Zuko Explains – Early Christian Festivals & Practices

Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10–11; Luke 22:14–20

Jesus’ final meal became the model for a regular act of remembrance.

Originally part of a full communal meal called the Agape Feast. Believers gathered in homes, shared food, and paused to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection.

This practice is universal from the earliest days and is the closest thing to a “Christian festival” in the first century.

Shared meals expressed family loyalty and unity in the ancient world. Christians used the meal to show that believers of all classes and ethnicities were one family in Christ.

Romans often misunderstood the practice, spreading rumours that Christians practiced cannibalism because they spoke of “eating” Christ’s body and “drinking” His blood.

Typically on the first day of the week (Sunday).  The original sabbath was on the Saturday and was often a fast or a restricted menu, so Sunday was the first day a "feast" could occurr.  No annual date existed; it was a regular rhythm, not a yearly festival.

• Shared bread and wine (representing Jesus' broken body for our sins) during a full meal
• Remember Jesus’ sacrifice
• Public reading of Jesus’ words
• Prayer
• Self-examination of conduct and motives encouraged (1 Cor. 11:28)
• Done frequently, not annually

Baptism was the immediate response to belief in Jesus.

Practice of Baptism: 

Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38–41; Acts 8:26–40; Acts 9:18; Acts 10:44–48.

Symbolism of Baptism:

1. Death, Burial, and Resurrection with Christ

• Romans 6:3–4 — Baptism symbolises dying with Christ, burial with Him, and rising to new life.

• Colossians 2:12 — Buried with Christ in baptism and raised through faith in God’s power.

2. Washing, Cleansing, Forgiveness

• Acts 22:16 — “Be baptised and wash away your sins.”

• Ephesians 5:26 — Cleansing with water through the word (imagery applied to the church).

• Titus 3:5 — “Washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

3. Repentance and Turning to God

• Matthew 3:6 — Confessing sins at baptism.

• Mark 1:4 — John’s baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

• Acts 2:38 — Repent and be baptised for forgiveness and receiving the Holy Spirit.

4. New Birth / New Creation

• John 3:5 — “Born of water and Spirit” to enter the kingdom of God.

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 (not directly baptism, but paired theologically) — New creation in Christ.

5. Union With Christ / Clothing Yourself With Christ

• Galatians 3:27 — Those baptised into Christ have “clothed” themselves with Christ.

6. Receiving the Holy Spirit

• Acts 2:38 — Promise of the Holy Spirit linked to baptism.

• Acts 19:5–6 — After baptism in Jesus’ name, the Holy Spirit came on them.

• Matthew 3:16 — At Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit descends like a dove.

7. Identification With Jesus’ Death & Resurrection (Public Declaration)

• 1 Peter 3:21 — Baptism is “not the removal of dirt” but the appeal to God for a good conscience; connected to salvation through Christ’s resurrection.

8. Passing Through Waters / Salvation Pattern (Typology)

• 1 Corinthians 10:1–2 — Israel “baptised into Moses” through the sea (a symbolic foreshadowing).

• 1 Peter 3:20–21 — Noah’s flood as a figure pointing to baptism.

9. Obedience to Christ

• Matthew 28:19–20 — Jesus commands disciples to be baptised in the name of Father, Son, and Spirit.

10. Adoption Into God’s People / New Belonging

• Acts 2:41 — Those baptised were added to the fellowship.

• 1 Corinthians 12:13 — By one Spirit we were all baptised into one body.

Very simple and very public. Done in rivers, baths, or any place with water. No classes, no long preparation, no yearly event.  It was a once off practice that showed the new belief and allegiance to Jesus. 

Rooted in Jewish purification rituals but radically redefined as joining oneself to Jesus’ death and resurrection.  It is the "membership" ceremony to "The Way".  It was highly symbolic of what has happened to the new believer.

Baptism could identify someone publicly as a follower of Jesus— a risky move in cities where Christians faced suspicion or persecution.

Performed immediately, not tied to a date or festival.  It occurred once in the believer's life time. 

Immersion was typical. Exceptions may have been made for the lack of water available at the time. Candidates made a simple confession of faith. No annual festival; it happened whenever someone believed.

Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10

Christians eventually shifted from the Sabbath (Saturday) to gathering on Sunday—the day Jesus rose from the dead.

By AD 90–120 this was a distinct Christian identity marker.

Most Christians were slaves or labourers; Sundays weren’t holidays yet. Meetings happened early in the morning or late at night.

Meeting regularly made Christians more visible, sometimes drawing unwanted attention from authorities.

Weekly. Not annual.

• Reading Scripture
• Teaching / exhortation
• Prayer
• Fellowship and shared food
• Lord’s Supper integrated into the gathering

Didache 8 (AD 60–110)

Christians fasted weekly but not on the same days as Pharisees.

Became a defining Christian rhythm very early. Wednesday (traditionally: betrayal) Friday (crucifixion)

Fasting was common in Judaism. Christians adopted it but reinterpreted it as an act of humility and identification with Christ.

None significant, though fasting made Christians stand out in communal meals.

Twice weekly; no yearly observance.

No special festival; simply a routine practice of devotion.

Acts 2:44–45; Acts 6:1–6; Galatians 2:10; 1 Timothy 5:3–16

Christians quickly became known for their radical generosity. They supported widows, orphans, the poor, the sick, and travellers.

Their generosity puzzled Roman society, often attracting more converts.

Ongoing lifestyle, not seasonal.