Christians believe that Sunday – the first day of the week – is “The Lord’s Day.” This phrase is most often referred to as “the first day of the week” in the New Testament. All four Gospel accounts report that Jesus rose bodily from the grave “on the first day of the week” (Matt. 28:1; Mk. 16:2; Lk. 24:1; Jn. 20:1).

In Revelation 1:10 the apostle John testified that he began to receive his vision for the Book of Revelation while he was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, ...” The adjective “Lord’s” means that Sunday – ”the first day of the week” – belongs to the Lord. The same adjective is also used in connection with “The Lord’s Supper” in 1 Corinthians 11:20. These are the only two places where this adjective occurs in the New Testament.

Therefore, just as Jesus’ crucifixion is commemorated by a Supper – i.e., “The Lord’s Supper” – so also His resurrection is commemorated by a Day – i.e., “The Lord’s Day.” And – according to Jesus – each should be observed on a regular basis and in connection with one another.

A careful reading of the New Testament account reveals that Jesus not only rose bodily from the grave on Sunday, but that every single time He appears to His disciples as the glorified and risen Lord He does so on a Sunday – the first day of the week.

The Book of Acts also demonstrates that it was the early Church’s practice to worship the Lord Jesus on Sunday – “The Lord’s Day.” In Acts 20:7 Luke wrote: “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread (i.e., to observe ‘The Lord’s Supper’), Paul began talking to them, ...”

Be sure to set aside each Sunday as “The Lord’s Day.” He will enjoy having you over at His house. And you will be glad that you went!

Jessie J. Charpentier Sr. is pastor of Jenkins Memorial Baptist Church in St. Martinville.