Why Are All the Commandments Repeated in the New Testament Except Keeping the Sabbath?
It is noteworthy to realize that the Sabbath is mentioned in the four Gospels 50 times, which is more than it is mentioned in the five books of The Law (five books of Moses).
Paul gives us a reason as to why the Sabbath commandment is not specifically repeated in the New Testament, "For whatever things were written before [in the Old Testament] were written for our learning" (Romans 15:4). Thus, the commandment to observe the Sabbath was written for the learning of the New Testament Church, not just for those who lived during the time of the Old Testament.
Paul also wrote this to Timothy, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The only scripture they had available at the time Paul wrote this was what we now call The Old Testament. Those Old Testament scriptures clearly commanded the observance of the Sabbath and here Paul upholds that as still being inspired by God and relevant in helping to make us complete.
Also, throughout the book of Acts the Sabbath and Sabbath observances are mentioned and upheld many times (Acts 13:14, Acts 13:42, Acts 13:44; Acts 16:13; Acts 17:2; Acts 18:4, Acts 21; Acts 20:6, Acts 20:16; Acts 27:9). That first century history from the book of Acts, shows the Sabbath was being observed by the early New Testament Church. Thus, one of the main reasons there was never any need to repeat the command to observe the Sabbath in the New Testament was that in Judea, at the time of Christ, those to whom Christ and the apostles spoke and wrote all kept the Sabbath and realized it was a command of God. Thus, there was never any need to repeat that commandment.
Paul taught Christians "There remains therefore a rest for the people of God" (Hebrews 4:9). This word "rest" is translated from the Greek word "sabbatismos" and means "Sabbath rest." The American Standard Version, among several others, translates this correctly.
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Aaron Booth
Aaron Booth is the Internet Manager for the United Church of God, where he oversees the organization's web presence and digital initiatives. With more than 25 years of experience in the Internet and digital media industry, Aaron has witnessed the remarkable evolution of the web and is passionate about using technology to connect people with meaningful, life-changing content.
Aaron earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Ambassador University before continuing his education at Purdue University, where he studied Leisure Studies and Recreation Management. While at Purdue, he discovered a passion for web and multimedia development, launching a career that included work at Purdue University and several web and multimedia companies in Indianapolis. Following the dot-com downturn in the early 2000s, he relocated to the Cincinnati area and joined the United Church of God, where he continues to serve today.
Aaron enjoys finding innovative ways to use technology to make biblical content more accessible and engaging for audiences around the world. He is especially interested in exploring new digital platforms and creative approaches that help people discover and interact with God's Word.
Aaron and his wife, Dawn, have been married for 25 years. They have two adult children and a grandson. Outside of work, Aaron is an avid fly fisherman and serves as the volunteer lead mentor for the Cincinnati chapter of The Mayfly Project, a nonprofit that connects children in foster care with mentors through the healing and lifelong sport of fly fishing.
