How is the date for Easter determined?

Answer

The four Gospels clearly state that Jesus was crucified during the Jewish Passover (Matthew 26:17-19;Mark 14:12-16;Luke 22:7-15;John 18:28,39;19:14). They also indicate that Jesus rose from the dead three days later, on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1;Mark 16:2,9;Luke 24:1;John 20:1,19). According to the Bible, Christ’s resurrection should be commemorated on the first Sunday after the Passover meal. However, Easter is currently celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (the start of spring). This method of determining Easter’s date can lead to it occurring before or significantly after Passover, with Easter falling between March 22 and April 25.

Throughout church history, there was considerable debate over when to observe Easter. Contrary to the biblical accounts of Christ’s resurrection and the Passover, the decision to link Easter with the vernal equinox and full moon was made. The only biblical aspect of Easter’s observance is that it always falls on a Sunday.

The Bible does not direct Christians to designate a specific day for celebrating Christ’s resurrection. Nevertheless, the resurrection is undoubtedly a momentous event worth celebrating (1 Corinthians chapter 15). Therefore, the celebration of Christ’s resurrection is left to the discretion of individual Christians. They have the freedom to commemorate the day of Christ’s resurrection or choose not to do so. Given that it

It is a matter of Christian freedom and not a biblical command. It appears that there is also freedom regarding the exact timing of celebrating Christ’s resurrection. Similar to Christmas, the specific date is not crucial. What matters is that Christ was resurrected. Christians have the liberty to adhere to the customary dating method for Easter, thus celebrating Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.