hedrick@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU (Charles Hedrick) (10/27/85)
My previous posting ended without Biblical references. Descriptions of worship in the NT have a tendency not to be unambiguous. This is the reason that I cautioned that my portrayal may be based to some extent on Calvinist legends. However there are passages that generally seem to support the idea of Christians worshipping on Sunday. (All quotations are taken from the Good News Bible.) Acts 20:7: "On Saturday evening we gathered together for the fellowshp meal. ..." Saturday evening would be considered part of Sunday, just as Sabbath services were held on Friday night. (Indeed "Sunday" is given as a alternative translation.) I Cor 16:2. Paul is discussing the offering to be collected for the bretheren in Jerusalem: "Every Sunday each of you must put aside some money, in proportion to what he has earned ..." With respect to the general issue of Christian freedom, see Rom 14, particularly 14:5. This is a general discussion of freedom. "One person thinks that a certain day is more important than other days, while someone else thinks that all days are the same. Each one should firmly make up his own mind." Gal 4:9-11: "... Why do you want to become their slaves all over again? You pay special attention to certain days, months, seasons, and years. I am worried about you! ..." The issue of Christian freedom, and limits on it to help weaker brethren, is discussed at length in Rom, I Cor, and Gal.