John 20:26

We next notice the claim that it was customary for Christ to meet with his disciples on the first day of the week, thus giving evidence of his regard for it, and proof of its sacredness. “And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them; then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst and said, Peace be unto you.”ChSa 54.1

This scripture, in connection with the one just noticed, is relied upon to prove that it was the practice of Jesus to meet with his disciples on the first day of the week, between his resurrection and his ascension. It will be noticed that the record does not say that it was on the first day of the week when Christ had this interview with Thomas and the disciples. The statement is that it was “after eight days” from the previous meeting. That previous meeting was at the very close of the first day, most of it probably occurring on the day following. It is claimed that the expression “after eight days” signifies just a week. But what proof is there of this? “After seven days” is the expression employed by inspiration when defining a week. Compare 1 Chronicles 9:25 with 2 Kings 11:5. The expression “after six days” (Matthew 17:1) is given by another writer, “about an eight days after.” Luke 9:28. On what grounds, then, shall we conclude that “after eight days” really means seven days or less? From the closing hour of Sunday, a period of time covered by the expression “after eight days,” if the language be taken literally, would reach at least to the Monday night or Tuesday morning of the next week. How, then, can one rightfully claim that this meeting occurred on the first day of the week? It must be evident that this meeting was held because of the presence of Thomas, who was absent on the previous occasion, and not to honor any particular day of the week. Had the latter object been in view, the record would most certainly tell us what day of the week it was, and not use such an indefinite expression as “after eight days.”ChSa 54.2

But even if we grant all our first-day friends claim, viz., that the meeting in question did occur on the first day of the week, what evidence is thereby furnished in behalf of Sunday sacredness? Our Savior ascended to heaven on Thursday, just forty days from his resurrection. Acts 1:1. Another prominent meeting held with his disciples was on a fishing occasion. John 21:3-25. This was the third occasion that Christ manifested himself to his disciples. Verse 14. Our friends will hardly claim that this visit occurred on Sunday.ChSa 55.1

There were five first-days between the crucifixion and the ascension. No mention whatever is made of any of these five first-days, excepting the first one, on which he rose from the dead. If we admit that “after eight days” occurred on the second of those five first-days, which we are sure is not true, what could that prove? The evidence would then come far short of proving a custom, since the two following meetings-the fishing occasion and the ascension-were not on that day. A “custom” is a long continued practice. More than two instances are required to constitute a “custom.” The “custom” of our Savior was to honor the Sabbath of the Lord, and teach the people on that day. Luke 4:16. It is utterly impossible to establish such a custom of his with reference to Sunday.ChSa 56.1