When Was Yeshua Born? Exploring the Feast of Tabernacles as His Birthdate

 

It is well established that the Messiah was not born on December 25th, as I have previously shown in 'The True Origins Behind Christmas'. However, this leads us to a lingering question: when was the Messiah born? While the Scriptures do not explicitly provide a date, I believe that through careful study, the Bible offers compelling clues to pinpoint the timing of Yeshua’s birth.

“It is the esteem of Elohim to hide a matter, and the esteem of sovereigns to search out a matter.” (Proverbs 25:2)

Many pivotal moments in Yeshua’s life align with the Mo’edim, the biblical festivals. His death occurred on Passover, His burial during Unleavened Bread, His resurrection on First Fruits, and the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) was given on Shavuot. Would it not make sense, then, that His birth also coincided with one of these appointed times?

The Feast of Tabernacles

“And the Word became flesh and pitched His tent among us, and we saw His esteem, esteem as of an only brought-forth of a father, complete in favor and truth.” (John 1:14)

The Greek word often translated as "dwelt," skenoo, means “to fix one’s tabernacle” or “to live in a tent.” It is no coincidence that John uses this term to describe the Messiah's birth. This wording symbolizes Yeshua’s temporary stay among us and hints at the timing of His arrival—during Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles.

Another connection to Sukkot can be found in the story of Abraham and Isaac. Isaac, often regarded as a foreshadowing of the Messiah, is also linked to Sukkot. When Isaac was born, messengers of Yah informed Abraham and Sarah that Isaac’s lineage would be chosen by Elohim. Abraham then celebrated a festival of joy, believed to be the first observance of Tabernacles.

“And we returned in the seventh month, and found Sarah with child before us and we blessed him, and we announced to him all the things which had been decreed concerning him, that he should not die till he should beget six sons more, and should see (them) before he died; but (that) in Isaac should his name and seed be called: And (that) all the seed of his sons should be Gentiles, and be reckoned with the Gentiles; but from the sons of Isaac one should become a holy seed, and should not be reckoned among the Gentiles. For he should become the portion of the Most High, and all his seed had fallen into the possession of Elohim, that it should be unto Yah a people for (His) possession above all nations and that it should become a kingdom and priests and a holy nation. And we went our way, and we announced to Sarah all that we had told him, and they both rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And he built there an altar to the Lord who had delivered him, and who was making him rejoice in the land of his sojourning, and he celebrated a festival of joy in this month seven days, near the altar which he had built at the Well of the Oath. And he built booths for himself and for his servants on this festival, and he was the first to celebrate the feast of tabernacles on the earth.” (Jubilees 16:16-21)

The great test of Abraham and Isaac, where Elohim provided a lamb in place of Isaac, also occurred during Sukkot. This event foreshadowed the coming Lamb of Elohim, who would take away the sin of the world.

“And he said, 'Elohim will provide for himself a sheep for a burnt-offering, my son.' And he drew near to the place of the mount of Elohim….And Abraham went to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba, and Abraham dwelt by the Well of the Oath. And he celebrated this festival every year, seven days with joy, and he called it the festival of Yah  according to the seven days during which he went and returned in peace. And accordingly has it been ordained and written on the heavenly tablets regarding Israel and its seed that they should observe this festival seven days with the joy of the festival.” (Jubilees 18:7, 17-19)

“See, the Lamb of Elohim who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

The rejoicing of the Magi at Yeshua’s birth further mirrors the joy seen in Sukkot celebrations:

“And seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And coming into the house, they saw the Child with Miryam His mother, and fell down and did reverence to Him, and opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)

Luke’s Timeline

“There was in the days of Herodes, the sovereign of Yehuḏah (Judah), a certain priest named Zeḵaryah (Zacharias), of the division of Aḇiyah (Abia).” (Luke 1:5)

Luke’s account provides a timeline for understanding the Messiah’s birth. Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, belonged to the division of Abia. According to 1 Chronicles 24, the priesthood was divided into 24 divisions, each serving the Temple for a week on a rotational basis, starting in the month of Nisan. The division of Abia served the temple during the month of Sivan (mid-May to mid-June). Gabriel’s appearance to Zacharias likely occurred during Shavuot since the division of Abia served at this time, placing Elizabeth’s conception in late May or early June.

