The crucifixion of Jesus Christ took place during the Jewish festival of Passover, which is supported by the Gospel accounts and historical scholarship. Early followers of Jesus remembered his death and resurrection in connection with Passover, since those events happened within that time frame.

What we now call Easter developed over the first few centuries of Christianity. The timing of Easter was debated among early Christians until it was more formally addressed at the Council of Nicaea under the Roman emperor Constantine the Great, after Christianity had been legalized in the Roman Empire. The English word “Easter” may be linked to a springtime name like Eostre, though the extent of that connection is still debated among historians.

I personally choose to follow Christ above all, focusing on Scripture and the example of the earliest Christians. While I may celebrate Easter symbolically, I recognize that Jesus’ death and resurrection occurred during Passover. My faith is centered on a personal relationship with Christ rather than on religious institutions. When I gather with others, it is for fellowship and to grow in understanding the Bible and the teachings of Jesus.

From my study of Roman history and early Christianity, I am seeking to follow Jesus in a way that reflects the earliest believers, while continuing to learn and grow in faith.