As the Sabbath was important in the Old Testament, so the first day of the week is an important day in the New Testament. Jesus rose from the dead on Sunday (Mk. 16:9). The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles on Sunday (Acts 2:1-4). The Bible reveals other important facts about this day.
The first day of the week was the day the disciples assembled together for worship (Acts 20:7). Paul commanded the Corinthians to “lay something aside” upon the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2). This was a collection of money to carry out the work of the church which included benevolence to saints in need and, at other times, spreading the gospel (1 Cor. 16:1-2; cf. Phil. 4:15-17; 2 Cor. 11:8). This same command had also been given to the churches of Galatia (1 Cor. 16:1).
How often was the collection of money to be done? The text says, “On the first day of the week …” (1 Cor. 16:2). The first day of the week comes around each week, every Sunday. The collection was weekly. The preacher where you attend will likely affirm this truth. You have probably heard him preach lessons about giving to the Lord on the first day of the week and the importance of doing so.
The New Testament also reveals that the disciples “broke bread” on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). This breaking of bread was an observance of the Lord’s supper (cp. Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 10:16). Again, they broke bread each first day of the week, every Sunday.
Does the church of which you are a member observe the Lord’s supper on a weekly basis? If not, why not? Does the preacher where you go to church preach on partaking the Lord’s supper on the first day of the week? If not, why not? WOULD HE BE WILLING TO TAKE UP A COLLECTION AS OFTEN AS YOU OBSERVE THE LORD’S SUPPER (annually, quarterly or monthly)? IS GIVING MORE IMPORTANT THAN REMEMBERING THE LORD’S SACRIFICE? Ask your preacher.
Steven F. Deaton