“And a messenger of יהוה appeared to him, standing on the right side of the slaughter-place of incense. And when Zeḵaryah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the messenger said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zeḵaryah, for your prayer is heard. And your wife Elisheḇa (Elizabeth) shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Yoḥanan (John)… And it came to be, as soon as the days of his service were completed, he went away to his house. And after those days his wife Elisheḇa (Elizabeth) conceived. And she hid herself five months….” (Luke 1:11-13, 23-24)

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy—around December or Kislev—Gabriel visited Mary to announce that she would conceive the Messiah.

“And in the sixth month the messenger Gaḇri’ĕl (Gabriel) was sent by Elohim to a city of Galil named Natsareth, to a maiden engaged to a man whose name was Yosĕph (Joseph), of the house of Dawiḏ (David). And the maiden’s name was Miryam (Mary). And the messenger, coming to her, said, “Greetings, favored one, the Master is with you. Blessed are you among women!” But she was greatly disturbed at his word, and wondered what kind of greeting this was. And the messenger said to her, “Do not be afraid, Miryam (Mary), for you have found favor with Elohim. And see, you shall conceive in your womb, and shall give birth to a Son, and call His Name יהושע.” (Luke 1:26-31)

If Yeshua’s conception occurred in Kislev, nine months later brings us to Tishri (September/October), the month of Sukkot.

Conclusion

The biblical festivals hold deep significance, as many of Yah’s key works throughout history occur on or around these appointed times. Yeshua’s life exemplifies this pattern: His death on Passover, His burial during Unleavened Bread, His resurrection on First Fruits, the giving of the Ruach HaKodesh on Shavuot, and His anticipated return on Yom Teruah, with judgment on Yom Kippur, and the Father tabernacling with us during Sukkot.

The parallels between Isaac’s story and Yeshua’s birth during Sukkot are profound, from being the begotten son through divine intervention to the lamb Yah provided. Luke’s detailed account of Elizabeth’s pregnancy also underscores the alignment of these events with the festival calendar.

While we cannot definitively prove that Yeshua was born during Sukkot, the evidence is compelling and worthy of study.

P.S.

Check out some of my books! Available in both print and Kindle versions.

Understanding the Mo'edim: The Biblical Holy Days Given By YHWH

 

The Mo’edim are the appointed times YHWH gave to Israel. (If you are a believer in Yeshua you have been grafted into Israel.) They are not Jewish holidays; they are Biblical holidays and serve a profound purpose. It may come as a shocker to many of you, but Christmas and Easter are not a part of the Mo’edim; they are pagan in origin and still are, regardless of what the Church says. We do not have the authority to “Christianize” pagan holidays, even though the Catholic Church believes it does. That’s like saying we have the power to “Christianize” adultery, theft, lying, stealing, murdering, and so on.

What does YHWH think about our holidays like Christmas and Easter? Holidays derived from pagan religions. 

“I have hated, I have despised your festivals, and I am not pleased with your assemblies. “Though you offer Me ascending offerings and your grain offerings, I do not accept them, nor do I look on your fattened peace offerings. “Take away from Me the noise of your songs, for I do not hear the sound of your stringed instruments.” (Amos 5:21-23) 

He hates them plain and simple; he doesn’t want anything to do with pagan holidays. Even if it is in His name, even if we sing songs to Him, He will not listen. With that in mind, let’s learn what His appointed times are and what we should do on those days. 

Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Firstfruits 

“These are the appointed times of יהוה, set-apart gatherings which you are to proclaim at their appointed times. ‘In the first new moon, on the fourteenth day of the new moon, between the evenings, is the Pĕsaḥ (Passover) to יהוה. ‘And on the fifteenth day of this new moon is the Festival of Matzot (unleavened bread) to יהוה – seven days you eat unleavened bread. ‘On the first day you have a set-apart gathering, you do no servile work. ‘And you shall bring an offering made by fire to יהוה for seven days. On the seventh day is a set-apart gathering, you do no servile work.’ ”And יהוה spoke to Mosheh (Moses), saying, “Speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel), and you shall say to them, ‘When you come into the land which I give you, and shall reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the first-fruits of your harvest to the priest. ‘And he shall wave the sheaf before יהוה, for your acceptance. On the morrow after the Sabbath the priest waves it. ‘And on that day when you wave the sheaf, you shall prepare a male lamb a year old, a perfect one, as an ascending offering to יהוה, and its grain offering: two-tenths of an ĕphah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to יהוה, a sweet fragrance, and its drink offering: one-fourth of a hin of wine. ‘And you do not eat bread or roasted grain or fresh grain until the same day that you have brought an offering to your Elohim – a law forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.” (Leviticus 23:4-14)

Passover is symbolic for two reasons, from the Old Testament we remember when the Israelites spread lambs’ blood over their doorpost so that YHWH would not strike down any of Israel’s firstborn. From the New Testament, we remember Yeshua’s sacrifice, for he was crucified on Passover, dying for our sins (transgression of the Torah). 

The day after Passover is when unleavened bread begins, it is a 7-day festival and on day 1 we have a holy convocation or a gathering of the faithful and a Sabbath rest. On the last day, we again have a gathering of the faithful, or as we’ve come to know it “church”, and a Sabbath rest. During this whole week, we are to eat unleavened bread, which is bread that hasn’t risen. We are to do this in remembrance of when YHWH brought the Israelites out of Egypt. After the crucifixion of Yeshua, he was in the grave for unleavened bread, again this is bread that hasn’t risen. Then there is Firstfruits, the actions to be done on this day are supposed to be done by a Levitical priest and the offerings have been taking care of by our King and Messiah Yeshua. On this day we remember when YHWH brought the Israelites into the promised land. It is also a day of looking forward to, for Yeshua rose on Firstfruits, as he is the first fruit of the resurrection! 

“Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the entire lump? Therefore cleanse out the old leaven, so that you are a new lump, as you are unleavened. For also Messiah our Pĕsaḥ (Passover) was slaughtered for us. So then let us celebrate the festival, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of evil and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” (1 Corinthians 5:6-8) 

In this chapter, Paul is addressing sexual immorality that was among the body of believers, and he instructs them to throw away their sin (leaven) and to walk according to the Spirit. He also tells them to celebrate the festival of unleavened bread. Paul kept the Torah and the Mo’edim, and we are to imitate him as he imitated Yeshua. 

“But now Messiah has been raised from the dead, and has become the first-fruit of those having fallen asleep. For since death is through a man, resurrection of the dead is also through a Man. For as all die in Adam, so also all shall be made alive in Messiah. And each in his own order: Messiah the first-fruits, then those who are of Messiah at His coming,” (1 Corinthians 15:20-23)

Here we see that indeed Yeshua is the Firstfruits of the resurrection. 

Feast of Weeks/ Pentecost

“And the priest shall wave them, besides the bread of the first-fruits, as a wave offering before יהוה, besides the two lambs. They are set-apart to יהוה for the priest. ‘And on this same day you shall proclaim a set-apart gathering for yourselves, you do no servile work on it – a law forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.” (Leviticus 23:20-21) 

On Pentecost, which takes place 50 days after FirstFruits, we are to gather with other believers and worship the Most High (holy convocation) and to have a Sabbath rest. It is a time to remember when YHWH gave us the Torah and when the Rauch Hakodesh descended upon the believers In the Brit Hadashah (New Testament). 

