Someone once said, “What is Easter but the
resurrection of Christ. Should we not therefore
observe it?” That’s an interesting statement, and
obviously there are many people around the world
who believe the same thing. However, the greater
question is, “What is Easter?” Before we observe
something religiously we must first determine if it is
Scriptural. For example, did you know that the so-
called Christian holiday of Easter is never mentioned
in the Bible? To be sure, the word “Easter” is
mentioned once in the King James Version of the
Bible (in Acts 12:4), but it is not in reference to any
Christian holy day. In fact, the New Testament Greek
word for Easter is “pascha” meaning “Passover” (a
Jewish holy period). You see, the context of Acts 12:
4 has no relationship with the resurrection of Christ at
all, but rather deals with King Herod’s persecution of
Christians at the time of the Passover (vv.1-3). Thus,
the English word “Easter” is a confusing term
supplied by the translators and is of Pagan origin
(originally “Eostre,” an Anglo-Saxon term meaning
“goddess of spring,” or “fertility”).
Certainly Christians are to observe Christ’s death till
He comes (1 Cor. 11:23-26), and we have authority
to do that every Sunday (cf. Acts 20:7). Furthermore,
His resurrection is the foundation of our very faith
(1 Pet. 1:3). However, the annual observance of
Easter is a human concept. Manmade religious
customs do not please God. Of such Jesus said,
“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and
honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from
Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as
doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:8-9).
(Please also read verse 13).