Paul commended us to observe Sabbath?
Question: The Church teaches us that we are not under the Law, but has Paul not commended us to observe the Sabbath?
Answer: Yes, Shaul (Paul) has commended us to observe the Sabbath, because the Sabbath Commandment is a part of the Covenant of YHVH (see Exo 20:8-11) and as such it is a sign between Him and His children (see also Exo 31:13). We read his commendation in a verse that is unlikely to be read in the churches today,
So, there remains a Sabbath-keeping (Greek σαββατισμός, sabbatismos) for the people of Elohim. For the one, having entered into His rest (Sabbath), has himself also rested from his works, as Elohim rested from His own. Let us therefore do our utmost to enter into that rest (Sabbath), lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience (violating the Sabbath). (Heb 4:9-11)
The KJV translators conveniently changed Paul’s words about the Sabbath and rendered the Greek word sabbatismos (a Sabbath-keeping or Sabbath rest), which is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew Shabbat, to simply read “rest”:
There remaineth therefore a rest (σαββατισμός, sabbatismos) to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (Heb 4:9-11 KJV)
In KJV translation it is not clear that Paul is talking about the Commandment in the Covenant of the Creator regarding the observing the Sabbath rest, but for his readers back then it was crystal clear: the apostle indeed commended the believers in Yeshua to observe the Sabbath of YHVH and His Torah.
But we should not observe the Sabbath of YHVH because Paul has told us: that would be a wrong reason for obedience. But because YHVH Elohim has told us. And His words must be good enough for us.
Read more about Sabbath in the series The Appointed Times of YHVH and the article “You are not under the Law of God” exposed.