Date of Easter

The history behind the dating of Easter Sunday is involved and associated with some controversies. Early Christians were not agreed on when to celebrate Easter. Then, in 325 A.D., the Council of Nicea adopted the formula that Easter Sunday would be the first Sunday after the first full moon that follows the vernal equinox (March 20/21). That means that the date for Easter can range from March 22 to April 25. While the western Christian church follows this formula, the eastern Christian church does not.

We want to keep this information in perspective by remembering that God did not command his New Testament followers to establish a church calendar. While the establishment of a church calendar is an exercise of Christian freedom, such a calendar is certainly worthwhile and helpful because it puts regular focus on the saving works of Jesus.

The designation of Easter Sunday on a calendar is an arbitrary decision. For New Testament Christians, the same is true regarding Sunday as the regular day of worship. And yet, there is a connection between that day of the week and Easter. With the Old Testament Sabbath day laws abolished, early Christians chose Sunday as a regular day of worship. They did that to have a “little Easter” celebration each Sunday.

So, whether it is a little Easter celebration in the middle of July or the big Easter celebration on April 1, 2018, this is what is truly important: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).