Early Christian Beliefs About the Christian Calendar

Ignatius, Epistle to the Magnesians (Long Version) Direct teaching

And after the observance of the Sabbath, let every friend of Christ keep the Lord’s Day as a festival, the resurrection-day, the queen and chief of all the days [of the week].

Didache, The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles Direct teaching

But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure.

Origen, Against Celsus Direct teaching

If it be objected to us on this subject that we ourselves are accustomed to observe certain days, as for example the Lord's day, the Preparation, the Passover, or Pentecost, I have to answer, that to the perfect Christian, who is ever in his thoughts, words, and deeds serving his natural Lord, God the Word, all his days are the Lord's, and he is always keeping the Lord's day.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

...Your permission, and died, and rose again by Your power. For this reason, we solemnly gather on the Lord's day to celebrate the feast of the resurrection, and we rejoice because of Him who has conquered death and has brought life and immortality to light. For through Him You have brought the Gentiles home to Yourself as a people for Your own possession, the true Israel, beloved by God and seeing God. For You, O Lord, brought our fathers out of the land of Egypt and delivered them out of the iron furnace, from clay and brick-making. You redeemed them from the hands of Pharaoh and of those under him. You led them through the sea as through dry land, endured their ways in the wilderness, and gave them all kinds of good things. You gave them the law, or Decalogue, which was spoken by Your voice and written by Your hand. You commanded them to observe the Sabbath, not to give them an excuse for idleness, but an opportunity for godliness, for the knowledge of Your power, and for the forbidding of evils. You set bounds around them, as within a holy circle, for the sake of instruction and for rejoicing on the seventh period. For this reason, one week was appointed, and seven weeks, and t

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

We have said that the Sabbath is on account of the creation, and the Lord's day of the resurrection.

Tertullian, Against Marcion Direct teaching

...ugh what he means by elements, namely, the rudiments of the law: "You observe days, and months, and times, and years." Galatians 4:10 These, I suppose, are the sabbaths, the preparations, the fasts, and the high days. The ending of even these, no less than of circumcision, was appointed by the Creator's decrees. For He had said through Isaiah, "Your new moons, and your sabbaths, and your high days I cannot bear; your fasting, and feasts, and ceremonies my soul hates." Isaiah 1:13-14 He also said through Amos, "I hate, I despise your feast-days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies." Amos 5:21 And again through Hosea, "I will cause all her mirth to cease, and her feast-days, and her sabbaths, and her new moons, and all her solemn assemblies." Hosea 2:11 Did He then destroy the institutions that He Himself had set up? Yes, rather than anyone else. Or if another destroyed them, he only helped forward the Creator's purpose by removing what He Himself had condemned. But this is not the place to discuss why the Creator abolished His own laws. It is enough for us to have proved that He intended such an abolition. Then it may be affirmed that the apostle decided nothing to the

Tertullian, Against Marcion Direct teaching

...er to keep up the teaching of the law. For he blames them for upholding circumcision, and observing times, and days, and months, and years, according to those Jewish ceremonies which they ought to have known were now abolished, according to the new divine arrangement purposed by the Creator Himself, who long before foretold this very thing through His prophets. Thus He says through Isaiah: "Old things have passed away. Behold, I will do a new thing." Isaiah 43:19 And in another passage: "I will make a new covenant, not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt." In the same way through Jeremiah: "Make for yourselves a new covenant, circumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your heart." Jeremiah 4:4 It is this circumcision, therefore, and this renewal, that the apostle insisted on when he forbade those ancient ceremonies, concerning which their very founder announced that they would one day cease. Thus through Hosea: "I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast-days, her new moons, and her Sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts." Hosea 2:11 So likewise through Isaiah: "The new moons, and Sab

Mathetes, Epistle to Diognetus Direct teaching

...tion about the Sabbaths, their boasting about circumcision, and their notions about fasting and the new moons, which are utterly ridiculous and unworthy of attention—I do not think you need to learn anything from me. For, to accept some of the things created by God for human use as properly made, and to reject others as useless and redundant—how can this be lawful? And to falsely speak of God, as if He forbade us to do good on the Sabbath days—how is this not impious? And to take pride in the circumcision of the flesh as proof of being chosen, and as if, because of it, they were specially loved by God—how is this not a cause for ridicule? And regarding their observing months and days, as if relying on the stars and the moon, and organizing, according to their own preferences, the appointments of God and the changes of the seasons, some for celebrations and others for mourning—who would consider this part of divine worship rather than a demonstration of folly? I suppose, then, you are sufficiently convinced that the Christians properly abstain from the vanity and error common to both Jews and Gentiles, and from the meddlesome spirit and vain boasting of the Jews; but you must not

