What did the Council of Laodicea state about the Sabbath?

The Council of Laodicea, which took place in the fourth century, is significant in the context of the observance of the Sabbath. The correct understanding of its stance is that it prohibited Christians from observing the Sabbath in favor of Sunday worship. This reflects the broader early Christian movement's transition towards Sunday as the principal day of worship, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus, thereby shifting focus away from the traditional Jewish Sabbath observance.

This decision was part of a larger effort during this period to delineate Christian worship practices from Jewish traditions, as Christianity was establishing its own identity. By discouraging Sabbath observance, the Council aimed to reinforce the primacy of Sunday, which was already being recognized by many Christians as a day of celebration and rest devoted to worship.

The other choices do not accurately represent the Council's declarations or intentions. There was no encouragement for Sabbath observance, nor was there a flexible approach suggested; rather, the Council was definitive in its prohibition, aligning the Christian community more closely with the practices that favored Sunday over Saturday as a day of worship. Additionally, the Council did not declare Saturday as a holy day, which further aligns with its intent to shift focus to Sunday.