Easter, though not commonly named in most Bible translations, is firmly rooted in the Scriptures through detailed accounts of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. These pivotal events are recorded across all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—each offering a vivid narrative of Christ’s death, the discovery of the empty tomb, and the announcement that He had risen. While the King James Version uniquely uses the word “Easter” in Acts 12:4 due to a translation choice, the original Greek word refers to “Passover,” tying Easter to its Jewish roots and emphasizing the profound connection between Jesus’ sacrifice and the Passover lamb.
The resurrection of Jesus is the heart of Easter and the cornerstone of Christian belief. It validates Christ’s identity, fulfills prophecy, and assures believers of eternal life. Paul and other New Testament writers underscore its theological weight, highlighting the hope, new life, and victory over sin it brings. Numerous eyewitness accounts further affirm the reality of the resurrection, making Easter not only a celebration of history but a declaration of faith. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the Scriptures and discover how Easter’s message continues to shape Christian life today.
Easter, a significant Christian holiday, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It’s a cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing hope, renewal, and victory over sin and death. But if you’re curious about where Easter is mentioned in the Bible, you might be surprised to learn that the term “Easter” itself doesn’t appear in most translations of the Bible. Instead, the Bible recounts the events that Easter commemorates, primarily focusing on Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
The Crucifixion and Resurrection in the Gospels
The foundation of Easter lies in the Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books provide detailed accounts of Jesus’ final days, crucifixion, and resurrection. Here’s a closer look at each:
Matthew
In Matthew 27-28, you’ll find a vivid description of the crucifixion and resurrection. Matthew 27:50-53 says, “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open.” This passage sets the stage for the resurrection, which is detailed in Matthew 28. Here, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visit Jesus’ tomb and find it empty, with an angel proclaiming, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6).
Mark
Mark’s account, found in chapters 15 and 16, mirrors much of what Matthew describes. Mark 15:37-39 notes, “With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’” The resurrection narrative in Mark 16 tells of the women discovering the empty tomb and an angel informing them that Jesus has risen (Mark 16:6).
Luke
Luke 23-24 provides another detailed account. Luke 23:46 states, “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.” Luke 24 recounts the resurrection morning, where women find the stone rolled away from the tomb and two men in gleaming clothes who tell them, “He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:6).
John
John’s Gospel offers a unique perspective. John 19:30 describes Jesus’ final moments: “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” The resurrection story unfolds in John 20, where Mary Magdalene finds the stone removed from the entrance and later encounters the risen Christ, who tells her, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father” (John 20:17).
The Term “Easter” in the Bible
The word “Easter” itself doesn’t appear in most Bible translations. The King James Version (KJV) is an exception, where Acts 12:4 uses “Easter” in a mistranslation of the Greek word “Pascha,” which means Passover. Here’s the context: “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). Most modern translations correctly render this as “Passover.”
The Significance of Passover
Understanding Easter’s roots in Passover is crucial. Passover, a Jewish festival, commemorates the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It’s during Passover that Jesus was crucified and resurrected, creating a profound link between the two events. The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with his disciples, was a Passover meal (Luke 22:7-8). Paul, in 1 Corinthians 5:7, explicitly connects Christ to Passover: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
The Resurrection: Foundation of Easter
The heart of Easter is the resurrection, a foundational belief for Christians. Paul emphasizes its importance in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” The resurrection assures believers of Jesus’ victory over death and the promise of eternal life.
Eyewitness Testimonies
The Bible records numerous post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, reinforcing the truth of the resurrection. Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:14-16), to two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), to the disciples (John 20:19-29), and to over 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:6).
Theological Implications
Easter’s theological significance is immense. It validates Jesus’ divinity and the truth of his teachings. Romans 6:4 explains, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” The resurrection offers hope for new life and eternal salvation for believers.
Hope and Renewal
Easter symbolizes hope and renewal. As 1 Peter 1:3 states, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” This living hope is a central theme of the Christian faith, offering believers assurance and strength in their daily lives.
Conclusion
While the term “Easter” isn’t explicitly mentioned in most Bible translations, the events it commemorates—the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus—are thoroughly documented in the Gospels. Easter is a celebration of the profound and transformative power of Jesus’ resurrection, offering hope, renewal, and the promise of eternal life. As you reflect on these biblical accounts, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Easter’s significance and its foundational role in the Christian faith.
FAQs on Where Easter Is Mentioned In The Bible
1. Is the word “Easter” mentioned in the Bible?
No, the word “Easter” does not appear in most translations of the Bible. The King James Version (KJV) mentions “Easter” in Acts 12:4, but this is a mistranslation of the Greek word “Pascha,” which means Passover.
2. What are the key Bible passages that describe the events of Easter?
The key passages describing the events of Easter are found in the Gospels:
- Matthew 27-28
- Mark 15-16
- Luke 23-24
- John 19-20
3. What does the Bible say about the resurrection of Jesus?
The Bible describes the resurrection of Jesus in detail, highlighting it as a foundational event for Christian faith. The resurrection is documented in the Gospels (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20) and is emphasized by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 as essential to the Christian faith.
4. How is Easter connected to Passover?
Easter has its roots in Passover, a Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. Jesus was crucified during Passover, and the Last Supper was a Passover meal. This connection underscores the significance of Jesus as the Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (1 Corinthians 5:7).
5. Why is the resurrection important to Christians?
The resurrection is crucial because it validates Jesus’ divinity and the truth of his teachings. It assures believers of victory over sin and death and the promise of eternal life. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:14 that without the resurrection, Christian faith and preaching would be useless.
6. Who witnessed Jesus’ resurrection according to the Bible?
The Bible records several post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, including:
- Mary Magdalene (John 20:14-16)
- Two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)
- The disciples (John 20:19-29)
- Over 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:6)
7. What does Easter symbolize in the Christian faith?
Easter symbolizes hope, renewal, and the promise of eternal life. It celebrates Jesus’ victory over death and his resurrection, offering believers assurance and a living hope (1 Peter 1:3).
8. Are there any Old Testament prophecies that predict the resurrection of Jesus?
Yes, several Old Testament prophecies hint at the resurrection, including:
- Psalm 16:10, which states, “You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.”
- Isaiah 53:10-11, which speaks of the suffering servant seeing the light of life and being satisfied.
9. How do different Christian denominations celebrate Easter?
Different Christian denominations have various traditions to celebrate Easter, including:
- Attending church services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday
- Participating in Easter Vigil services
- Observing Lent, a period of fasting and repentance leading up to Easter
- Holding sunrise services and decorating with symbols of new life, like flowers and eggs.
10. What is the theological significance of Easter for Christians today?
Easter’s theological significance lies in its confirmation of Jesus’ resurrection, which offers believers hope for new life and eternal salvation. It emphasizes the transformative power of Christ’s victory over death, encouraging Christians to live with renewed faith and purpose.
These FAQs provide a concise yet thorough overview of the essential points related to Easter in the Bible, helping readers understand its significance and biblical foundations.