Archelaus, Disputation with Manes Supporting witness

...u to understand, and if you do not agree with these statements, I can at least try to prove them by using illustrations. Think of man as a kind of temple, according to the likeness of Scripture. Then the spirit that is in man may be compared to the image that dwells in the temple. Now, a temple cannot be established unless an occupant for the temple is first recognized. On the other hand, an occupant cannot be settled in the temple unless the structure has first been built. Since these two things, the occupant and the structure, are both consecrated together, how can any opposition or conflict be found between them? Should it not instead appear that both have come from sources that are friendly and of one mind? And so that you may know this is the case, and that these sources are truly one both in fellowship and in lineage, He who knows and hears all made this reply: "Let us make man," and so on. For the one who builds the temple questions the one who fashions the image. He carefully asks about the measurements of magnitude, breadth, and bulk, so that he may mark out the space for the foundations according to those dimensions. No one begins the useless task of building a temple

Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Supporting witness

...t admit this, we might fall into foolish beliefs, as if it were not the same God who existed in the times of Enoch and all the others, who were neither circumcised in the flesh nor observed Sabbaths or other rituals, even though Moses instructed such practices; or as if God did not desire every group of people to continually perform the same righteous actions. To suggest otherwise seems ridiculous and absurd. Therefore, we must acknowledge that He, who is always the same, has commanded these and similar practices because of sinful people, and we must declare Him to be benevolent, all-knowing, self-sufficient, righteous, and good. But if this is not so, tell me, sir, what you think about these matters we are investigating." And when no one responded: "Therefore, Trypho, I will proclaim to you, and to those who wish to become converts, the divine message I heard from that man. Do you see that the elements are not idle and keep no Sabbaths? Remain as you were born. For if there was no need for circumcision before Abraham, or the observance of Sabbaths, feasts, and sacrifices before Moses; then there is no need for them now, because, according to the will of God, Jesus Christ the So

Barnabas, The Epistle of Barnabas Supporting witness

...f you bring fine flour with you. Incense is a pointless abomination to Me, and I cannot endure your new moons and sabbaths.” He has therefore abolished these things so that the new law of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is without the burden of necessity, might have a human offering. And again He says to them, “Did I command your fathers to offer Me burnt offerings and sacrifices when they left Egypt? Rather, I commanded this: Let none of you harbor evil in his heart against his neighbor, and love not a false oath.” Therefore, we, possessing understanding, should perceive the gracious intention of our Father. He speaks to us, wishing that we, not going astray like them, should ask how we may approach Him. To us, He declares, “A sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit; a sweet-smelling offering to the Lord is a heart that glorifies Him that made it.” Therefore, brethren, we should carefully inquire about our salvation, lest the wicked one, having entered through deceit, should cast us away from our true life.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

He Himself commanded us to fast during these six days because of the impiety and transgression of the Jews. He also commanded us to mourn over them and grieve for their destruction. For He Himself even wept over them, because they did not know the time of their visitation. But He commanded us to fast on the fourth and sixth days of the week: the first because He was betrayed, and the second because of His passion. But He appointed us to end our fast on the seventh day at cockcrow, yet to fast on the Sabbath day. This is not because the Sabbath day is a day of fasting, since it is the rest from creation, but because we ought to fast on this one Sabbath only, while on this day the Creator was under the earth. For on their very feast day they seized the Lord, so that the oracle might be fulfilled which says, "They placed their signs in the middle of their feast, and did not know them." You ought, therefore, to mourn over them, because when the Lord came they did not believe in Him, but rejected His teaching, and judged themselves unworthy of salvation. But you are happy, who once were not a people, but now are a holy nation, delivered from the deceit of idols, from ignorance, and from

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

Therefore, you should fast on the days of the Passover, beginning from the second day of the week until the Preparation, and the Sabbath, for six days. During this time, use only bread, salt, herbs, and water for your drink. But on these days abstain from wine and meat, because they are days of mourning and not of feasting. Those of you who are able should fast completely on the day of the Preparation and on the Sabbath day, tasting nothing until the cock-crowing in the night. But if anyone is not able to keep both together, then at least let him observe the Sabbath day. For the Lord says somewhere, speaking about Himself: "When the bridegroom is taken away from them, in those days they will fast." Therefore, in these days He was taken from us by the Jews, falsely so called, fastened to the cross, and numbered among the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