“And see, I am sending the Promise of My Father upon you, but you are to remain in the city of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

“And suddenly there came a sound from the heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and settled on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Set-apart (Holy) Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them to speak.” (Acts 2:2-4)

Yeshua fulfilled the first festivals to the T, he died on Passover, was in the grave for Unleavened Bread, and rose with FirstFruits. Then the Holy Spirit descends upon the followers of Yeshua on Pentecost. Now, these next festivals have yet to be fulfilled and I can’t wait for the day when they are. 

Day of Trumpets 

“Speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel), saying, ‘In the seventh new moon, on the first day of the new moon, you have a rest, a remembrance of Teru‛ah (trumpets), ‘You do no servile work, and you shall bring an offering made by fire to יהוה.” (Leviticus 23:24-25) 

On this day we have a holy convocation, Sabbath rest, and we are to blow trumpets. I believe this will be fulfilled when the gathering of the elect happens because each time it’s mentioned in the Bible it is accompanied by the blast of a trumpet. 

“And immediately after the distress of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give its light, and the stars shall fall from the heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. “And then the sign of the Son of Adam shall appear in the heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth shall mourn, and they shall see the Son of Adam coming on the clouds of the heaven with power and much esteem. And He shall send His messengers with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matthew 24:29-31) 

“Because the Master Himself shall come down from heaven with a shout, with the voice of a chief messenger, and with the trumpet of Elohim, and the dead in Messiah shall rise first. Then we, the living who are left over, shall be caught away together with them in the clouds to meet the Master in the air – and so we shall always be with the Master. So, then, encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

Day of Atonement 

“On the tenth day of this seventh new moon is Yom haKippurim (Day of Atonement). It shall be a set-apart gathering for you. And you shall afflict your beings, and shall bring an offering made by fire to יהוה. “And you do no work on that same day, for it is Yom Kippurim (Day of Atonement), to make atonement for you before יהוה your Elohim. “For any being who is not afflicted on that same day, he shall be cut off from his people. “And any being who does any work on that same day, that being I shall destroy from the midst of his people. “You do no work – a law forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. ‘It is a Sabbath of rest to you, and you shall afflict your beings. On the ninth day of the new moon at evening, from evening to evening, you observe your Sabbath.” (Leviticus 23:27-32)

On this day we have our holy convocation, Sabbath rest, and we are to afflict ourselves. Many take this to be fasting or humbling ourselves. I believe this could be fulfilled on the Day of Judgment but at this moment I’m not completely sure. 

Feast of Tabernacles 

“Speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel), saying, ‘On the fifteenth day of this seventh new moon is the Festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles) for seven days to יהוה. ‘On the first day is a set-apart gathering, you do no servile work. ‘For seven days you bring an offering made by fire to יהוה. On the eighth day there shall be a set-apart gathering for you, and you shall bring an offering made by fire to יהוה. It is a closing festival, you do no servile work. ‘These are the appointed times of יהוה which you proclaim as set-apart gatherings, to bring an offering made by fire to יהוה, an ascending offering and a grain offering, a slaughtering and drink offerings, as commanded for every day – besides the Sabbaths of יהוה, and besides your gifts, and besides all your vows, and besides all your voluntary offerings which you give to יהוה. ‘On the fifteenth day of the seventh new moon, when you gather in the fruit of the land, celebrate the festival of יהוה for seven days. On the first day is a rest, and on the eighth day a rest. ‘And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of good trees, branches of palm trees, twigs of leafy trees, and willows of the stream, and shall rejoice before יהוה your Elohim for seven days. ‘And you shall celebrate it as a festival to יהוה for seven days in the year – a law forever in your generations. Celebrate it in the seventh new moon. ‘Dwell in booths for seven days; all who are native born in Yisra’ĕl (Israel) dwell in booths, so that your generations know that I made the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel) dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Mitsrayim (Egypt). I am יהוה your Elohim.” (Leviticus 23:34-43)

This is an 8-day festival. On day one, we have a holy convocation and a Sabbath rest, and on the last day, another holy convocation and Sabbath rest. For Sukkot, we are also to dwell in temporary shelters, such as tents. I know many assemblies that will go camping together for the week of Sukkot.  This festival is not only about remembrance, but also about us looking forward to when YHWH will once again tabernacle amongst us! 

