Was “Easter” a Mistranslation in the King James Bible? Acts 12:4 [video]
Luke the physician’s style of writing included things that were indicators yet not sanctioned by the LORD in the worship of God. For example:
“And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.” Acts 28:11
Of this use of the “sign” of “Castor and Pollux,” the Believer’s Bible Commentary notes the following:
“28:11 The figurehead of this ship was the Twin Brothers, that is, Castor and Pollux. These were supposed, by heathen sailors, to be the patron gods of mariners.”
This is clear proof that everything in Scripture is not necessarily sanctioned from God as part of worshipping Him but is rather frank talk in mentioning the facts being communicated and timeline.
Just because the Bible uses the word “Easter” does not mean 1. It’s a bad translation, or 2. that it was sanctioned in the worship of God. In relating this event, Luke used the word “Easter” to mark a certain event, tradition, time. Notice the phrase “after Easter” which simply referred to a time, after a certain day designated by the heathen in their pagan worship. This in no way indicates that it has anything to do in honoring, worshiping the LORD. Nor does this mean it was the wrong word to use in this text by the translators.
We use this same principle in our own communications today. If someone were to ask another person when they thought they’d be finished building their new home, the builder may say something like: Some time after July 4th. Is July 4th a celebration by Christians to worship God? No. Yet we wouldn’t think twice about using it to mark a designated weekend in our calendar year, right? Right.
When you read the text, it becomes apparent it’s a narrative of Herod using the pagan calendar, and not something giving reverence to this pagan holiday. The passage is describing HEROD’s timeline to kill Peter, and not giving reverence to paganism. It’s simply narrating from Herod’s perspective.
“Now about that time HEROD the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. … 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” Acts 12:1,4
Defenders of fake “bibles” love to try to use this one to discount God’s preserved Word and justify their use of satan’s counterfeits, satan’s attack “bibles” against the LORD they claim to serve. Not.
The “Easter” Question Cleared Up Conclusively
As usual the King James Bible got it correct-because it is God’s Word.
Samuel C. Gipp.
QUESTION: Isn’t “Easter” in Acts 12:4 a mistranslation of the word “pascha” and should it be translated as “passover”?
ANSWER: No, “pascha” is properly translated “Easter” in Acts 12:4 as the following explanation will show.
EXPLANATION: The Greek word which is translated “Easter” in Acts 12:4 is the word “pascha.” This word appears twenty-nine times in the New Testament. Twenty-eight of those times the word is rendered “Passover” in reference to the night when the Lord passed over Egypt and killed all the firstborn of Egypt (Exodus 12:12), thus setting Israel free from four hundred years of bondage.
The many opponents to the concept of having a perfect Bible have made much of this translation of “pascha.”
Coming to the word “Easter” in God’s Authorized Bible, they seize upon it imagining that they have found proof that the Bible is not perfect. Fortunately for lovers of the word of God, they are wrong. Easter, as we know it, comes from the ancient pagan festival of Astarte. Also known as Ishtar (pronounced “Easter”). This festival has always been held late in the month of April. It was, in its original form, a celebration of the earth “regenerating” itself after the winter season. The festival involved a celebration of reproduction. For this reason the common symbols of Easter festivities were the rabbit (the same symbol as “Playboy” magazine), and the egg. Both are known for their reproductive abilities. At the center of attention was Astarte, the female deity. She is known in the Bible as the “queen of heaven” (Jeremiah 7:18; 44:17-25). She is the mother of Tammuz (Ezekiel 8:14) who was also her husband! These perverted rituals would take place at sunrise on Easter morning (Ezekiel 8:13-16). From the references in Jeremiah and Ezekiel, we can see that the true Easter has never had any association with Jesus Christ.
Problem: Even though the Jewish Passover was held in mid April (the fourteenth) and the pagan festival Easter was held later the same month, how do we know that Herod was referring to Easter in Acts 12:4 and not the Jewish Passover? If he was referring to the Passover, the translation of “pascha” as “Easter” is incorrect. If he was indeed referring to the pagan holyday (holiday) Easter, then the King James Bible (1611) must truly be the very word and words of God for it is the only Bible in print today which has the correct reading.
