Who changed Sabbath to Sunday?
Who changed Sabbath to Sunday?
The question of whether the Sabbath was changed from Saturday to Sunday is one of the most significant theological debates in Christian history. While many assume Sunday worship has always been part of Christianity, historical records tell a different story.
The Bible consistently upholds Saturday, the seventh day, as the Sabbath. In Exodus 20:10, God commands:
“But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God…”
Even in the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles observed the Sabbath, and no scripture indicates that Sunday replaced it as the day of worship.
How Did the Change Happen?
The shift from Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday was not instituted by Jesus or His disciples but evolved over time due to political and religious influences.
1. Early Christian Compromise
• After the resurrection of Christ, some Christians began commemorating His resurrection on Sunday as a special event.
• Over time, in an effort to distance Christianity from Judaism, some Christian leaders encouraged worship on Sunday, as Sabbath observance was associated with the Jewish people.
2. The Influence of Sun Worship
• Sun worship was a dominant force in many ancient cultures, including Babylon, Egypt, Persia, Greece, and Rome.
• By the time of pagan Rome, the first day of the week was dedicated to the worship of the sun, leading to the naming of Sunday in its honor.
3. Constantine’s Sunday Law (321 A.D.)
• The most significant turning point came when Roman Emperor Constantine, a former sun worshiper, passed a law enforcing rest on Sunday:
“On the venerable day of the sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed.”
• This decree elevated Sunday above the Sabbath and integrated it into Christian practice.
4. The Catholic Church’s Role
• The change was later formalised by the Council of Laodicea (364 A.D.), which forbade Christians from “Judaizing” (keeping Saturday Sabbath) and required rest on Sunday instead.
• The Catholic Church openly claims responsibility for the change, stating:
“We observe Sunday instead of Saturday because the Catholic Church, in the Council of Laodicea, transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday.”
(Convert’s Catechism of Catholic Doctrine, 1957 edition, p. 50)
Is Sunday Worship Biblical?
Despite the widespread practice of Sunday worship, the Bible does not endorse it as a replacement for the Sabbath.
• Jesus and His disciples kept the Sabbath (Luke 4:16, Acts 17:2).
• The resurrection does not change God’s law – the true memorial of Christ’s resurrection is baptism, not Sunday observance (Romans 6:3-6).
• Sunday is never called “the Lord’s Day” in the Bible, and no verse commands Christians to worship on Sunday.
What Does This Mean for Christians Today?
The shift from Sabbath to Sunday was a human tradition, not a divine command. Jesus warned about replacing God’s commandments with human traditions:
“In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mark 7:7)
The seventh-day Sabbath remains God’s holy day, a sign of obedience and love for Him (John 14:15). It is not merely a Jewish custom but a commandment given at Creation and meant for all people (Genesis 2:2-3).
Will You Choose to Follow God’s Commandments or Man’s Traditions?
Now that you know the truth, the choice is yours. Will you honor God’s Sabbath, or will you follow traditions that have no biblical foundation?
Jesus invites you to follow Him fully:
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
Do you have more questions about Sabbath?