“And I saw a renewed heaven and a renewed earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. And I, Yoḥanan (John) , saw the set-apart city, renewed Yerushalayim (Jerusalem), coming down out of the heaven from Elohim, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the heaven saying, “See, the Booth of Elohim is with men, and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and Elohim Himself shall be with them and be their Elohim. “And Elohim shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor mourning, nor crying. And there shall be no more pain, for the former matters have passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4) 

What a time to come! Now that you have the meaning behind the Biblical appointed times or the Mo’edim, are you going to continue celebrating those pagan holidays? I hope you don’t, and I hope you see the significance of the Mo’edim and just how special they are.

Test all things and may the Rauch Hakodesh guide you into all truth.

P.S.

Check out some of my books! Available in both print and Kindle versions. 

The Truth About the Sabbath Day: What It Is and What We Should Do

 

What day is Sabbath? I’ll give you a hint, it's not Sunday. I often come across people saying we don’t know what day Sabbath is, but that’s not exactly true, and to find the answer, we’re going to have to do some research. But before we begin, let’s find out where in the Bible the Sabbath was first given and what we should do on the Sabbath. 

“Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their array. And in the seventh day Elohim completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And Elohim blessed the seventh day and set it apart, because on it He rested from all His work which Elohim in creating had made...” (Genesis 2:1-3) 

After YHWH finished creation, (The universe is not ever-expanding), He blessed the seventh day and made it holy. Saturday is the seventh day of the week, but that’s not the only proof we have that it is the day of the Sabbath.

The Command to Observe the Sabbath 

 Now let’s look in the Torah to see when YHWH gave them the command of honoring the Sabbath and what we should do on that day. 

“Guard the Sabbath day, to set it apart, as יהוה your Elohim commanded you. Six days you labor, and shall do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of יהוה your Elohim. You do not do any work – you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates, so that your male servant and your female servant rest as you do.” (Deuteronomy 5: 12-14)

On Sabbath, we should do no work; it is a day of rest! Many people work a ridiculous number of hours, whether by choice or not. We have it ingrained into us that we need to work to make money, so we can survive. This break in work is having faith that Elohim will take care of us. Remember, we live not on bread alone. 

“Six days work is done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a set-apart gathering. You do no work, it is a Sabbath to יהוה in all your dwellings.” (Leviticus 23:3)

Leviticus reinforces that we should not work, that we should rest, and have a sacred assembly, which is having worship with other believers. 

Buying and Selling, and the Ox in the Ditch 

“In those days I saw in Yehuḏah (Judah) those treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys with wine, grapes, and figs, and all kinds of burdens, which they brought into Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) on the Sabbath day. So I warned them on the day they sold food. And men of Tsor (Tyre) dwelt there, bringing in fish and all kinds of goods, and sold them on the Sabbath to the children of Yehuḏah (Judah), and in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem). Then I contended with the nobles of Yehuḏah (Judah), and said to them, “What evil matter is this that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? “Did not your fathers do the same so that our Elohim brought all this evil on us and on this city? Yet you bring added wrath on Yisra’ĕl (Israel) by profaning the Sabbath.” (Nehemiah 13:15-18) 

We are also not supposed to buy or sell on the Sabbath. By now you might be thinking, “Well it started off sounding great, no work and rest, but now I can’t buy or sell?!” Listen life gets crazy sometimes and if an emergency occurs during the Sabbath, take care of it, for you, have an ox in the ditch. 

“And it came to be, as He went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, that they were watching Him closely. And see, there was a certain man before Him suffering from dropsy. And יהושע responding, spoke to those learned in the Torah and the Pharisees, saying, “Is it right to heal on the Sabbath?” But they were silent. So taking hold of him He healed him, and let him go. And to them He said, “Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, shall not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” And they were unable to answer Him regarding these matters.” (Luke 14: 1-6) 

If an emergency arises then take care of it!

Yeshua Honored the Sabbath

In Luke 14 you have Yeshua honoring the Sabbath and here are a few more scriptures that show him keeping the Sabbath.

“And He came to Natsareth (Nazareth), where He had been brought up. And according to His practice, He went into the congregation on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. ” (Luke 4:16) 

“And it came to be that He went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. And as they went His taught ones began to pluck heads of grain, and the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why do they do what is not right on the Sabbath?” And He said to them, “Have you never read what Dawiḏ (David) did when he had need and was hungry, he and those with him? How he went into the House of Elohim, while Eḇyathar (Abiathar) was high priest, and ate the showbread, which is not right to eat, except for the priests, and he gave it also to those who were with him? And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Adam is also Master of the Sabbath.”(Mark 2:23-27)

Here Yeshua’s hungry disciples took some grain to eat. The Pharisees accuse them of breaking the Torah but Yeshua reminds them that the Sabbath was made for us and that he is Master over it. This goes back to the ox being in the ditch and dispels what the Pharisees had added to the Torah.

“And it also came to be on another Sabbath, that He entered into the congregation and taught, and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees were watching Him closely, whether He would heal on the Sabbath, for them to find an accusation against Him. And He knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Rise and stand in the midst.” And he rose up and stood. Then יהושע said to them, “I ask you, is it right to do good on the Sabbath, or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” And looking around at them all, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored sound as the other. But they were filled with folly, and were speaking with one another what they should do to יהושע.” (Luke 6:6-11) 

The Pharisees were so furious with Yeshua not because he was breaking the Torah but because he was breaking their traditions, their man doctrines. 

“And He was teaching in one of the congregations on the Sabbath, and see, there was a woman having a weakening spirit for eighteen years, and was bent over and was unable to straighten up at all. And יהושע, seeing her, called her near and said to her, “Woman, you are loosened from your weakness.” And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was straightened up, and praised Elohim. But the ruler of the congregation, responding, much displeased that יהושע had healed on the Sabbath, said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men should work, so come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” Then the Master answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loosen his ox or his donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? And this one, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound, look, for eighteen years, should she not be loosened from this bond on the Sabbath? And when He said this, all His opponents were put to shame. And all the crowd rejoiced for all the splendid works being done by Him.” (Luke 13:10-17)

The Disciples Honored the Sabbath after Yeshua’s Resurrection 

Now, what about the disciples after the ascension of Yeshua? 

“And having put out from Paphos, Sha’ul (Paul) and those with him came to Perge in Pamphulia. And Yoḥanan (John), having left them, returned to Yerushalayim (Jerusalem). But passing through from Perge, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the congregation on the Sabbath day and sat down. And after the reading of the Torah and the Prophets, the rulers of the congregation sent to them, saying, “Men, brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, speak.” (Acts 13:13-15)

“And when the Yehuḏim (Jews) went out of the congregation, the nations begged to have these words spoken to them the next Sabbath. And when the meeting of the congregation had broken up, many of the Yehuḏim (Jews) and of the worshipping converts followed Sha’ul (Paul) and Barnaḇa (Barnabas), who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the favor of Elohim. And on the next Sabbath almost all the city came together to hear the Word of Elohim. (Acts 13:42-44)

“And on the Sabbath day we went outside the city by a river, where there used to be prayer. And having sat down we were speaking to the women who met there.” (Acts 16:13) 

“And after this Sha’ul (Paul) left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Yehuḏi (Jew) named Aqulas (Aquila), born in Pontos, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla – because Claudius had commanded all the Yehuḏim (Jews) to leave Rome – and he came to them. And because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and was working, for they were tentmakers by trade. And he was reasoning in the congregation every Sabbath, and won over both Yehuḏim (Jews) and Greeks.” (Acts 18:1-4)

“And having returned, they prepared spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the command.” (Luke 23:56)

Remember Paul’s act of debating on Sabbath is not considered work, had he been making tents on Sabbath then yes he would have broken the fourth commandment. 

