“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” (Acts 12:4, KJV).
Loved ones, the enemy, Old Satan, has many ways to deceive the masses. Inventing man-made holy holidays has been one of his well-used tactics.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the core of the Gospel message preached in the first century, and it remains the heart of the Gospel message throughout the New Testament. The world calls the resurrection day "Easter Sunday," but the Bible contains no religious instruction commemorating it as a holy day.
What Does The Catholic Church Say About Easter?
Easter is the most important feast in the Catholic Church calendar. It commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and marks the end of the Catholic “Holy Week” and Lent, as well as the beginning of the Easter season.
Where Did The Word “Easter” Come From?
Easter is also known as Pascha or Resurrection Sunday. The term Pascha comes directly from “pesach,” the Hebrew word for Passover, reflecting the close connection between the two observances.
The origin of the English word “Easter” is uncertain. Some historians trace it to Old English words associated with dawn or springtime, while others say it may derive from Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess linked to the season.
Regardless of its linguistic origins, Easter today is observed as a Catholic Church celebration of resurrection, renewal, and new life.
When Is Ash Wednesday? When Is Lent?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays). In 2026, Ash Wednesday fell on February 18. Ash Wednesday marks a day of fasting and reflection in the Catholic Church traditions and the beginning of the Lenten season.
What Does The Bible Say About Easter?
Specifically, NOTHING! Is there Bible authority for it? NO! However, following the Catholic Church tradition, many protestant denominations celebrate Easter as an annual celebration of the resurrection of Christ.
The KJV’s mention of Easter in Acts 12:4, is a mistranslation that should be “Passover.” Now, let's consider some things concerning the subject.
It is true that the vast majority of denominations practice the celebration. However, popularity does NOT prove God's approval.
“4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 5 and said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations. 6 But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. 7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Samuel 8:4-7).
Easter comes at a time of year when pagans celebrated fertility symbols of fertility: Spring, green grass, eggs, rabbits. Because something seems good to us does not mean it seems good to God.
“8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
“O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).
God command's us to only act with His authority. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of (by the authority of) the Lord Jesus…” (Colossians 3:17). There is no Bible authority to celebrate Easter (or Christmas – for that matter).
God has already given Christians the memorial He desires us to follow every first day of the week (Sunday) – the communion or Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7).
“19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19-20).
“23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
The New Covenant, The Gospel, Condemns Religious Holidays.
“10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain” (Galatians 4:10-11).
The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. Through the free gift of God’s grace by Jesus’ blood (Ephesians 2:8; Revelation 1:5) and your obedient faith (Romans 1:5; 10:17; 16:26), salvation is offered. If you have Bible questions or wish to comment on this post, please do so. Lord willing, a Bible answer will be provided for every Bible question.
The churches of Christ are neither Catholic, Protestant, nor Jew (Romans 16:16; Matthew 16:18-19). We are the loving suffering ONE body of Christ (Ephesians 1:20-23; 4:4-6) – CHRISTIANS: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:16; cf. Acts 11:26; 26:28).
We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35). Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA – 16 March 2026.
