Topical Bible: Sabbath: Observance of by Paul

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The observance of the Sabbath by the Apostle Paul is a topic of considerable interest within biblical studies, particularly in understanding the early Christian approach to Jewish customs and laws. Paul's relationship with the Sabbath is documented primarily in the Acts of the Apostles and his epistles, providing insight into his practices and teachings regarding this day of rest and worship.

Paul's Customary Observance

Paul, a Pharisee by training and a devout Jew, continued to observe the Sabbath even after his conversion to Christianity. The Book of Acts records several instances where Paul engaged in Sabbath activities, particularly in the context of his missionary journeys. Acts 17:2 states, "As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures." This passage indicates that Paul maintained the practice of attending synagogue services on the Sabbath, using the opportunity to preach and teach about Jesus Christ.

Sabbath as a Platform for Evangelism

Paul's observance of the Sabbath was not merely a continuation of Jewish tradition but also served as a strategic platform for evangelism. In Acts 13:14-15 , Paul and his companions are described as entering the synagogue on the Sabbath in Pisidian Antioch, where they were invited to speak. This pattern is repeated in various locations, such as Thessalonica (Acts 17:2) and Corinth (Acts 18:4), where Paul reasoned with both Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. The synagogue gatherings on the Sabbath provided Paul with a ready audience familiar with the Scriptures, allowing him to proclaim the gospel effectively.

Paul's Teaching on the Sabbath

While Paul observed the Sabbath, his teachings in the epistles reflect a nuanced understanding of the law and Christian liberty. In Colossians 2:16-17 , Paul writes, "Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ." Here, Paul emphasizes that the Sabbath, along with other Jewish ceremonial laws, is a shadow pointing to the reality found in Christ. This suggests that while the Sabbath was observed, it was not to be imposed as a legalistic requirement upon Gentile believers.

Paul's Approach to Jewish and Gentile Believers

Paul's approach to the Sabbath reflects his broader strategy of becoming "all things to all people" (1 Corinthians 9:22) to win them to Christ. He respected Jewish customs when among Jews, as seen in his Sabbath observance, but he also advocated for the freedom of Gentile converts from the Mosaic Law. In Romans 14:5 , Paul advises, "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." This counsel underscores the principle of individual conviction and liberty in matters of religious observance, including the Sabbath.

Conclusion

Paul's observance of the Sabbath illustrates his respect for Jewish tradition and his strategic use of the Sabbath for evangelistic purposes. His teachings, however, reveal a deeper theological understanding of the Sabbath as a shadow of the fulfillment found in Christ, advocating for freedom and personal conviction in its observance among believers.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 13:14
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Heresy of the Ebionites.
... But their relations to Paul and to the Jewish law fell more and more ... Ebionites only,
and is contrasting their conduct in regard to Sabbath observance with that ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxvii the heresy of the.htm

Sacred Times --The Lord's Day.
... the Lord's Day." On that day Paul met with ... Such observance is the more to be appreciated
as it ... easy and natural transformation, the Christian Sabbath or weekly ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 57 sacred timesthe lords.htm

The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn ...
... Could this be the proper observance of God's holy day ... He had broken the Sabbath-rest,
as God breaks it, when ... who after this will say, that it was Paul who first ...
/.../chapter xxxv the two sabbath-controversies.htm

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
... 16, 17), after which it is stated by Hosea and amplified by Paul (I. Cor. ... laws of
worship in the temple suspended the lower law of sabbath observance, and thus ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxviii jesus defends disciples who.htm

The Interpolation in Luke, vi. , 4 (Cod. Cant. )
... Palestine, would have ventured to labour on the Sabbath. ... in its spirit, and surrounded
its observance with difficulties ... Paul lays down quite a contrary rule in ...
/.../section 57 the interpolation in.htm

His Manifestation Greater than the "Temple. "
... priests have been freed from the literal observance of the ... of Man is Lord even of
the Sabbath." He thus ... The doctrine of Paul in regard to the relation between ...
/.../section 54 his manifestation greater.htm

Divorce
... words at seeming variance with His free views concerning sabbath observance, fasting,
and ... Paul's doctrine that the law itself was a schoolmaster, and its ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 10 1-12 divorce.htm

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... Paul declares all such superstitious practices as dishonouring (1 ... from the flames
on a Sabbath, although not ... had received the law of their observance from God ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

The Sabbath
... Its mere outward observance was a mockery. ... was made for man, and not man for the
Sabbath," Jesus said. ... All things are for your sakes." "Whether Paul, or Apollos ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 29 the sabbath.htm

Polycrates, Bishop of Ephesus.
... So St. Paul argues from its Christian observance, in his rebuke of the Corinthians. ...
[3771] The Christian Sabbath hinges on these points. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/polycrates bishop of ephesus.htm