made over the years.
Questions
Q1. What about the “Lord’s Day”? Isn’t that “Sunday”? The only
mention made of “The Lord’s Day” in the whole of the New Testament happens in Rev 1:10. There is no evidence to
believe that this is “Sunday”. If at all, the day that is referred here by
John, could be the “Day of the Lord” (2Peter
3:10, 1Thessalonians 5:2, Acts 2:20, Malachi 4:5, Joel 2:31) which is the
day when He brings judgement at His return.
Q2. Can we be sure that just because the word “day” is not seen in the
Greek, it is not insinuated, and should be read as the “First day of
the Week”? There are numerous examples in the New Testament
where the word “day” (G2250 – ἡμέρα
– hēmera) is used along with a number (eg.
first day [Mark 14:12], third
day [John 2:1], seventh day [Hebrews 4:4], eighth day [Luke 1:59], etc.). The fact is, it is
not used even once in these 8 instances where it could have been easily used.
If it was meant to be read as “First day of the Week” and not
“First Week” or “First of the Weeks”, the writers could have easily included
the word day in each of these verses.
END OF ANSWERS TO BUDDY’S FIRST SCRIPTURE SUPPORT OF ACTS 20:7
The second passage is in 1
Corinthians 16:1-2: “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I
have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: 2 On the
first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he
may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.”
1 Corinthians 16:1-2: “Now concerning the collection for
the saints, as I have given order to the assemblies of Galatia, even so do ye.”
“Upon the first day of
the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as hath prospered him, that
there be no gatherings when I come”. RSB Bible, 04th Edition.
Here the apostle Paul gives
instruction to the church in Corinth to take care of a matter of worship, that
is a collection on the day that they came together, the first day of the
week.
Just for an example: Let’s say, the
above financial collection work was carried out mid-week on a Wednesday that is
the fourth day of the week, then using your above argument, then would you have
stated, that since financial collections were carried on Wednesday, then for
that one main reason now we shall always gather for weekly worship and
collections only that fourth day of the week – Wednesday? No. Right. I too don’t think you would have done so.
Next, you have Equated, Financial collections = Matter of Worship. Why? Because in today’s modern day pagan churches financial collection is done only on days of gathering, on day of worship which is now Sunday.
How did you decidedly come to the strong conclusion that because collections were done on the first day of the week (Remember word “day” was NOT used in God’s Inspired Scripture, Okay) so that automatically means it was a day of weekly worship? What if it was just a special collection drive to collect money, finances, gifts etc and it was a coincidence that it was the first day of the week?
LET’S GET BACK TO THE BIBLE AND LET THE CONTEXT OF SCRIPTURE LEAD US TO THE ANSWER:
1 Corinthians 16:1-2: “Now concerning the collection for
the saints, as I have given order to the assemblies of Galatia, even so do ye.”
“Upon the first day of
the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as hath prospered him, that
there be no gatherings when I come”. RSB Bible, 04th Edition.
The above is a King James Version English Translation, which uses the word “Saints” in Collection for the saints in the beginning of the above scripture.
New
International Version
Now about the collection for the Lord's people:
Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.
Contemporary
English Version
When you collect money for God's people, I want
you to do exactly what I told the churches in Galatia to do.
Good
News Translation
Now, concerning what you wrote about the money
to be raised to help God's people in Judea. You must do what I told the
churches in Galatia to do.
GOD'S
WORD® Translation
Now, concerning the money to be collected for
God's people [in Jerusalem]: I want you to do as I directed the churches in
Galatia.
On checking other English language translations of 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 we see that different translators choose to use different words. Some used Saints, God’s people or Lord’s people. Okay.
POINT 1
Point to be noted from the above is that the financial collection in Cash or Kind or Gifts was for the “Lord’s People” or “God’s people” or for “Saints”. Not for that particular location church or assembly or that gathered group of people in Corinth on that particular day.
How do we come to know that? From the Context of Scripture.
POINT 2
New
International Version
On the first day of every week, each one of you
should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be
made.
Please note that it was a 1 Single Financial Collection Event. As in Verse 3 Paul clearly mentions that after his returning back, there will be no collections will have to be made.
Wait. If this was a
weekly event as you suggest where they gathered on every first day of the week
and since they collected finances on that day, then this pattern would be
repeated every first day of the week. Paul
here clearly says that no further collections will have to be made.
Thus it was a
special financial drive that was done on the first day of the week. The
announcement was made on Saturday the Sabbath, so the very next day they took
action and started on this good work. Now 2000 years later,
OMG just because the first century Christians gathered on Sunday and because
they collected funds for something, this does not mean that we have to use this
example and start worshiping on Sunday.