... week, and every day of the Preparation, and bestow the surplus of your fast on the needy. On every Sabbath except one, and on every Lord's Day, hold your solemn assemblies and rejoice. For he will be guilty of sin who fasts on the Lord's Day, since it is the day of the resurrection, or during the time of Pentecost, or, in general, who is sad on a festival day to the Lord. For on those days we ought to rejoice, and not to mourn.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

... assurance of faith. For the hope in Him is immortal and eternal life. After eight days let another feast be observed with honor, the eighth day itself, on which He gave Thomas, who was hard of belief, full assurance, by showing him the print of the nails, and the wound made in His side by the spear. John 20:25. And again, from the first Lord's Day count forty days, from the Lord's Day to the fifth day of the week, and celebrate the feast of the ascension of the Lord. On that day He finished all His divine arrangement and constitution, and returned to that God and Father that sent Him, and sat down at the right hand of power, and remains there until His enemies are put under His feet. He also will come at the consummation of the world with power and great glory, to judge the living and the dead, and to recompense each one according to his works. And then they shall see the beloved Son of God whom they pierced, Zechariah 12:10; John 19:37, and when they know Him, they shall mourn for themselves, tribe by tribe, and their wives apart.

Dionysius of Alexandria, Miscellaneous Fragments Supporting witness

... they are moved to do or as they are able, let us not press them too hard. For not all keep the six days of fasting equally or in the same way. Some spend all the days fasting, remaining without food the whole time. Others keep only two days, others three, others four, and others not even one. And those who have struggled painfully through these long fasts, and afterward have become worn out and nearly undone, should be pardoned if they are somewhat hasty in taking food. But if there are any who not only avoid such long fasting, but refuse from the beginning to fast at all, and instead live luxuriously during the first four days, and then, when they come to the last two days, that is, the Preparation and the Sabbath, fast strictly during those and those alone, and think they do something great and splendid if they hold out until morning, I cannot think that they have gone through the time on equal terms with those who have practiced the same discipline for several days before. This is the advice that I have given you in writing on these matters, according to my understanding of the question.

Dionysius of Alexandria, Miscellaneous Fragments Supporting witness

However, it will be acknowledged cordially by all, that from the date of the resurrection of our Lord, those who up to that time have been humbling their souls with fastings, ought at once to begin their festal joy and gladness.

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Supporting witness

and the reasons he subjoins. But on the Lord's day we ought not to fast, for it is a day of joy for the resurrection of the Lord, and on it, says he, we have received that we ought not even to bow the knee.

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Supporting witness

But the Lord's day we celebrate as a day of joy, because on it He rose again, on which day we have received it for a custom not even to bow the knee.

Tertullian, An Answer to the Jews Supporting witness

For the Jews say that from the beginning God made the seventh day holy by resting on it from all His works that He made. They also say that this is why Moses said to the people, “Remember the day of the Sabbaths, to keep it holy: you shall do no servile work in it, except what pertains to life.” From this, we Christians understand that we ought even more to keep a sabbath from all servile work at all times, and not only every seventh day, but throughout all time. And because of this, the question arises for us: what sabbath did God will us to keep? For the Scriptures point to an eternal sabbath and a temporal sabbath. For Isaiah the prophet says, “My soul hates your Sabbaths,” Isaiah 1:13, and in another place he says, “You have profaned My Sabbaths.” From this we see that the temporal sabbath is human, and the eternal sabbath is counted as divine. About this He predicts through Isaiah: “And it shall be,” He says, “month after month, and day after day, and sabbath after sabbath; and all flesh shall come to worship in Jerusalem,” says the Lord. We understand this to have been fulfilled in the times of Christ, when all flesh—that is, every nation—came to worship God the Father in Jer

Origen, Commentary on John Direct teaching

...r Sabbaths and your great day I cannot bear; your fast and your holiday and your new moons and your feasts my soul hates.” The Lord does not call these observances of sinners His own, if such there are, since His soul hates them. He does not call them His new moons, His Sabbaths, His great day, His fast, or His festivals. And in the law about the Sabbath in Exodus, we read, “And Moses said to them, ‘This is the word which the Lord spoke: The Sabbath is a holy rest to the Lord.’” And a little farther on, “And Moses said, ‘Eat; for today is a Sabbath to the Lord.’” And in Numbers, before the sacrifices offered at each feast, as if all the feasts were included under the law of the continual daily sacrifice, we find it written, “And the Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Announce to the children of Israel, and thus shall you say to them: My gifts, My offerings, My fruits for a sweet-smelling aroma, you shall take care to offer to Me at My festivals.’ And you shall say to them, ‘These are the offerings which you shall offer to the Lord.’” The feast set forth in Scripture He calls His own, not the feasts of the people receiving the law. He speaks of His gifts, His offerings. A similar way of speak