To unravel the confusion concerning “Easter” in verse 4, we must consult our FINAL authority, THE BIBLE. The key which unlocks the puzzle is found not in verse 4, but in verse 3. (Then were the days of unleavened bread… “) To secure the answer that we seek, we must find the relationship of the Passover to the days of unleavened bread. We must keep in mind that Peter was arrested during the “days of unleavened bread” (Acts 12:3).
Our investigation will need to start at the first Passover. This was the night in which the LORD smote all the firstborn in Egypt. The Israelites were instructed to kill a lamb and strike its blood on the two side posts and the upper door post (Exodus 12:4,5). Let us now see what the Bible says concerning the first Passover, and the days of unleavened bread.
Exodus 12:13-18: “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.
16 And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.
17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.
18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.”
Here in Exodus 12:13 we see how the Passover got its name. The LORD said that He would “pass over” all of the houses which had the blood of the lamb marking the door.
After the Passover (Exodus 12:13,14), we find that seven days shall be fulfilled in which the Jews were to eat unleavened bread. These are the days of unleavened bread!
In verse 18 we see that dates for the observance were April 14th through the 21st.
This religious observance is stated more clearly in Numbers 28:16-18: “And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD.
17 And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten.
18 In the first day shall be an holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work therein:”
In verse 16 we see that the Passover is only considered to be the 14th of the month. On the next morning, the 15th begins the “days of unleavened bread.”
Here in Deuteronomy we see again that the Passover is sacrificed on the first night (Deuteronomy 16:1). It is worth noting that the Passover was to be celebrated in the evening (vs.6) not at sunrise (Ezekiel 8:13-16).
In II Chronicles 8:13 we see that the feast of unleavened bread was one of the three Jewish feasts to be kept during the year.
II Chronicles 8:13: “Even after a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles.”
Whenever the Passover was kept, it always preceded the feast of unleavened bread. In II Chronicles 30 some Jews who were unable to keep the Passover in the first month were allowed to keep it in the second. But the dates remained the same.
II Chronicles 30:l5,21: “Then they killed the passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought in the burnt offerings into the house of the LORD. And the children of lsrael that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the LORD.”
Ezra 6:19,22: “And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month. And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.”
We see then, from studying what the BIBLE has to say concerning the subject that the order of events went as follows:
(1) On the 14th of April the lamb was killed. This is the Passover. No event following the 14th is ever referred to as the Passover.
(2) On the morning of the 15th begins the days of unleavened bread, also known as the feast of unleavened bread.
It must also be noted that whenever the Passover is mentioned in the New Testament, the reference is always to the meal, to be eaten on the night of April 14th not the entire week. The days of unleavened bread are NEVER referred to as the Passover. (It must be remembered that the angel of the Lord passed over Egypt on one night, not seven nights in a row.
Now let us look at Acts 12:3,4: “And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.”
Verse 3 shows that Peter was arrested during the days of unleavened bread (April 15-2 1). The Bible says: “Then were the days of unleavened bread.” The Passover (April 14th) had already come and gone. Herod could not possibly have been referring to the Passover in his statement concerning Easter. The next Passover was a year away! But the pagan holiday of Easter was just a few days away. Remember! Herod was a pagan Roman who worshiped the “queen of heaven.” He was NOT a Jew. He had no reason to keep the Jewish Passover. Some might argue that he wanted to wait until after the Passover for fear of upsetting the Jews. There are two grievous faults in this line of thinking.
First, Peter was no longer considered a Jew. He had repudiated Judaism. The Jews would have no reason to be upset by Herod’s actions.
Second, he could not have been waiting until after the Passover because he thought the Jews would not kill a man during a religious holiday. They had killed Jesus during Passover (Matthew 26:17-19,47). They were also excited about Herod’s murder of James. Anyone knows that a mob possesses the courage to do violent acts during religious festivities, not after.
