European Calendar

[rstrats]

In the United States, most Christians say that they observe Sunday, the first day of the week, at least in part, to commemorate the resurrection which they believe took place on the first day of the week. Does anyone know, in those areas of Europe that use a calendar that labels the seventh day of the week, "Sunday", on what day they hold their weekly worship services? If they hold it on the seventh day, do they reject the first day as being a special day?

 

[sebastian]

I think we all hold it on a sunday. as far as i know the day we call sunday is historically the day Jesus rose. i don't think it matters how we arrange the calandar.

 

[rstrats]

sebastian,

re: "...as far as i know the day we call sunday is historically the day Jesus rose."

Do you have any scripture that says that the resurrection took place on "Sunday"?

 

[MarcusHill]

I was under the impression that Sunday was taken as the day of worship and the last day of the week to reflect the Genesis Creation myth. The ressurrection is always celebrated on a Sunday, though there is no source that indicates on what day of the week it is supposed to have occurred.

 

[steverock]

In my bible in Matthew 28:1, in reference to the day of the resurrection, it says "Early on Sunday morning..." and has a footnote saying that the greek translates directly as "After the sabbath, on the first day of the week". Therefore, the sabbath is probably meant to be the last day of the week in keeping with the Genesis account of creation where on the last day God rested.

So I don't know why Sunday is not shown as the first day of the week in some countries but I don't think it really matters anyhow. As long as you have a day off at some point in the week and take time to honour God during the week. It would be very easy to get legalistic over something like this when it's not even an issue worth worrying about.

I think that all makes sense!

 

[ScottishJohn]

I think most people have just decided that as long as you have a day, it doesn't really matter which day that is.

 

[cyberlizard]

actually what it does say is the two Mary's went out to the tomb on the first day of the week. - why did they wait? They waited cause it would have broken the sabbath laws to walk out on any other day.

It does not say what day Jesus was resurrected, just that the two mary's went and Jesus had already been raised up before they got there.

Neither does it say he was resurrected on sunday, Jews did not use this word, and furthermore, the greek does not say after the sabbath, but after the 'sabbaths'. This is vitally important that the story be understood in its Jewish context.

but for british people, sunday is part of the weekend, which would make it the seventh day. But this does not make it the sabbath, cause the sabbath was, is and always will be friday evening till saturday evening. (remember there was evening and morning the ..... day)

 

[steverock]

actually what it does say is the two Mary's went out to the tomb on the first day of the week. - why did they wait? They waited cause it would have broken the sabbath laws to walk out on any other day.

It does not say what day Jesus was resurrected, just that the two mary's went and Jesus had already been raised up before they got there.

Neither does it say he was resurrected on sunday, Jews did not use this word, and furthermore, the greek does not say after the sabbath, but after the 'sabbaths'. This is vitally important that the story be understood in its Jewish context.

but for british people, sunday is part of the weekend, which would make it the seventh day. But this does not make it the sabbath, cause the sabbath was, is and always will be friday evening till saturday evening. (remember there was evening and morning the ..... day)

Fair enough. I just typed what the footnotes said. I'm not able to read the greek. Cheers for the extra info.

 

[Dewi Sant]

Even still.
It was the discovery of the empty tomb and thus the revelation of the Risen Christ that leads us to celebrate Easter.

The seven days of the week only appear in such an order because we place them on paper in that order but, I consider Sunday to be the first day of the week and my calendar reflects my preference.

I consider the weekend to be of two parts.
Saturday being the day of rest after work, a day of leisure.
Sunday being the start of a new week, being opened with Church.

But yes, the scriptures do implictly suggest it was a Sunday.
Otherwise the Church would celebrate on a different day.
It is beautiful to remember that even our Lord held the Sabbath before rising from the dead.

I could go into so many beautiful theological pictures but I'm afraid my message would be really very long if I did.

 

[cyberlizard]

the empty tomb should not lead us to celebrate easter... the empty tomb should lead us to celebrate firstfruits.

after all christ is the firstfruits from amongst the dead, and this provides assurance that we will be included.


Pagan festivals out - biblical festivals in