Who ‘Changed’ the Sabbath Day and Why?

Now that we have Biblical evidence for the Sabbath being honored in the New Testament, let’s look at why the day was changed and who did it. Roman Emperor Constantine was a proclaimed Christian but also worship the sun god, that is why he wanted the day moved to Sunday, so he could worship both on the same day. 

“On the venerable Day of the sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed. In the country, however, persons engaged in agriculture may freely and lawfully continue their pursuits: because it often happens that another Day is not so suitable for grain sowing or for vine planting: lest by neglecting the proper moment for such operations the bounty of heaven should be lost.” (Constantine, 321 A.D) 

The Catholic Church followed suit because Roman Catholicism and Rome are close if not the same. 

“Christians shall not Judaize and be idle on Saturday (Sabbath), but shall work on that Day: but the Lord’s Day, they shall especially honour; and as being Christians, shall, if possible, do no work on that day. If however, they are found Judaizing, they shall be shut out from Christ.” (the Catholic Church Council of Laodicea circa 364 AD)

“We Catholics do not accept the Bible as the only rule of faith. Besides the Bible we have the living Church, the authority of the Church, as a rule to guide us. We say, this Church instituted by Christ, to teach and guide men through life, has the right to change the Ceremonial laws of the Old Testament and hence, we accept her change of the Sabbath to the Sunday. We frankly say, "yes, the Church made this change, made this law, as she made many other laws, for instance, the Friday Abstinence, the unmarried priesthood, the laws concerning mixed marriages, the regulation of Catholic marriages, and a thousand other laws.” (Peter R Tramer, editor of the Catholic Extension Magazine, Chicago, Illinois, which was under the blessing of Pope Pius XI) 

“Q. Why do we observe Sunday instead of Saturday? A. We observe Sunday instead of Saturday because the Catholic Church transferred the Solemnity from Saturday to Sunday.” (The Convert’s Catechism of Catholic Doctrine p. 50) 

“We have in the authoritative voice of the Church the voice of Christ Himself. The Church is above the Bible; and this transference of Sabbath observance from Saturday to Sunday is proof positive of that fact.” (Catholic record of London, Ontario September 1, 1923)

As you can see the Catholic church believes they have the power to change the Torah and create their own laws, this is a false doctrine through and through. Here are historical records of the early Christians keeping the Sabbath. 

“It is certain that the ancient Sabbath did remain and was observed (together with the celebration of the Lord's day) by the Christians of the East Church, above three hundred years after our Savior’s death” (A Learned Treatise of the Sabbath, p. 77) *The Lord’s day is Sunday that Constantine and the Catholic Church instituted*

“The primitive Christians had a great veneration for the Sabbath, and spent the day in devotion and sermons. And it is not to be doubted but they derived this practice from the Apostles themselves, as appears by several scriptures to the purpose.” ("Dialogues on the Lord's Day," p. 189. London: 1701, By Dr. T.H. Morer (A Church of England divine) 

“The Sabbath was a strong tie which united them with the life of the whole people, and in keeping the Sabbath holy they followed not only the example but also the command of Jesus.” ("Geschichte des Sonntags," pp.13, 14) 

“The Gentile Christians observed also the Sabbath.” (Gieseler's "Church History," Vol.1, ch. 2, par. 30, 93.) 

“From the apostles' time until the council of Laodicea, which was about the year 364, the holy observance of the Jews' Sabbath continued, as may be proved out of many authors: yea, notwithstanding the decree of the council against it.” (Sunday a Sabbath. John Ley, p.163. London: 1640) 

Both the Catholic and non-Catholic sources agree that Saturday is the true Sabbath. Still feel like worshipping on Sunday, the day the Catholic church “made” Sabbath? 

As always, don’t believe a word I say and test all my teachings! I hope this has brought some insight and encourages you to do some research of your own. May the Rauch Hakodesh guide you into all truths. 

P.S.

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