Easter is one of the most important days for Christians around the world. It is the day we remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. But many people ask, “Where did Easter come from in the Bible?” Is the word “Easter” even found in the Bible? Why do we celebrate it the way we do today?
This article will answer those questions in a simple and clear way. We will explore what the Bible says about the resurrection of Jesus, how the early Christians celebrated it, and how Easter became what it is today.
What Does “Easter” Mean?
The word “Easter” is used mostly in English-speaking countries. It comes from an old English word, “Ēastre” or “Ēostre,” which was the name of a spring festival. Some people think this name came from a pagan goddess, but there is not much clear evidence of this.
In most other languages, the word for Easter comes from the Hebrew word “Pesach,” which means Passover. For example, in Spanish it is “Pascua,” in French it is “Pâques,” and in Italian it is “Pasqua.”
This connection is important, because the Bible links the resurrection of Jesus with the Jewish Passover. Jesus died during Passover week. His resurrection happened three days later. So, in the Bible, Easter is closely tied to Passover.
Is the Word “Easter” in the Bible?
In most modern translations of the Bible, the word “Easter” does not appear. However, in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, the word “Easter” is found in Acts 12:4:
“And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” (Acts 12:4, KJV)
But in the original Greek text, the word used is “Pascha,” which means Passover. Most modern translations correct this and use the word “Passover” instead of “Easter.” So, while the word “Easter” appears in the KJV, it is not actually a direct reference to the resurrection. It is a translation choice.
So where does Easter come from in the Bible? It comes from the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, which is found in all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The Resurrection of Jesus in the Bible
Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about the resurrection of Jesus. This is the true meaning of Easter.
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection
Before Jesus died, He told His disciples that He would suffer, die, and rise again. In Matthew 16:21, it says:
“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things… and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
This was not a surprise. Jesus knew what would happen, and He tried to prepare His followers for it.
The Crucifixion and Burial
Jesus was crucified on a Friday, which we now call Good Friday. He was nailed to a cross, died, and was buried in a tomb. This event is told in all four Gospels.
Luke 23:46 says:
“Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.”
Jesus was taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb. A large stone was rolled in front of it, and guards were placed there.
The Resurrection on the Third Day
Early on Sunday morning, some women went to the tomb and found it empty. Angels told them that Jesus had risen from the dead.
Luke 24:5-6 says:
“‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!’”
This is the moment we celebrate on Easter Sunday. Jesus came back to life. He conquered death and proved that He is the Son of God.
Why Is the Resurrection Important?
The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. Without it, there would be no Christianity.
1 Corinthians 15:17 says:
“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”
The resurrection shows that Jesus has power over sin and death. It means that we can have forgiveness and eternal life through Him. This is the true message of Easter—not chocolate eggs or bunnies, but new life in Christ.
How Did Early Christians Celebrate the Resurrection?
The early church did not call it “Easter.” But they did celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, especially on Sundays.
Acts 20:7 says:
“On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.”
This shows that Christians gathered on Sundays to remember Jesus. Sunday was important because it was the day Jesus rose from the dead.
In time, some churches began to celebrate the resurrection once a year. They would do it around the time of Passover, just like when it originally happened. This yearly celebration became what we now call Easter.
The Connection Between Passover and Easter
Passover was the time when Jews remembered how God freed them from slavery in Egypt. They sacrificed a lamb and ate unleavened bread.
When Jesus died during Passover, He became our Passover Lamb. The Bible says:
“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)
This is why Easter is deeply connected to the Old Testament. Just like the Israelites were saved by the blood of a lamb, we are saved by the blood of Jesus.
How Did Easter Traditions Begin?
Many of the Easter traditions we know today—like eggs, bunnies, and candy—are not found in the Bible. They came later, often from local customs and cultures.
Easter Eggs
Eggs were seen as a symbol of new life. In some traditions, people would fast during Lent and not eat eggs. On Easter, they would finally eat them again.
Some also say that the egg represents the empty tomb—a shell that looks full but is empty inside, just like the tomb after Jesus rose.
Easter Bunny
The idea of an Easter bunny likely came from European folklore. Rabbits are a symbol of life and birth, but this tradition is not from the Bible.
Sunrise Services
Some churches hold sunrise services on Easter morning. This comes from the story of the women going to the tomb at dawn and finding it empty. It is a way to remember the moment of the resurrection.
What Should Easter Mean for Us Today?
While many people celebrate Easter with candy and decorations, the most important part of Easter is the resurrection of Jesus. It is a time to reflect on what He did for us.
Easter should remind us that:
- Jesus died for our sins.
- He rose from the dead.
- He offers eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Romans 10:9 says:
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This is the heart of Easter. It is not just a holiday. It is the story of salvation.
How to Celebrate Easter in a Biblical Way
If you want to celebrate Easter in a way that honors God, here are some simple ideas:
1. Read the Resurrection Story
Take time to read the story from one of the Gospels. Try Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, or John 20.
2. Reflect and Pray
Spend time in prayer, thanking Jesus for His sacrifice and asking Him to help you live for Him.
3. Attend Church
Worship with others and remember the power of the resurrection together.
4. Share the Good News
Easter is a great time to tell others about Jesus and what He has done. Share the hope you have in Him.
Conclusion: Where Did Easter Come From in the Bible?
Easter is not just a holiday. It is the celebration of the most important event in history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
While the word “Easter” is not commonly used in the Bible, the event it stands for is at the heart of the Gospel. The Bible tells us clearly that Jesus rose from the dead, and that through Him, we can have eternal life.
So where did Easter come from in the Bible? It came from the empty tomb. It came from the Risen Savior. And it is something worth celebrating—not just once a year, but every day.
Let Easter be more than a tradition. Let it be a reminder of the hope we have in Jesus, who died and rose again to give us life.
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