Why do Christians choose Sunday for worship?

Origins in the Resurrection

From the earliest records, the primary reason many Christians gather on Sunday stems from the conviction that Jesus rose from the dead on that day. According to the Gospel accounts, the faithful women discovered the empty tomb “very early on the first day of the week” (Mark 16:2). Another passage reaffirms this timing: “On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early” (John 20:1). This day—immediately following the Sabbath—became closely associated with the miraculous event of the Resurrection, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:14).

The New Testament underscores the importance of this day. John 20:19 records that on the evening of “that first day of the week,” Jesus appeared to His disciples. This pivotal meeting, coming on the heels of His Resurrection, began a tradition: many believers subsequently referred to the first day of the week as the day of celebration and gathering.

Early Church Gatherings

In Acts 20:7, it states, “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.” This verse shows how the early Christian community assembled for fellowship, teaching, and the Lord’s Supper (Communion) on Sunday. By referencing the “first day of the week,” Scripture indicates that believers recognized a distinct occasion for corporate worship and breaking bread.

Similarly, 1 Corinthians 16:2 instructs believers to set aside a portion of their income “on the first day of every week.” Here, Paul directs the Corinthian church to plan their giving on Sunday, which suggests it was already recognized as a collective gathering day. The practical aspect of taking up a collection on a day of communal worship cemented Sunday as a central time for meeting in Christian practice.

Reference as “the Lord’s Day”

Revelation 1:10 refers to “the Lord’s day.” While the exact phrase does not explicitly say “Sunday,” numerous early Christian writings outside of Scripture (such as the Didache 14:1 and the writings of Justin Martyr in the second century) interpret “the Lord’s day” as the first day of the week, the day on which Christ rose. This terminology quickly became universal in early congregations throughout the Roman Empire.

Justin Martyr, around AD 150, described the practice: “On the day called Sunday,” believers assembled for Scripture reading, teaching, and prayer. Early manuscripts and letters from church leaders likewise attest to regular fellowship on this day, tying Sunday worship closely to the exaltation and recognition of Christ’s victory over death.

Transition from the Sabbath

Historically, the Jewish Sabbath was from Friday evening to Saturday evening (Leviticus 23:32). However, the early Christians, many of whom were Jewish believers, began commemorating the Resurrection on Sunday. This did not necessarily abolish the concept of rest or the significance of the Sabbath but introduced a new rhythm centered on celebrating new life in Christ.

Paul addresses questions about sacred days, stating, “One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike” (Romans 14:5). The emphasis shifted from strict Sabbath observance to the reality that Christ’s victory ushered in a new covenant. Sunday worship became a reflection of that new covenant—focusing on grace through faith and celebrating the risen Savior as a weekly memorial.

A Sign of New Creation

Many Christian theologians have noted that the resurrection on the first day of the week symbolizes a new creation. As God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh (Genesis 2:2–3), Christ’s rising on the day following the Sabbath signals the inauguration of a renewed life for believers. This day is thus set apart not only as a memorial of historical events but also as a forward-looking celebration of the promised restoration.

Archaeological and Historical Corroboration

Archaeological findings, such as evidence from early house churches like the Dura-Europos site (3rd century AD), reveal that early Christian communities had specific days designated for worship gatherings—often Sunday. Inscriptions and communal meal areas support the idea that participants met at the start of the week to share in worship and fellowship.

Writings from the early church fathers—Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, and others—consistently refer to Sunday as a central day for believers to gather. The harmonized consistency across geographical regions in the Roman Empire suggests a powerful, unified tradition forming soon after the time of the apostles. This agreement highlights the continuity of Sunday as a day of worship from the first century onward.

Theological and Spiritual Emphasis

Gathering on Sunday is not merely a departure from the Sabbath but a theologically rich practice aimed at magnifying Christ’s triumph over sin and death. Each weekly commemoration of His resurrection affirms the Christian hope of eternal life: “...if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:14). By worshiping on Sunday, Christians reinforce the truths of redemption, resurrection, and the power of Christ’s atonement.

Additionally, the worship day unites believers as a community shaped by the principles of Scripture. By honoring Christ on the day He rose, congregations remind one another of the ongoing significance of the gospel message and encourage spiritual growth as a faith family.

Conclusion

Christians choose Sunday for worship based on its connection to Christ’s resurrection, the practices of the early church, and the theological depth of recognizing a new creation in Him. Scriptural references—including Mark 16:2, John 20:1, Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2, and Revelation 1:10—lay the biblical foundation for this tradition. Early Christian writings, archaeological evidence of first-century assemblies, and centuries of consistent practice further confirm the importance of Sunday gatherings.

For believers across the world and through the centuries, Sunday remains more than a mere tradition—it is a day dedicated to celebrating the risen Savior who conquered death and offers salvation. As a weekly reminder, it stands testifying to the anchor of the Christian faith: “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20).