In further considering Herod’s position as a Roman, we must remember that the Herods were well known for celebrating (Matthew 14:6-11). In fact, in Matthew chapter 14 we see that a Herod was even willing to kill a man of God during one of his celebrations.
It is elementary to see that Herod, in Acts 12, had arrested Peter during the days of unleavened bread, after the passover. The days of unleavened bread would end on the 21st of April. Shortly after that would come Herod’s celebration of pagan Easter. Herod had not killed Peter during the days of unleavened bread simply because he wanted to wait until Easter. Since it is plain that both the Jews (Matthew 26:17- 47) and the Romans (Matthew 14:6-11) would kill during a religious celebration, Herod’s opinion seemed that he was not going to let the Jews “have all the fun.” He would wait until his own pagan festival and see to it that Peter died in the excitement.
Thus we see that it was God’s providence which had the Spirit-filled translators of our Bible (King James) to CORRECTLY translate “pascha” as “Easter.” It most certainly did not refer to the Jewish Passover. In fact, to change it to “Passover” would confuse the reader and make the truth of the situation unclear.
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Mission Mexico Part 38
BROTHER JUAN IS BLAZING A GOSPEL TRAIL
FYI, Biblesinbulk.com (Reina Valera 50% off) case of 36 for $90 ($2.50 each)
TODAY a man named Juan was ministered to, He is born again and on fire. We fellowshipped best we could as I had interrupted his work. As I walked by, a man (Juan) was carrying food into a cafe and he dropped some bottled water. So I grabbed the bottles (plastic) that were dropped and ministered Christ to him. He immediately responded by speaking God’s Word. He does delivery work to restaurants and cafes and so he sees lots of people daily. Brother Juan took a stack of the JESUS tracts and he’s passing them out today! He just sent me this….. looks like I will have to be supplying him from now on, we hope right.
Juan just texted me and said “Brother, I visit the prison, and my brothers need Bibles. God’s Word never returns back to Him void (Isaiah 55:11)!”
Juan is also asking me to go to the prison with him to preach and distribute the Spanish Bibles and JESUS tracts.
So we will be supplying him with Spanish JESUS tracts and the Reina Valera Spanish Bibles (only). RVR Reina Valera is the King James Bible equivalent in Spanish.
>>>> FYI, Biblesinbulk.com (Reina Valera 50% off) case of 36 for $90 ($2.50 each)
Any RVR Spanish Bibles you mail here to TX will be forwarded to me:
Todd Tomasella
220 N Zapata Hwy Ste 11
Laredo, TX 78043 – 4464
*Thank the LORD for the 5-7 people who are financially supporting this ministry outreach monthly.
Can you believe more Christians aren’t taking advantage of this opportunity!? Wow. Okay just a thought.
God is good for sure.
The LORD says He orders the steps of His people. Psalms 37:23 amazing.
I was going to walk down another street actually, but went that way, the street whereon I met brother Juan.
And as I was passing Juan the water bottles fell to the ground.
So naturally I stooped, picked them up and handed them to him
and began speaking the Word to brother Juan.
Handed him a JESUS tract.
And he immediately lit up.
He is a Holy Ghost filled saint no doubt, evangelizing daily.
The Holy Spirit in action through His body and Juan….
Here are but two of the people Juan is ministering to this week, within 24 hours of us meeting.
Brother Juan is ministering the Word of our LORD and passing out more JESUS tracts today. Juan just sent me this:
“Brother, they’re asking me for a Bible. Glory to God, some of us need big print Bibles.” Juan
RESPONSE:
For now have them download the Reina Valera Bible in the play store on their cellphone. I can get you more Jesus tracts soon. And we have Spanish Bibles in print on the way, in the mail.
