Topical Encyclopedia Easter, a central celebration in Christianity, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This event is foundational to Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death. The timing of Easter is intricately linked to the Jewish festival of Passover, which provides a rich historical and theological backdrop for understanding the significance of Easter.Passover in the Old Testament Passover, or Pesach, is one of the most important feasts in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The Lord instructed Moses and Aaron regarding the Passover: "This month is to be the beginning of months for you; it is the first month of your year" (Exodus 12:2). The Israelites were to sacrifice a lamb without blemish and mark their doorposts with its blood, so the Lord would "pass over" their homes during the final plague—the death of the firstborn (Exodus 12:7). The Passover lamb is a significant typology of Christ, who is referred to as "our Passover lamb" in 1 Corinthians 5:7 . Just as the blood of the lamb provided protection and deliverance for the Israelites, the blood of Christ offers redemption and salvation for believers. The Last Supper and Crucifixion The connection between Easter and Passover is further highlighted in the New Testament accounts of the Last Supper, which was a Passover meal. Jesus, aware of His impending crucifixion, used this occasion to institute the Lord's Supper, saying, "This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19). He also took the cup, declaring, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:20). The crucifixion of Jesus occurred during the Passover festival, underscoring the fulfillment of the Passover typology. As the true Passover Lamb, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross provided the ultimate deliverance from sin and death, a theme echoed in the Gospel of John: "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Resurrection and New Life Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, which took place on the first day of the week following Passover. This event is pivotal, as Paul writes, "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). The resurrection signifies the defeat of death and the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Christ. The timing of Easter, following Passover, is not coincidental but divinely orchestrated. It marks the transition from the old covenant, centered on the law and sacrifices, to the new covenant, established through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This new covenant offers believers a personal relationship with God, characterized by grace and forgiveness. Easter and Christian Worship In Christian tradition, Easter is preceded by Lent, a period of reflection and repentance. Holy Week, which includes Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, leads up to the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday. Churches around the world commemorate the resurrection with special services, hymns, and the proclamation of the Gospel message. The Apostle Peter encapsulates the hope of Easter in his epistle: "He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3). This living hope is the essence of Easter, rooted in the historical and spiritual significance of Passover, and fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index Acts 12:4And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Nave's Topical Index Greek 3957. pascha -- the Passover, the Passover supper or lamb ... Passover. Of Chaldee origin (compare pecach); the Passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it) -- Easter, Passover. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3957.htm - 6k Library Easter Sunday Letter iv. --For 332. Easter-Day vii Pharmuthi , iv Non. Apr. ... Letter ii. --For 330. Easter-Day xxiv Pharmuthi; xiii Kal. Mai ... Excursus on the Subsequent History of the Easter Question. Letter v. --For 333. Easter-Day , Coss. Dalmatius and Zenophilus ... Another Heresy, that of the Sabbatians, is Originated by the ... Letter vi. --For 334. Easter-Day, xii Pharmuthi, vii Id. April ... The Paschal or Easter Table of Anatolius. ... Easter Day 171. The Day of Resurrection Letter iii. --For 331. Easter-Day xvi Pharmuthi; iii Id. April ... Resources What are the origins of Easter? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Easter Sunday? | GotQuestions.org Is Easter a pagan holiday? | GotQuestions.org Easter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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