Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "once a week" in the biblical context is most prominently associated with the observance of the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and worship. This practice is rooted in the creation narrative and the Ten Commandments, serving as a foundational element of Judeo-Christian tradition.Sabbath Observance The Sabbath is introduced in Genesis 2:2-3 : "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." This passage establishes the pattern of a weekly day of rest, which is later codified in the Mosaic Law. In Exodus 20:8-11 , the fourth commandment instructs, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the early Christian church began to gather on the first day of the week, Sunday, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This shift is noted in Acts 20:7 : "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight." This practice highlights the significance of the resurrection and the new creation it inaugurates. The Apostle Paul also references the first day of the week in 1 Corinthians 16:2 : "On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed." This suggests that the early Christians used this day not only for worship but also for acts of charity and community support. Theological Significance The weekly rhythm of rest and worship underscores the importance of dedicating regular time to God, reflecting on His creation, and celebrating His redemptive work through Christ. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over time and His provision for His people. The observance of a weekly day of rest and worship is a testament to the believer's trust in God's care and a declaration of freedom from the relentless demands of daily life. Practical Application For contemporary Christians, the principle of "once a week" remains relevant as a call to gather for corporate worship, rest from labor, and engage in spiritual reflection. It is a time to realign priorities, focus on spiritual growth, and foster community within the body of Christ. Whether observed on Saturday or Sunday, the weekly gathering is a vital expression of faith and obedience to God's command to rest and worship. Topical Bible Verses 1 Corinthians 16:2On the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. Topicalbible.org Library Wednesday in Passion Week. Now once in the End of the World Hath ... Tuesday in Passion Week. By the which Will we are Sanctified ... The Song of the Three Children Life at Herrnhut. Moravians and Methodists, 1735-1742. New Orders of Monks; Military Orders The Fifth Day in Passion-Week - Make Ready the Passover!' The Almora Mission. Stones Rolled Away The Fourth Day in Passion-Week - Jesus in his Last Sabbatic Rest ... Resources Is the theory of Pangea possible? Does the Bible say that there was once a Pangea / Pangaea? | GotQuestions.orgWas the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.org Is faith in God a crutch? | GotQuestions.org Once: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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