WHAT THE CHRISTIAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT EASTER BY JAMES A. UDU

INTRODUCTION: Easter is a religious observance of human origin, unauthorized by God.
PROOF:  “There is no trace of Easter celebration in the New Testament.”  International Stand. Bible Ency. 11. p. 889. “In any case…………it must be admitted that…..there is no conclusive evidence in the first century or more of the keeping of Pascha (Easter)…” Catholic Encyc. Vol. 5. p. 229.  “The  Apostolic Fathers do not mention.

It (Easter). Ibid. p. 224. “At the end of the  second century, the  celebration of Easter as the feast of the resurrection of Christ was general among the Christians,” Encyc. Of Rel. by Ferm. P. 239. You cannot read of an Easter celebration  in your Bible. The first century church did not observe it.
The KJV Bible has the word Easter in Acts 12:4. The Greek word is pascha that is rendered throughout the Bible  “Passover.” It is so translated in all other versions and Should be the same here,
Whence came Easter?  It is a convergence of three  traditions. 1. pagan:  The word is derived from the Norse Ostara or Eostre, meaning the festival of spring at the vernal equinox; when nature is in resurrection after winter. 2. Hebrew:  The Jewish Passover is celebrated at approximately the same season as Easter. 3. Christian:  Jesus resurrection from the dead. Americana Vol. 9. p. 506.

The first yearly festivals among the Christians originated with Jewish converts who “retained… all the Jewish festival, although gradually they ascribed to them such Christian import as might naturally present itself….” “among Gentile Christians, there were probably from the first, no yearly festivals whatever….” History of the Christ. Rel. and Church, Neander, Vol. 1. p. 297. The Bible teaches that Christ died and was resurrected. The first Christian commemorated His death and resurrection on the first day of every week, Acts 20:7. Every convert was immersed in water and Raised in likeness  of Christ’s resurrection, Rom. 6:3-5. No mention of an Easter Holy season is found. Its highest authority is human tradition.
Does it displease God to observe Easter?
Hear Jesus : Teach them to observe all things I have commanded you. Matt. 28:20. He did not command Easter observance. “in vain do they worship me teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.” Mt. 15:9.

Conclusion:  God did not intend for us to observe Easter. Had He, He would have told us. We are to live in holy dedication the whole year. Rom. 12:1-2.  Sunday is the only special day god has given. Acts 20:7; 1 cor. 16:1-2. Paul said to those observing other holy days. “I am afraid of you lest I have bestowed upon you, labour in vain,” Gal.4:11