Hippolytus, Exegetical Fragments Direct teaching

For the Sabbath is the type and emblem of the future kingdom of the saints, when they shall reign with Christ, when He comes from heaven, as John says in his Apocalypse: for a day with the Lord is as a thousand years.

Hippolytus, Exegetical Fragments Direct teaching

...s seven sevens, that is, a Sabbath of Sabbaths. It also includes, beyond these complete Sabbaths, a new beginning in the eighth, of a truly new rest that remains above the Sabbaths. And let anyone who is able observe this in the Psalms, where it is worked out with more than human exactness, so as to discover the reasons in each case, as we will explain them. For example, it is not without purpose that the eighth psalm has the title, "On the wine-presses," since it includes the perfection of fruits in the eight. For the time to enjoy the fruits of the true vine could not come before the eight. And again, the second psalm titled "On the wine-presses" is the eightieth, containing another eighth number, namely, in the tenth multiple. The eighty-third, again, is formed by the joining of two holy numbers, namely, the eight in the tenth multiple, and the three in the first multiple. And the fiftieth psalm is a prayer for the forgiveness of sins, and a confession. For just as, according to the Gospel, the fiftieth received remission, thus confirming that understanding of the jubilee, so the one who offers such prayers in full confession hopes to receive remission in no number other than

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Supporting witness

...kins as a sign of the covenant between Me and you.'" The prophet Ezekiel speaks similarly about the Sabbaths: "I also gave them My Sabbaths to be a sign between Me and them, so they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them." In Exodus, God says to Moses: "You shall observe My Sabbaths because it shall be a sign between Me and you for your generations." These things were given as signs, and the signs were not without symbolism—neither meaningless nor purposeless—since they were given by a wise Creator. The circumcision of the flesh symbolized the circumcision of the Spirit. For "we," says the apostle, "have been circumcised with a circumcision made without hands." The prophet declares, "Circumcise the hardness of your heart." The Sabbaths taught that we should continue in God’s service every day. "For we have been counted," says the Apostle Paul, "all day long as sheep for the slaughter," meaning consecrated to God, continually ministering to our faith, persevering in it, abstaining from all greed, and not acquiring or possessing treasures on earth. Moreover, the Sabbath of God, that is, the kingdom, was foreshadowed by creation. In this kingdom, the person who persevere

Novatian, Connection to Exodus 20:8 Supporting witness

The Sabbath was given to Israel as a sign; but for us, the spiritual Sabbath is fulfilled in Christ, who is our rest.

Ignatius, Epistle to the Trallians (LongVersion) Supporting witness

the Sabbath embraces the burial; the Lord’s Day contains the resurrection.

Barnabas, The Epistle of Barnabas Supporting witness

...t upon them.” The Sabbath is mentioned at the beginning of creation like this: “And God made in six days the works of His hands, and finished on the seventh day, and rested on it, and sanctified it.” Pay attention, my children, to the meaning of the phrase, “He finished in six days.” This implies that the Lord will complete all things in six thousand years, for with Him a day is like a thousand years. And He Himself confirms this by saying, “Behold, today will be as a thousand years.” Therefore, my children, in six days, meaning in six thousand years, all things will be completed. “And He rested on the seventh day.” This means that when His Son returns, He will destroy the time of the wicked, judge the ungodly, and change the sun, moon, and stars, then He will truly rest on the seventh day. Moreover, He says, “You shall sanctify it with pure hands and a pure heart.” If, therefore, anyone can now sanctify the day which God has sanctified, unless they are pure in heart in all things, we are mistaken. Behold, therefore: certainly one properly resting sanctifies it when we ourselves, having received the promise, and with wickedness no longer existing, and all things having been rene

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book V Supporting witness

These are [to take place] in the times of the kingdom, that is, upon the seventh day, which has been sanctified, in which God rested from all the works which He created, which is the true Sabbath of the righteous, which they shall not be engaged in any earthly occupation;