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Cover of History of the Sabbath and first day of the week

History of the Sabbath and first day of the week

Written by John Nevins Andrews

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Seventh-Day AdventistsSabbathSunday

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About this book

"History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week" by John Nevins Andrews is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the significance, origins, and adherence to the Sabbath, particularly emphasizing the seventh day as sacred from the creation onward. It also addresses the evolution and historical context surrounding Sunday observance, examining the biblical and secular records of both days. The opening of the text sets the stage for a comprehensive examination of the Sabbath's history, detailing its divine appointment at creation when God rested on the seventh day. Andrews argues that this observance was intended for all humanity from the beginning, establishing its fundamental connection to the commandments given to Adam and reaffirmed through sacred history. The author aims to carefully document the transitions and influences that led to the diminished status of the Sabbath and the rise of Sunday observance, preparing the reader for a detailed exploration of theological, cultural, and historical shifts across centuries.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in History of the Sabbath and first day of the week, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 25 hours
  • advanced
  • Scholarly
  • Didactic
  • Historical

John Nevins Andrews' "History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week" is a meticulous historical and theological treatise arguing for the perpetual observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. Written in the late 19th century, the book traces the Sabbath's origins from creation, asserting its divine appointment for all humanity and its reaffirmation throughout biblical history. Andrews systematically documents the historical shifts and influences, both pagan and ecclesiastical, that he posits led to the widespread adoption of Sunday observance over the divinely ordained Sabbath. The work serves as a comprehensive defense of seventh-day Sabbath keeping, aiming to restore its rightful place based on biblical and historical evidence.

“The Sabbath, then, originated with the creation, and was given to man as a memorial of the work of God.”

Key themes

Divine Authority vs. Human Tradition
This is the core conflict of the book. Andrews meticulously argues that the seventh-day Sabbath was divinely instituted at creation and reaffirmed by God, making it a perpetual moral obligation. He then contrasts this with Sunday observance, which he presents as a human tradition lacking biblical or divine sanction, gradually introduced and enforced by ecclesiastical and civil powers.
Historical Continuity of God's Law
Andrews asserts that the Sabbath command, being part of the Decalogue and instituted at creation, possesses an unchanging and eternal quality. He traces its observance as a continuous thread from Adam through the patriarchs, Israel, Christ, and the apostles, arguing that it was never abrogated but rather consistently upheld by true believers, even in the face of widespread apostasy.
Biblical Hermeneutics and Interpretation
Andrews' entire work is an exercise in specific biblical interpretation, emphasizing a literal and historical-grammatical approach to scripture, especially concerning the Ten Commandments and New Testament passages related to the Sabbath. He critiques alternative interpretations that suggest a change of the Sabbath or its abrogation, arguing for a consistent understanding of God's word.

Worth discussing

How does Andrews interpret biblical passages regarding the Sabbath, and do you find his interpretations convincing?

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