Easter is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian calendar. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, an event that Christians believe is the foundation of their faith. But if you look closely at the Bible, the word “Easter” itself is not frequently mentioned. In this article, we will explore how the concept of Easter is reflected in the Bible, why it is significant to Christians, and how the event of the resurrection is described in Scripture.
The Word “Easter” in the Bible
One of the most common questions about Easter is whether the word “Easter” appears in the Bible. The truth is, the word “Easter” is only mentioned once in most English translations of the Bible, and that is in Acts 12:4. This passage occurs during the story of the Apostle Peter‘s imprisonment. Let’s look at the verse in the King James Version (KJV):
“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.”
Here, “Easter” is used in the context of a time period after the Passover festival. Some readers are surprised to find this word used in a Bible that primarily speaks about the Jewish Passover, but this particular translation issue is worth noting.
Understanding the Context of Acts 12:4
The use of “Easter” in Acts 12:4 may seem strange to many Christians because it refers to a celebration that had not yet been established in the early church when this passage was written. The word “Easter” in the KJV is actually a mistranslation. The original Greek word used in the New Testament is “Pascha,” which means Passover. Most modern Bible translations, such as the New International Version (NIV), correct this and translate the word as “Passover” instead of “Easter.”
So, Acts 12:4 is not directly referring to the Christian holiday of Easter, but to the Jewish Passover feast. This confusion comes from the history of how the word “Easter” came into use in the Christian context.
The Significance of the Resurrection in the Bible
Even though the word “Easter” appears only once in the Bible, the event it represents—the resurrection of Jesus Christ—is discussed extensively in the New Testament. The resurrection is the most important event in Christianity, and it is mentioned in numerous passages throughout the Gospels and Epistles.
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, and the Bible presents it as proof of Christ’s divinity and His victory over sin and death. The event is a declaration that Jesus is the Son of God and that through His death and resurrection, believers can have eternal life.
The Resurrection in the Gospels
The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) each provide an account of Jesus’ resurrection. In these accounts, we learn that after Jesus was crucified and buried, He rose from the dead on the third day. The resurrection is described in detail in all four Gospels, with each one offering a unique perspective.
- Matthew 28:1-10: In Matthew’s Gospel, we read about Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visiting the tomb and encountering an angel who tells them that Jesus has risen from the dead. They are then instructed to go and tell the disciples.
- Mark 16:1-8: Mark’s Gospel also describes how women went to the tomb and found it empty. They are told by an angel that Jesus has risen, and they are to share the news with the disciples.
- Luke 24:1-12: In Luke’s account, the women visit the tomb early in the morning and find that Jesus’ body is gone. Two angels appear and tell them that He has risen.
- John 20:1-18: John’s account provides more detail, including the moment when Mary Magdalene first encounters the risen Jesus. She mistakes Him for the gardener but later recognizes Him.
The Apostle Paul’s Teaching on the Resurrection
In addition to the Gospels, the Apostle Paul writes about the significance of the resurrection in his letters to the early churches. For Paul, the resurrection is central to the Christian faith. In 1 Corinthians 15:17, he emphasizes that if Christ had not risen from the dead, then the Christian faith would be in vain.
“And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”
This verse underlines the importance of the resurrection in the Christian doctrine. Without the resurrection, there would be no hope of forgiveness or eternal life. The resurrection assures believers that Jesus has conquered death and offers the gift of eternal life to all who believe in Him.
The Resurrection in Christian Worship
Although the Bible does not explicitly mention Easter as a holiday, the early Christians began to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus each year. This celebration became known as the “Paschal Feast,” which later evolved into the modern Easter celebration. The church chose to observe this feast on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox, symbolizing the new life that Jesus brought into the world.
Early Christians likely celebrated the resurrection weekly, gathering on Sundays (the “Lord’s Day”) to commemorate the event. Over time, however, the annual observance of Easter became the focal point for celebrating Christ’s resurrection. The Bible does not provide a specific date for the resurrection, but the church’s observance of Easter helps Christians reflect on this powerful event.
The Origins of the Name “Easter”
The term “Easter” itself is believed to have come from the name of a pagan goddess, Eostre, who was associated with spring and renewal. The word “Easter” may have been adopted by early Christians to coincide with pagan celebrations of the arrival of spring. Some scholars argue that the church used the existing cultural celebrations to make the Christian message more accessible to people.
Others believe that the word “Easter” comes from the Old English word “ēastre,” which refers to the time of the year when the days grow longer and the earth comes back to life. This connection to the natural world symbolizes the new life Christians believe they receive through Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
Easter and the Passover Connection
One important aspect of the timing of Easter is its close connection to the Jewish Passover. The resurrection of Jesus occurred during the Jewish festival of Passover, which celebrates God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Jesus’ death and resurrection are seen as the fulfillment of the Passover symbolism, as He became the ultimate “Lamb of God” whose sacrifice takes away the sins of the world.
The Bible makes this connection clear in passages such as John 1:29, where John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God:
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
This idea is reinforced in 1 Corinthians 5:7, where Paul refers to Christ as the Passover lamb:
“Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.”
So, while the word “Easter” is not mentioned often in the Bible, the event it represents—the resurrection of Jesus—is deeply rooted in Scripture. Christians celebrate this event because it is the foundation of their faith and hope for eternal life.
Conclusion
Although the Bible does not use the word “Easter” very frequently, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is at the heart of the Christian message. The resurrection is described in the Gospels, preached by the Apostle Paul, and central to Christian worship. Christians believe that through Jesus’ victory over death, they have the hope of eternal life.
The holiday of Easter, with its rich traditions and celebrations, serves as a reminder to Christians of the great gift that Christ’s resurrection offers. It is a time to reflect on the new life that Jesus brings, not only in the future but also in the present, as believers experience transformation through His power.
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