There is one other argument for the change in question, founded on the
supposed application of the title "the Lord's day," to the first day
of the week. The only passage referred to for the purpose of
sustaining it, is Revelation 1:10. "I was in the spirit on the Lord's
day." But that the day here called the Lord's day, is the first day of
the week, is merely assumed, and hence is not to be considered as
proved. It is not, in fact, _probable_ that this is the day referred
to. It is much more likely that the expression here used refers to the
day of Christ's reign; and that St. John meant to declare that in
spirit he had a view of the scenes of that period. This use of the
term _day_ is sanctioned by the Savior's declaration, "Abraham
rejoiced to see my day," (John 8:56,) as well as by the Psalmist's,
who, when speaking of the glories of Christ's kingdom, says, "This is
the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it,"
(Psalm 118:23.) The nature of the visions afterwards described also
corroborates this view of the passage, and warrants the opinion that
the expression "Lord's day," (or, as some translate it, _lordly_ day,)
here used, does not refer to a natural day, but to a longer period of
time. If, however, these words be understood to refer to a natural
day, it is more likely to be the seventh day, which God had blessed
and sanctified for his special service, than the first day. The
seventh day is called by Him "_my holy day_," and "_the holy of the
Lord_"--phrases very similar to the one in this passage. This was also
the Sabbath which was made for man, and of which Christ says he is
Lord. And since it was observed up to the close of the New Testament
history, it would be perfectly natural for John to speak of it as "the
Lord's day." Further, there is no evidence that the first day of the
week was denominated the Lord's day, at so early a period. Only one
writer mentions the expression till towards the close of the second
century; and the reputed author of this passage, when speaking, in his
Gospel, (which was written some years later than the Apocalypse,) of
the resurrection of Christ, and the first day of the week; never
intimates that the day should be called by any other name. The learned
Morer, though an advocate for the first day, in mentioning the
different days to which this phrase may be applied, acknowledges the
entire uncertainty as to what day is intended, and says, "It is very
likely that the more solemn and public use of the words was not
observed until about the time of Sylvester II., when, by Constantine's
command, it became an injunction." It is evident, therefore, that this
passage cannot justly be used as proof that the Sabbath had been
transferred to the first day of the week.
* * * * *
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account