One of the key points of contention between the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) and mainstream Christianity is the significance of the first day of the week in the early Church. WMSCOG teachings often reinterpret passages like Acts 20:7 to fit their narrative, particularly in relation to the Feast of Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and the Resurrection Day. However, a closer examination of Scripture and historical context reveals that the first day of the week was a significant time for the early Church to gather and celebrate the Lord’s Supper, not simply a continuation of Old Testament feast practices.

Acts 20:7: The First Day of the Week

Let’s start by reading the key verse:

“On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight” (Acts 20:7).

This passage provides insight into the practices of the early Church, where believers gathered on the first day of the week for fellowship, teaching, and breaking bread (a reference to the Lord’s Supper). It also shows that this gathering was not tied to any Old Testament feast but was instead rooted in the emerging identity of the Christian faith.

The WMSCOG’s Interpretation: Is It First Fruits or Resurrection Day?

The WMSCOG claims that this first day of the week is Resurrection Day (First Fruits) and that it corresponds to their belief in the Feast of Unleavened Bread being reduced to one day. However, this interpretation faces significant problems when examined closely.

Acts 20:5-6: The Timeline Problem

“These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. But we sailed from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.”

• The text clearly states that Unleavened Bread had concluded before Paul and his companions reached Troas.
• If the WMSCOG’s interpretation were correct, First Fruits (Resurrection Day) would have already passed since it occurs during the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:10-11).

The Travel Timeline:

1. The group traveled five days after Unleavened Bread concluded.
2. They then stayed in Troas for seven days before gathering on the first day of the week.

Total Days Passed: 5 + 7 = 12 days.

Since First Fruits (Resurrection Day) could only occur during or immediately after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, it would have been impossible for this "first day of the week" gathering to coincide with First Fruits.

Conclusion:

This first day of the week is unrelated to the Feast of Unleavened Bread or First Fruits. Instead, it demonstrates the early Church’s practice of gathering for worship and the breaking of bread on the first day, consistent with the significance of Christ’s Resurrection.