Topical Encyclopedia The term "The Lord's Day" is traditionally understood within Christianity to refer to Sunday, the first day of the week, which is set apart for worship and rest in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This day holds significant theological and historical importance, serving as a weekly reminder of the new creation inaugurated by Christ's victory over death.Biblical Foundation The phrase "The Lord's Day" appears explicitly in Revelation 1:10, where the Apostle John writes, "On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet." This reference is widely interpreted as indicating the first day of the week, aligning with the early Christian practice of gathering on Sunday to celebrate the resurrection. The practice of meeting on the first day of the week is further supported by passages such as Acts 20:7, which states, "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight." Additionally, 1 Corinthians 16:2 instructs, "On the first day of every week, each 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." Historical Context The shift from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday worship is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus, which occurred on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, John 20:1). Early Christians, many of whom were Jewish, began to gather on this day to distinguish their faith in the risen Christ and to celebrate the new covenant. The Didache, an early Christian document, and writings from Church Fathers such as Ignatius of Antioch and Justin Martyr, provide evidence that Sunday worship was a well-established practice by the second century. Justin Martyr, in his First Apology, describes Christians gathering on Sunday for communal worship, reading of the Scriptures, and the Eucharist. Theological Significance The Lord's Day is seen as a fulfillment and transformation of the Sabbath principle. While the Sabbath commemorated God's rest after creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and was a sign of the covenant with Israel (Exodus 31:16-17), the Lord's Day celebrates the new creation brought about by Christ's resurrection. Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks of a "Sabbath rest for the people of God," which many interpret as pointing to the spiritual rest found in Christ. The observance of the Lord's Day is not merely a legalistic requirement but a joyful celebration of the central event of the Christian faith. It is a day for worship, reflection, and community, providing believers with an opportunity to rest from their labors and focus on spiritual renewal. Practical Observance In practice, the Lord's Day is marked by communal worship services, including the preaching of the Word, prayer, singing of hymns, and the celebration of the Lord's Supper. It is also a time for personal devotion, family gatherings, and acts of mercy and service. While the specifics of observance can vary among Christian denominations, the underlying principle remains the same: to honor the resurrection of Christ and to foster spiritual growth and fellowship among believers. The Lord's Day serves as a weekly anchor for the Christian life, orienting believers toward the hope and promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Smith's Bible Dictionary The Lords Day(Kuriake Hemera), (Revelation 1:10) (only), the weekly festival of our Lord's resurrection, and identified with "the first day of the week," or "Sunday," of every age of the Church. Scripture says very little concerning this day; but that little seems to indicate that the divinely-inspired apostles, by their practice and by their precepts, marked the first day of the week as a day for meeting together to break bread, for communicating and receiving instruction, for laying up offerings in store for charitable purposes, for occupation in holy thought and prayer. [See SABBATH] Library Sunday after Ascension Day Servants and Lords A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in ... King of Kings and Lord of Lords Wesley visits the House of Lords Epistle xx. Celerinus to Lucian. Look, Ye Saints; the Sight is Glorious Alleluia! Sing to Jesus The Head, that once was Crowned with Thorns Crown Him with Many Crowns Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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