Easter is one of the most widely observed Christian holidays, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For many, it is a time of joyful celebration, marked by church services, music, feasting, and symbolic traditions like the Easter egg. Yet, a common question persists among Bible students and faithful believers: Is Easter a biblical holiday? Does its observance stem from divine commandment or early church tradition? Or does it carry non-biblical or even pagan roots that make its celebration questionable?
This article explores the origin of Easter, its connection—or lack thereof—to the Bible, and how Christians might view the holiday in light of Scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Easter?
The Resurrection: A Central Biblical Event
While the Bible does not use the word “Easter” (except in one questionable translation), it unquestionably records and emphasizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event is central to the Christian faith and is described in all four Gospels—Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20.
The Apostle Paul highlights its foundational importance in 1 Corinthians 15:14, saying, “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” The resurrection is not just a historical event; it is the cornerstone of salvation, confirming Jesus as the Son of God and offering the promise of eternal life to believers.
Thus, although the word “Easter” itself does not prominently appear in Scripture, the event that Easter celebrates—the resurrection—is thoroughly biblical.
The One Mention of “Easter” in the Bible
In the King James Version (KJV), the word “Easter” appears 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.”
However, this is a mistranslation. The Greek word used is Pascha, which means Passover. Nearly all modern Bible translations, such as the ESV, NASB, and NIV, render the term correctly as “Passover,” not Easter. This indicates that the use of the term “Easter” in that verse was a translation choice, not an endorsement of the holiday in the biblical text.
The Origin of the Easter Holiday
Early Christian Observance of the Resurrection
Although the Bible does not command believers to observe a special annual holiday to commemorate the resurrection, early Christians did celebrate the event regularly—but not necessarily in the way Easter is celebrated today.
The early church gathered every Sunday (the first day of the week) in honor of Christ’s resurrection. This is reflected in verses like Acts 20:7, “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.” Sunday became known as the Lord’s Day, a weekly memorial of the resurrection.
By the second century, some Christian communities began to develop a special annual celebration of the resurrection, which became known as Pascha—the Greek and Latin word for Passover. This celebration originally occurred around the time of the Jewish Passover, in remembrance of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
The Influence of Pagan Customs
As Christianity spread into Gentile (non-Jewish) cultures, certain pagan springtime traditions were incorporated into the observance of the resurrection. These included symbols of fertility and rebirth, such as eggs, rabbits, and spring festivals.
The English word “Easter” is often believed to derive from Eostre (or Ēastre), a pagan Germanic goddess associated with spring and fertility. However, this origin is debated among scholars. Regardless, the adoption of springtime symbols into the celebration of Christ’s resurrection was a cultural adaptation, not something derived from Scripture.
Thus, while the resurrection is a biblical event, the holiday of Easter—as it is commonly celebrated today—includes non-biblical traditions and customs.
Biblical Feasts vs. Christian Holidays
The Feasts Commanded by God
In the Old Testament, God gave Israel several festivals to observe, including Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, and others (Leviticus 23). These feasts were commanded by God and held deep spiritual significance.
Notably, the Passover foreshadowed the sacrificial death of Christ. As 1 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Jesus was crucified during Passover week, fulfilling the prophetic meaning of that feast.
Nowhere in the Bible, however, are Christians commanded to observe Easter or any specific holiday to commemorate the resurrection. The New Testament emphasizes spiritual realities over ritual observances and does not lay out a religious calendar for Christian festivals.
Christian Liberty in Observing Days
The Apostle Paul addressed this issue of observing special days in Romans 14:5-6:
“One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord.”
This suggests that Christians have freedom regarding the observance of religious days. If Easter is celebrated in honor of the Lord’s resurrection, it can be a meaningful spiritual practice. However, it is not mandated by Scripture, and Christians should not judge others for observing or not observing it.
Can Christians Celebrate Easter Biblically?
Celebrating the Resurrection with a Pure Heart
If Easter is not commanded in Scripture, should Christians avoid it? Not necessarily. The key is how and why it is celebrated. If the focus is on honoring Jesus Christ, rejoicing in His resurrection, and teaching biblical truth, then Easter can be a powerful time of worship and witness.
Church services that center on the resurrection story, Bible readings from the Gospels, and songs that glorify Christ’s victory over death are all appropriate and meaningful.
Avoiding Superficial or Pagan Elements
Christians who wish to celebrate Easter should also be cautious not to allow non-biblical customs to overshadow the spiritual significance of the resurrection. Emphasizing chocolate bunnies, egg hunts, or commercialism can easily distort the purpose of the day.
While not inherently sinful, these cultural elements should not take center stage. Instead, believers are encouraged to keep Christ at the center, using the day as an opportunity to share the Gospel and reflect on the power of the resurrection.
Alternative Biblical Observances
The Lord’s Day: Weekly Resurrection Celebration
Many Christians rightly point out that every Sunday is a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. This is why the early church met on the first day of the week—to honor the risen Christ (Revelation 1:10, “the Lord’s Day”).
Rather than placing exclusive emphasis on one day a year, Christians are encouraged to live in the power of the resurrection daily and gather weekly with other believers to worship and remember what Jesus has done.
Passover and the Resurrection
Some Christians, particularly those with a Messianic background, choose to commemorate Passover instead of Easter. They emphasize how Jesus fulfilled the meaning of Passover as the sacrificial Lamb of God. During Passover, they reflect on the events of the crucifixion and resurrection using Scripture, unleavened bread, and symbolic elements drawn from the Jewish Seder.
This approach can offer a biblical and historically rooted way to remember the redemptive work of Christ, free from modern cultural trappings.
Conclusion: Easter and the Bible
So, is Easter a biblical holiday? The answer is yes and no.
Yes, in the sense that the event Easter commemorates—the resurrection of Jesus—is entirely biblical and central to the Gospel.
No, in the sense that the Bible does not command the celebration of Easter as a religious holiday, and much of what we associate with Easter today (such as the name, eggs, and bunnies) comes from cultural and pagan traditions.
However, this does not mean that Christians should reject Easter altogether. Rather, believers should be thoughtful and intentional in how they observe it. If Easter is used to glorify Christ, proclaim His resurrection, and edify the church, it can be a beautiful expression of faith.
But it should not become a source of legalism, judgment, or distraction. Whether one chooses to observe Easter or not, the guiding principle should be as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
In the end, Christ’s resurrection is worth celebrating—every day, not just once a year. Easter can serve as a powerful reminder of that truth, but the biblical call is to live in resurrection power daily, honoring the risen Savior in all we do.
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