THE RESURRECTION Of JESUS
Mark 16:9 shows that Jesus arose from the grave on the first day of the week. Luke 24:1, 13, 21, and 46 all together demand our belief that Jesus arose on the first day, not on the Sabbath or on some other day, as some insist. Verse over sets the stage by identifying the day as the first day of the week; verse thirteen shows that on that first day two disciples walked to the village of Emmaus. In their conversation with Jesus, who was then not disclosed to them, they referred to the first day as the third day since Jesus' crucifixion (v. 21). In the remarks of Jesus himself in verse forty-six, we learn that his resurrection was an event of the third day. By Jesus' statement of verse 46 and the disciples' identification of this first day of the week as the third day, we have to conclude then that Jesus arose on the first day of the week, not on the seventh day. The first day derives its significance from that momentous event of the resurrection of Jesus, in keeping with Old Testament prophecy.
THE ACKNOWLEDGING OF JESUS
Psalm 2:7 refers to the resurrection of Jesus and to his being thereby begotten that very day, though the rulers had taken counsel against the Father and against His anointed one, the Christ. Acts 13:32, 33 confirms that the second Psalm, particularly the word "begotten," refers to the resurrection of Jesus. In that glorious event God was acknowledging to all men for all time to come that Jesus was His son with authority (Romans 1:4). The first day is made even more important by God's acknowledgment concerning Jesus in the event of this day.
THE APPEARANCES OF JESUS
Jesus' appearances to Mary Magdalene (Mk. 16:9) and to another Mary (Matt. 28:9, 10), who worshiped him; to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Lk. 24:13-15); to the ten apostles (Lk. 24:3336; Jn. 20:19); to all of the apostles after eight days -(Jn. 20:26). The appearances of Jesus in substantiation of his resurrection make the day all the more significant.
THE EVENTS OF PENTECOST
According to Leviticus 23:15, 16, the day of Pentecost came on the first day of the week-that is, seven sabbaths and one day after the sabbath connected with Passover. On the first Pentecost after the resurrection, the Holy Spirit was given in fulfillment of Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:1-4). Christ's rule as- high, priest and king was announced as beginning (Zech. 6: 13;, Acts 2 :29-36). The new covenant', went into effect (Isa. 2:3; Lk. 24:47, 49; Acts 2:38). The church (mountain of the Lord's house, Isa. 2:2,3) was established in the last days (Acts 2:17, 41, 47).
From these four considerations, it should be clear that the first day of the week has a place of special significance in the New Testament. Does it have that place in your life?