Easter may not be explicitly named in most Bible translations, but its message is woven deeply throughout Scripture—particularly in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books chronicle the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the central event that gives Easter its meaning. Verses like Matthew 28:6 and Luke 24:6 proclaim, “He is not here; He has risen,” anchoring the celebration in a powerful, eyewitness account of the empty tomb. While the term “Easter” itself has historical roots outside the Bible, the event it represents—Jesus’ resurrection—is a cornerstone of Christian faith and the ultimate symbol of victory over sin and death.
Beyond the Gospels, the resurrection’s significance is echoed in Acts, Romans, and 1 Corinthians, where Paul and other apostles explain its lasting impact. Paul even calls Jesus our “Passover Lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7), linking Easter to the Old Testament story of redemption and deliverance. These connections deepen our understanding of Easter, not just as a day of celebration, but as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Keep reading to discover how each book of the Bible contributes to the rich, transformative story of Easter.
Easter is a significant celebration for Christians, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This event is the cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing hope, renewal, and victory over sin and death. But when you look into the Bible, you might wonder: What book in the Bible actually mentions Easter?
Easter in the Bible: A Quick Overview
The term “Easter” itself isn’t found in most modern translations of the Bible. The word “Easter” comes from “Ēostre,” an Anglo-Saxon goddess associated with spring. In the Bible, the event we know as Easter is referred to as “Passover” or the “Feast of Unleavened Bread.” The connection between the resurrection of Jesus and this Jewish festival is significant and deeply rooted in Christian theology.
The Gospel Accounts of Easter
The resurrection of Jesus is detailed in the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel provides its own perspective on the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
1. Matthew
In the book of Matthew, the resurrection account is found in Chapter 28. After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. An angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone, and sat on it. The angel told the women, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:6).
2. Mark
Mark’s Gospel, in Chapter 16, recounts how Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb and found the stone rolled away. A young man in a white robe, an angel, told them, “He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him” (Mark 16:6).
3. Luke
In Luke Chapter 24, women who went to Jesus’ tomb found it empty. Two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them and said, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6).
4. John
John’s Gospel provides a detailed account in Chapters 20 and 21. Mary Magdalene found the stone removed from the entrance and ran to tell Peter and John. Jesus appeared to Mary and later to His disciples, showing them His hands and side. Thomas, who doubted, believed after touching Jesus’ wounds, leading to Jesus’ famous words, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29).
The Significance of Passover
The Gospels connect Jesus’ resurrection with the Jewish festival of Passover. Passover commemorates the Israelites’ escape from Egyptian slavery, marked by the sacrifice of a lamb and the spreading of its blood on doorposts to protect them from the final plague. Jesus is often referred to as the “Lamb of God,” symbolizing His sacrifice for humanity’s sins.
In 1 Corinthians 5:7, Paul writes, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” This underscores the theological connection between Jesus’ death and resurrection and the Passover celebration.
Easter and the New Testament
While the Gospels provide the narrative of Jesus’ resurrection, other New Testament books reflect on its significance.
1. Acts
The book of Acts, written by Luke, details the early church’s history and how the apostles spread the message of Jesus’ resurrection. Acts 2:24 says, “But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”
2. 1 Corinthians
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul discusses the importance of the resurrection: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Paul emphasizes that Jesus’ resurrection is a guarantee of eternal life for believers.
3. Romans
Paul’s letter to the Romans also highlights the significance of Jesus’ resurrection. Romans 6:9 states, “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.”
Celebrating Easter Today
Christians celebrate Easter with various traditions, from sunrise services to Easter egg hunts. These practices symbolize new life and Jesus’ victory over death. The Easter celebration usually follows Lent, a period of fasting and reflection, culminating in Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and finally Easter Sunday.
The Message of Easter
Easter is more than a historical event; it’s a message of hope and redemption. Jesus’ resurrection is a testament to God’s power and love. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:10-11, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”
Conclusion
While the word “Easter” isn’t directly mentioned in the Bible, the events celebrated during Easter are well-documented and profoundly significant in Christian faith. The resurrection accounts in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, along with reflections in Acts, Corinthians, and Romans, form the biblical foundation for the Easter celebration. This pivotal event marks the triumph of life over death, offering believers hope and a promise of eternal life.
By understanding these biblical roots, you can appreciate the depth and meaning behind Easter, celebrating not just a holiday, but a pivotal moment in the Christian narrative.
FAQs: What Book in the Bible Mentions Easter?
1. Is the word “Easter” mentioned in the Bible?
No, the word “Easter” itself is not mentioned in most modern translations of the Bible. The events celebrated during Easter are referred to as “Passover” or the “Feast of Unleavened Bread.”
2. Which books in the Bible describe the resurrection of Jesus?
The resurrection of Jesus is described in the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
3. What chapter in Matthew describes the resurrection of Jesus?
The resurrection of Jesus is described in Matthew Chapter 28.
4. Where in Mark can I read about the resurrection?
The resurrection account can be found in Mark Chapter 16.
5. What does Luke say about Jesus’ resurrection?
Luke describes the resurrection of Jesus in Chapter 24, where women find the empty tomb and are informed by angels that Jesus has risen.
6. How is the resurrection described in the Gospel of John?
The Gospel of John details the resurrection in Chapters 20 and 21, including appearances of Jesus to Mary Magdalene and His disciples.
7. What is the connection between Easter and Passover?
Easter is closely connected to Passover. Jesus’ death and resurrection occurred around the time of Passover, and He is often referred to as the “Lamb of God,” symbolizing His sacrificial role similar to the Passover lamb.
8. Does the New Testament mention the significance of Jesus’ resurrection?
Yes, several New Testament books reflect on the significance of Jesus’ resurrection, including Acts, 1 Corinthians, and Romans.
9. Why is Easter important in Christianity?
Easter is important because it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the victory over sin and death.
10. How do Christians celebrate Easter?
Christians celebrate Easter with various traditions such as sunrise services, church gatherings, and Easter egg hunts. These practices symbolize new life and Jesus’ victory over death.
11. What does Paul say about the resurrection in 1 Corinthians?
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul emphasizes the importance of the resurrection, stating that if Christ has not been raised, Christian faith is futile, and believers are still in their sins.
12. Where in Romans is the resurrection of Jesus discussed?
Romans 6:9 discusses the resurrection of Jesus, stating that Christ, having been raised from the dead, cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him.
13. What message does Easter convey to Christians?
Easter conveys a message of hope, redemption, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus’ resurrection. It emphasizes God’s power and love for humanity.
14. How is the resurrection of Jesus celebrated during Holy Week?
Holy Week includes several important days: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, each marking significant events leading up to and including the resurrection of Jesus.
15. What is the significance of Easter eggs in the celebration?
Easter eggs symbolize new life and resurrection. The tradition of Easter egg hunts and decorating eggs is a fun way to celebrate the new life that Jesus’ resurrection brings.
