Bible Studies

Easter is Awesome

by Cecil Maner
02/06/26
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For years I refused to use the word “Easter” as I believed it was associated with Semitic pagan worship. However, I changed my opinion based on my study of Acts chapter 12.

The Greek text of Acts 12:4 uses the word “Pascha” for a Spring holiday and the Jews used the word for the Passover period. But Christians specifically celebrated the day that Jesus arose from the grave in resurrection power. Therefore Easter to Christians became the day of the resurrection of Jesus. Though previously a pagan holiday, it was now the recognized day within the Feast of Unleavened Bread that the disciples cherished, and Herod knew it, hence pre-Easter recognition. (Note: Passover doesn’t always precede Easter these days due to differences between the Hebrew calendar and the modern Gregorian calendar). While Pascha is an appropriate substitute, it’s just not as accurately stated. Pascha isn't wrong because Jesus is the Passover Lamb, but once again, just not as precise. All the new translations translate the literal word which is an 8-day period. The KJV translation renders the precise day of the 8 days! Why is this important?

Satan tried to stop Jesus, but he could not. Jesus was crucified and buried. A large stone was placed in front of his tomb. His body was sealed in the tomb with guards posted there, to further secure him in death. Yet on the third day, Jesus arose from the grave! Sin, death, and the grave have no hold over him, He arose, Hallelujah, Jesus arose! 

After the ascension of Jesus, the early church in Jerusalem was increasing daily. As the word of God began to increase many were offended by the Gospel and the church suffered great persecution (see Acts 7-8). In Acts 12 we find Herod vexing the church because it pleased the Jews. He planned to destroy the Church. Herod sowed for Easter to be remembered as the death of the Church rather than the resurrection of Jesus. But the Church is built on the finished work of Jesus the Passover Lamb. 

They tried to stop Jesus, but they could not! Now Herod attempts to kill and bury the church. He kills James with the sword and then buries Peter way down in the prison pit. Herod has Peter shackled in chains, under constant guard. I find it interesting that Herod is planning to use Easter, the day the church remembers the resurrection of Jesus as the time to trot Peter out before the people, to punish and/or kill him. As such, Easter speaks to the motive of Herod. But God had other plans, God sent the angel of the Lord to raise Peter out of that old pit of a prison. Bound between two guards, in chains, Peter is loosed, and multiple gates are opened, and up out of that prison, he arose! 

Satan couldn’t stop Jesus on that very first Easter nor could he prevail against the Church on this particular early Easter morning! 

Matthew 16:18 says, “…and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”. 

The Church is on the offensive, by spreading the Gospel and through intercessory prayer, the gates of hell shall not prevail! Lord Jesus let the light of your word continue to increase and shine forth into this dark and dying world. Amen