Is working on Sunday considered wrong?

Biblical Foundations of the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8–11)

The question of whether working on Sunday is wrong must first be considered alongside the Old Testament Sabbath command. In Exodus 20:8–11, we read:

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God; on that day you must not do any work… For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth and sea and all that is in them, but on the seventh day He rested. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.”

In ancient Israel, the Sabbath was Saturday (from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday). It was rooted in God’s creative work, reflecting a pattern of labor followed by rest and worship. This practice was central to Israel’s covenant identity and worship of Yahweh.

Transition to the Lord’s Day (Acts 20:7)

After the resurrection of Jesus, the early believers realized that the dawn of the new covenant centered on Him rising from the dead “on the first day of the week” (Luke 24:1). This led many early Christians to hold special gatherings and worship on Sunday, often called the Lord’s Day. Acts 20:7 notes, “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread…”

Historical documents such as the writings of the early Church Fathers (e.g., Ignatius of Antioch and Justin Martyr) attest to the practice of gathering on Sunday to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Archaeological evidence—like inscriptions referring to the Lord’s Day assembly—implies that believers transitioned their corporate worship to Sunday fairly early in church history.

New Testament Teaching on Work and Rest (Mark 2:27; Colossians 2:16)

Jesus taught that humanity was not made merely to uphold regulations, but rather that Sabbath rest was given as a blessing: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). Throughout His ministry, Jesus emphasized heart devotion over external ceremony.

The Apostle Paul addresses the broader principle of freedom in worship days (Colossians 2:16): “Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath.” New Testament letters demonstrate that believers are not bound to observe Sabbath regulations in a strictly Jewish sense. Christ’s redemptive work fulfilled the Law, giving believers freedom to observe or refrain, so long as their motives honor God.

Differing Perspectives on Sunday Practices (Romans 14:5–6)

While many congregations set apart Sunday for worship to reflect the resurrection of Christ, the New Testament does not explicitly forbid working on Sunday. Romans 14:5–6 states, “One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes a special day does so to the Lord.”

This passage suggests believers have liberty of conscience on which day they set aside as holy or restful. The main scriptural principle is to honor God, to provide for physical rest, and to participate in the worship and fellowship of the church.

Historical and Practical Considerations

Early Christian records—such as evidence of Sunday morning gatherings in the Didache or remarks from church historian Eusebius—support the view that the first day was used for communal worship. Over time, many societies adopted Sunday as a designated “day off” influenced by Christian tradition.

In modern contexts, some believers must work Sundays for essential services or due to economic realities. The central question becomes whether a person sets aside proper time for rest and worship, rather than whether they avoid any labor at all on Sunday.

Miraculous Confirmations and Faith in Practice

Reports throughout church history mention answered prayers, healings, and even medical investigations pointing to beyond-natural interventions. These accounts can revolve around individuals who faithfully attend or serve on Sundays but remain diligent about devoting part of their week to God for worship. When balanced with Jesus’ teaching about doing good on the Sabbath (cf. Luke 6:9), these cases illustrate that compassionate deeds and necessary work at times override strict prohibitions.

Synthesis of Scriptural and Archeological Evidence

• Archeological finds like the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the longstanding practice of Sabbath in Judaism, establishing continuity between Old Testament teaching and how the early church understood rest.

• Early Christian writings cite Sunday as the day of assembly, highlighting a communal shift in day of worship without prescribing an absolute ban on work.

Conclusion: A Matter of Worship, Rest, and Conscience

Scripture does not require strict abstinence from all work on Sunday, yet believers are encouraged to maintain a holy rhythm of rest and worship. The unifying principle for Christians is to honor God both in labor and in rest, recognizing that ultimate rest is found in Christ.

Whether one must avoid all work on Sunday depends on conscience, faith community practice, and the desire to keep fellowship with God and other believers. While many choose Sunday as a day to gather for worship and rest, the New Testament does not condemn necessary employment or unavoidable tasks on that day. Ultimately, each believer is called to glorify God, setting aside time for worship, spiritual refreshment, and charitable service—whether on Sunday or any other day devoted to the Lord.