As earlier remarked by me, if these first century Christians had to do this on a Wednesday then my dear Buddy would you insist that modern day Christians should gather for worship and collection of monies on every Wednesday?
POINT 3
New
International Version
Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of
introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.
The finances collected were NOT FOR THE LOCAL FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK CHURCH. Dear Buddy, you have just quoted verses 1 and 2 from 1 Corinthians and have made your very own teachings and conclusions from it. What about the other verses in continuance? Why did you avoid and skip the continuing verses which tell and throw light on the whole event in the 1st Century?
After arriving and after the completion of the collection drive, Paul said that he will give LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION ALONG WITH THE COLLECTED FUNDS. The financial collection on the specific first day of the week was a special one and the funds were collected and SENT for the “Saints”, “Lord’s people” or “God’s people” in Jerusalem.
Many modern day churches, misuse 1 Corinthians 16:2 to wrongly teach that the financial collection was INTERNALLY for the local Corinthian Church. But the collected gifts were so many or huge that many multiple men were chosen for the distribution work for Christians at another place in Jerusalem city.
POINT 4
Collections for
whom then?
In this passage, the apostle was writing a special appeal to the churches in Asia Minor. Famine conditions were not unusual in areas of the Middle East (see Acts 11:28–30), and at the time, many of the Christians in Jerusalem were suffering greatly.
New International Version
“During
this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named
Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would
spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of
Claudius.) The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the
brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the
elders by Barnabas and Saul”. Acts 11:27-30
So it was a SPECIAL COLLECTION for a
FAMINE AID for Christians of Jerusalem and not a Sunday Church collection as
you are interpolating it into scripture. The above statement of yours in your email, is an
example of EISEGESIS, which is bad for studying the word of God.
TO GATHER MY POINTS IN CONCLUSION TO 1
CORINTHIANS 16:1-2:
Paul asked the church at Corinth to
“lay something aside”
until he could send helpers to transport the collection to Jerusalem. The
expression "lay something aside" in the original Greek comes with the
connotation of putting something aside at home. Even Sunday-worship
advocates agree with this interpretation.
Thus, there was no religious
meeting held on the first day of the week and no collection plate passed at
church on Sunday. Instead, they
were to gather and store up their donations at home on that day.
If there was no religious meeting
on Sunday, why did Paul specifically suggest
that this work be done on Sunday? Simply, the letter would have been shared
with the church on the Saturday the Sabbath when they were all gathered for
worship, and the first opportunity for them to do the work would be the next
day—the first day of the week, which
naturally happens to be a Sunday.
“Now
I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from
Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the
saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their
debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things,
their duty is also to minister to them in material things. Therefore, when I
have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of
you to Spain" (Romans 15:25–28).
Here
the apostle touched a tender spot in his eloquent appeal. The Roman Christians
owed a great debt of gratitude to the church in Jerusalem, which had sent teachers
to evangelize them. Paul urged them to return material gifts in appreciation of
the spiritual truths received. He described it as sealing to them "this
fruit." The Greek word used here is "karpos," which is the
universal term used for literal fruit. It can also have the connotation of
"fruits of one's labour."
Thus, in these verses, the
reference to the day of Sunday gives no indication of a change in religious
observance or day of worship.
He had already given such orders to
the churches of Galatia.
Yes. Agreed. But it does not say that Paul told the congregations or churches in Galatia to collect the funds on Saturday or Sunday or any specific day. BUDDY, YOU ARE INTERPOLATING AND INTERJECTING THIS IDEA AND THOUGHT THAT EVEN THOSE CHURCHES MUST OR MAY HAVE COLLECTED ON SUNDAY. NO. THE BIBLE DOES NOT SAY THAT.
There were assemblies of Christians,
having worship and fellowship.
Assemblies of Christians were everywhere. Christians can collect funds for relief of other brothers and sisters on any day of the week. Not necessary only on the day of worship or gathering. This is not a Biblical Injunction. It could be day of worship that is the Sabbath day or any other week day. Nowhere does Paul say that collect funds for relief or any other Christian event ONLY ON SATURDAYS OR FOR THAT MATTER, SUNDAYS.
Please provide scripture, book,
chapter, and verse that show that the first century church never met on the first day of
the week for worship or fellowship.
Since the first Century Christians always met on Saturday the Sabbath day for worship, hence you are right, there won’t be scriptures of the sort that you are demanding for an event that was not happening.