First Century Worship Service

[MG2019]

What was first century Christian worship like? How much of Jewish ceremony did it retain? We know in Acts Paul attended a synagogue as part of vow he made (Acts 18:18).

 

[tampasteve]

We must understand that a first century (early) service was actually a Jewish service, the people went to synagogues and participated in Jewish life, even the gentiles. Until the Temple was destroyed in 70AD believers went to the Temple and Jewish believers still sacrificed. Later when the believers were expelled from the synagogues the services would evolve faster. Believers would attend Friday services like any other Jewish person, and then have a service on Saturday evening at homes or other gathering places much as other Jews did (and do) to celebrate the end of the Sabbath. This service was different from other Jews though as it included worship of Jesus (Yeshua) and the resurrection as central themes.

That said, our Divine Service includes many aspects that are taken from the original Jewish practices. The benediction is a prayer practice taken from Jewish services, reading of different parts of scripture, even our Eucharist is very much like the blessing of Kiddush on the sabbath (albeit with different meaning). So, while the service has evolved, and is influenced by Western culture, it retains many aspects from the original Jewish services. It would be a mistake to try and copy a first century service as some try and do - we just do not know what a first century service was exactly like for Christians. The important thing is to understand our Divine Service, why we do what we do and the theology and scripture behind what is happening.

 

[tampasteve]

Note to members that might follow: You are in the Lutheran Forum

 

[MG2019]

We must understand that a first century (early) service was actually a Jewish service, the people went to synagogues and participated in Jewish life, even the gentiles. Until the Temple was destroyed in 70AD believers went to the Temple and Jewish believers still sacrificed. Later when the believers were expelled from the synagogues the services would evolve faster. Believers would attend Friday services like any other Jewish person, and then have a service on Saturday evening at homes or other gathering places much as other Jews did (and do) to celebrate the end of the Sabbath. This service was different from other Jews though as it included worship of Jesus (Yeshua) and the resurrection as central themes.

That said, our Divine Service includes many aspects that are taken from the original Jewish practices. The benediction is a prayer practice taken from Jewish services, reading of different parts of scripture, even our Eucharist is very much like the blessing of Kiddush on the sabbath (albeit with different meaning). So, while the service has evolved, and is influenced by Western culture, it retains many aspects from the original Jewish services. It would be a mistake to try and copy a first century service as some try and do - we just do not know what a first century service was exactly like for Christians. The important thing is to understand our Divine Service, why we do what we do and the theology and scripture behind what is happening.

Thank you.

That was my take on it, too.