Easter is one of the most important and celebrated events in Christianity. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion, an event that is foundational to Christian faith and doctrine. But, despite its significance in Christian tradition, the word “Easter” itself does not appear frequently in most translations of the Bible. This leads many to ask: why is Easter so central to Christianity, and why is it not explicitly mentioned in the biblical texts as a term, even though the resurrection of Jesus is one of the key events recorded in the Scriptures?
To understand why Easter is in the Bible, we must explore several aspects: the biblical foundation for celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, the development of the Easter celebration in early Christian tradition, and the relationship between the resurrection and the wider themes of redemption and salvation in the Bible. This exploration will help clarify the significance of Easter in Christian faith and its place in the Scriptures.
The Resurrection of Jesus in the Bible: The Foundation of Easter
The primary event that Easter celebrates—the resurrection of Jesus Christ—is firmly rooted in the New Testament Gospels. Each of the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—devotes significant space to the account of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus is presented as the pivotal moment in human history, the moment when Jesus conquered sin and death, fulfilling God’s plan of redemption for humanity.
The Gospel Accounts of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is a clear and central message in the New Testament. All four Gospels highlight this event as the climax of Jesus’ earthly ministry. For example, in the Gospel of Matthew, the resurrection is described as an event of profound power and divine intervention. In Matthew 28:5-6, the angel at the tomb tells the women who came to anoint Jesus’ body:”But the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.'” (Matthew 28:5-6, KJV)
This passage emphasizes that Jesus’ resurrection was in accordance with His previous teachings, and it affirms that He had risen, as He promised.
Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, the resurrection is a defining moment. In Mark 16:6, the angel tells the women at the tomb:”But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.'” (Mark 16:6, KJV)
In the Gospel of Luke, the resurrection is described as a transformational event, not only for Jesus but for His followers as well. In Luke 24:5-6, the angel speaks to the women who came to the tomb:”Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee…” (Luke 24:5-6, KJV)
Finally, in the Gospel of John, Jesus’ resurrection is marked by His personal appearance to Mary Magdalene and the disciples. In John 20:19-20, after appearing to Mary, Jesus appears to the disciples, saying:”Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21, KJV)
These accounts form the backbone of the Easter celebration. The resurrection of Jesus is not just a miraculous event; it is a declaration of victory over death and a promise of eternal life for all believers. The Bible emphasizes the centrality of the resurrection to Christian belief, making it one of the most important theological themes in both the Old and New Testaments.
The Resurrection as the Fulfillment of Prophecy
The resurrection of Jesus is also understood as the fulfillment of various Old Testament prophecies and the promises of the coming Messiah. The resurrection was not a random event but the culmination of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Numerous Old Testament passages point forward to the Messiah’s victory over death and His role in bringing salvation.
For example, Psalm 16:10, often understood as a messianic prophecy, speaks of God not allowing His faithful one to see corruption:”For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” (Psalm 16:10, KJV)
This verse is referenced in Acts 2:31, where the Apostle Peter interprets the resurrection of Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophecy:”He, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.” (Acts 2:31, KJV)
The resurrection is also foreshadowed in the story of Jonah, where Jonah spends three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, and then is released. Jesus refers to this event in Matthew 12:40, explaining that His time in the tomb will be similar:”For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40, KJV)
In these ways, the resurrection is woven into the fabric of biblical prophecy, pointing to the larger theme of redemption and the coming of God’s kingdom.
The Development of the Easter Celebration in Early Christianity
Although the Bible itself does not use the word “Easter” in relation to the resurrection of Jesus, the celebration of the event soon became a key part of Christian tradition. The early Christian church, which was initially composed of Jewish followers of Jesus, continued to observe many Jewish customs, including the observance of the Passover. The first Christians saw Jesus’ death and resurrection as the fulfillment of the Passover lamb, an event that marks the liberation of God’s people.
The word “Easter” itself comes from the Old English word “Eostre,” which was the name of a pagan goddess of fertility and spring. The early church adopted the term to refer to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, which occurred in the spring around the time of the Jewish Passover. Over time, the term “Easter” became the accepted name for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection in most of the Christian world.
Early Christians, especially after the apostolic age, began to observe the resurrection of Jesus with specific rituals and feasts. The first evidence of a formal Christian observance of Easter comes from the second century. By the fourth century, the celebration of Easter had become widespread, and it was recognized as the central event of the Christian liturgical calendar. The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, ensuring that the celebration would occur during the spring season.
Why is Easter Not Mentioned Explicitly in the Bible?
The absence of the term “Easter” in most biblical translations can be attributed to the fact that the Bible was written in a different cultural and linguistic context. The word “Easter” as a term for the resurrection celebration did not exist during the time the New Testament was written. The early Christian community celebrated the resurrection of Jesus, but they did not have a single, universally recognized term for the event. Instead, they referred to it as the “feast of the resurrection” or simply the “resurrection day.”
In the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, the word “Easter” appears only once, in Acts 12:4. However, this usage of “Easter” is a mistranslation of the Greek word “Pascha,” which means “Passover.” In Acts 12:4, the reference is to the time around the Jewish Passover, and the word “Easter” was mistakenly used in place of “Passover.” A more accurate translation would have used “Passover” to refer to the Jewish feast rather than the Christian celebration of the resurrection.
The term “Easter” became more widespread as Christian theology and traditions developed in the centuries following the writing of the New Testament. It was used to distinguish the Christian observance of the resurrection from the Jewish Passover and other springtime festivals.
Theological Significance of Easter in the Bible
Even though the term “Easter” is not explicitly used in the Bible to describe the resurrection of Jesus, the theological implications of the resurrection are deeply embedded in the text. The resurrection is the central message of the New Testament, as it affirms the victory of Jesus over sin and death and the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him. It is a manifestation of God’s power and love, and it brings hope and renewal to all who place their faith in Christ.
Jesus’ resurrection is seen as the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation and the inauguration of God’s Kingdom on earth. It is a key part of the gospel message and the means by which humanity is reconciled to God. As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 6:4:”Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4, KJV)
Easter, as a celebration of the resurrection, is a reminder to Christians of the hope of eternal life and the new life that is available through faith in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
While the term “Easter” is not explicitly used in most biblical translations, the event it celebrates—the resurrection of Jesus Christ—has profound biblical significance. The resurrection of Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity, as foretold in the Scriptures. It is the cornerstone of Christian faith and the foundation of the hope of eternal life.
Easter has become the focal point of Christian worship, celebrated as the day that Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. It is a day of joy, renewal, and hope for believers, reminding them of the power of God’s love and the promise of new life in Christ. The biblical account of the resurrection is what gives meaning to the celebration of Easter, and while the term itself may not be explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the event it represents is central to the Christian faith.
You Might Be Interested In: