THE SABBATH AND THE APOSTLES.
By William Covert
As THE apostles went forth to their labor, directed by the Spirit of God, they devoted no time to the discussion of mere theories. They applied all their energies in preaching Jesus Christ, and him crucified. They threw themselves into this subject with all the ability that they possessed. Therefore when we go to them to learn what they believed upon a point, we simply follow them in their labor to see what they did about it. When Paul with others preached at Antioch in Pisidia, they began their work on the Sabbath day. See Acts 13:14-16. This was in A.D. 45—about fourteen years after the crucifixion. It will be noticed that the day which the Jews observed—the seventh day of the week—is here acknowledged as the Sabbath day. There is not to be found in all references to the day anything that at all indicates that the day had been superseded by another or discontinued as the Sabbath day. It will be seen by studying the chapter which records this event that the apostle improved the opportunity given him to preach the gospel, and that many Jews and proselytes accepted what was taught. But a number of Gentiles were present who did not feel that the invitation given had been broad and liberal enough to include them. Accordingly, when the Jews had gone out of the synagogue, these Gentiles requested that the same things might be preached to them the next Sabbath day which had been preached to the Jews that day. Their request was granted, “and the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.” Acts 13:44. In this account we see that the Gentiles living in a Gentile country had heard the gospel of Christ preached, and that they desired to become Christians, and that by mutual agreement between themselves and the apostles their meetings were held on the Sabbath day. Although they were Gentiles, yet they had no idea that they could become Christians and at the same time neglect the observance of the Sabbath. They therefore entered upon their Christian life as Sabbath keepers, embracing the Sabbath as an essential part of the Christian faith. Thus we see that the first Christian church at that place was organized by the great apostle to the Gentiles, and that in a Gentile province, a seventh-day-Sabbath-keeping, Christian body.501We next notice the labor at Philippi. When they arrived in that city, they did not enter upon ministerial work immediately, but waited till the Sabbath day arrived. The record says: “We were in that city abiding certain days. And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.” Acts 16:12, 13. This effort resulted in a few embracing Christianity, and around this beginning the church at Philippi was gathered. There does not seem to have been any synagogue at that place, or if so it is not mentioned. But there were some women who were worshiping God as far as they understood his requirements. Their meetings were regularly held on the Sabbath. This being the regular day upon which Paul and his companions repaired to the place of worship, they would as a matter of course attend the meeting. The Sabbath being their regular day of worship, these persons would of course continue to meet upon that day unless they were instructed to the contrary. But this was not done. Therefore the church at Philippi was established as a seventh-day-Sabbath-keeping church. It is important also to consider that it was in a Gentile country and established by the apostle to the Gentiles. If the apostle had desired to make any change of the Sabbath, he certainly would have said something about it at this place. The fact is that no such thing as the change of the Sabbath was known at that time. Paul and Silas soon extended the work to Thessalonica. There was a Jewish synagogue at this place. “And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures.” Acts 17:2. Again their labors were blessed and a church was established. Here we learn positively what Paul's manner of labor was. Paul's preaching services were not usually protracted efforts. He seldom extended them beyond the Sabbath day. This will appear more fully when we examine into the manner of his work at Corinth. At that place he went into partnership with a Christian Jew for the purpose of manufacturing tents. The testimony says, “He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.” Acts 18:4. There was no law or custom in Corinth that demanded of them to keep the Sabbath except the law of God. But this they were faithful in doing as a matter of obedience to God. Paul was a laboring man, and at Corinth he rented a house and continued at that place one year and six months. See verse 11. This opportunity gave him seventy-eight Sabbaths to devote to the establishment of a Christian church in that city. The remaining portion of the time he could devote to his work in the shop. This included seventy-eight Sundays for making tents at that point. Anyone studying Paul's letters to the Corinthian church will see that he refused any financial aid from that church while he was among them, and that he labored with his own hands for his support, and even rented his own house, that he might not be chargeable to them. But, notwithstanding all this industry and independence, he devoted the Sabbath day to gospel work. His shop work always stopped over the Sabbath. Considering all these facts, can we not safely say that the apostle Paul established a seventh-day-Sabbath-keeping church at Corinth? We would ask, “If Paul established the churches which embraced Christianity under his labor as Sabbath-keeping churches, what ought Christian ministers do at this time in their missionary work?” But there is another consideration which we wish to notice, that it may be combined with these historical sketches. It is this: What was the influence of the apostle's example over the churches that were raised up under his direction, and what the influence of these churches over other churches? These questions are answered by the following: “Ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” 1 Thess. 1:5. But we have seen what his manner concerning the Sabbath was among them. Acts 17:2. We have also seen what his manner was at Corinth, at Philippi, and at Antioch. Now we have learned that this manner was for their sake. To the Corinthians he writes, “I beseech you, be ye followers of me.” 1 Cor. 4:16. But did they follow him?—Yes. He continues to the Thessalonians, “Ye became followers of us, and of the Lord.” 1 Thess. 1:6. If they followed Paul and the Lord, we know quite well that they were observers of the Sabbath. But their example was mighty in its influence, for he says: “Ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to Godward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak anything.” Verses 7, 8. From these scriptures we see that the churches thus raised up followed the example of the minister who taught them the truth. But if they did this they became missionary workers, and those whom they taught looked to them for example. Thus the work was extended from place to place while the believers everywhere pointed through the line of laborers to Jesus Christ. We therefore conclude that all the Christians in those days were observers of the Sabbath, which was also observed by our divine Lord.