Saints, I am going to give brother Juan at least hundreds of the JESUS tracts. This guy is on fire for Christ. Holy Ghost filled (Acts 1:8). Thank you for supporting by prayer and giving. Meeting our brother Juan was a divine connection 100%. I was actually going to walk down a different street just before meeting Juan yesterday. God says He orders the steps of His people and this is one of those times He did such. The LORD made it so easy as the water bottles Juan was carrying, some of them (2-3) fell to the ground right near my feet. Those bottles were picked up and handed to Juan and the ministry began and Juan lit up and has been ministering boldly ever since as it seems he was already doing in his daily life. Yet now that he has our support, the support of the body of Christ, he is even more fervent and diligent in ministering to others! Here’s a picture below of two of the people Juan ministered to in the last 24 hours. Juan is blazing abroad the matter of the Gospel, just as did the leper whom Jesus healed! Leprosy represents sin and when Jesus cleanses our sin, we began to “blaze abroad the matter” telling others the Gospel.
“But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.” Mark 1:45
Let’s roll saints.
Send Reina Valera Spanish Bibles here and they will be forwarded to me:
Todd Tomasella
220 N Zapata Hwy Ste 11
Laredo, TX 78043 – 4464
Give support here. Many options:
Brother Juan, whom we met 48 hours ago, is blazing a trail (Mark 1:45). He just sent me this. A man he ministered to today.
Indigenous Gospel laborers is a part of ultimate spreading of our LORD’s Gospel.
Bibles in Bulk page:
https://biblesinbulk.com/biblia-rv-1909-enc-r-250-stica-rv-1909-bible-paperpack-case-of-36-9781586609733.html
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Antonio came back again today….
We had an excellent time listening to the Bible in Spanish on audio, talking, and ministering to him. Antonio also got some new clothes and this week I am going to order him some shoes he asked for. He told me he wants to look more presentable because he’s looking for work. He received some coin and coffee too with his eggs and potato breakfast. God is good and thank you for praying saints. Oh and he asked for shoes. Yet he wears a different size than I have and so I am going to order a pair in his size from Amazon today. Anyone is welcome to support the mission to these wonderful people.
Thank you for lifting beloved Antonio in your prayer. He’s been coming by regularly and is responding more and more to the love and Word of our God. Due to your prayers and support he’s received coin, clothes, food, got cleaned up, and some new clothes. Ordered some shoes he needs for working…. God is good.
Thanking God for those who do and also those who will pray for Mission Mexico …. support is a blessing. https://safeguardyoursoul.com/mexico-mission/
TODAY, beloved Gillermo received God’s love from Christ’s body, in the form of the spoken Word, the written Word (JESUS tract), and he asked for some food. Gillermo was hungry. So, we took him to get a very nice warm meal, egg breakfast, pastry, etc. God is good saints. Jesus is coming. You are invited to lift a prayer for the precious people of Mexico.
Your prayers and support help this and much more to be accomplished. 1 Corinthians 3:9
José and I had a lengthy talk a few days ago. He reminded me that I had ministered to him in the past. He is really searching and gladly received more ministry, Scripture and the exhortation to repent and receive Jesus (Matthew 6:33). He took another JESUS tract also and said that his daughter is now saved.
You are invited to lift a prayer to our Father in the name of our LORD Jesus for beloved José and his family.
Because you care, Clara has been receiving regular groceries and also her cell phone bill was paid, etc. God is good.
Give support Mission Mexico here. Many options:
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“Let the Redeemed of the LORD Say So” [video]
“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;” Psalms 107:2
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THAT SUBTLE SERPENT SATAN – NIV and Modern Bible Versions Exposed
Check how they completely removed the words of Jesus in Matthew 17:21 and chopped Romans 8:1 in half, and removed the BLOOD from Colossians 1:14? Acts 8:37 was also deleted and this is not even scratching the surface of the corruptions in the NIV.
BEWARE: The “rapture ready” website is run by a person or persons who state this following error:
“Some people are so fanatical about the exclusive “truth” of the KJV that they would doubt your salvation if you were saved by reading another version. The New International Version Bible is probably the most attacked of all the modernized versions, but any errors it might contain are subtle ones. Other folks believe other translations are the Mark of the Beast.”
FACT: The NIV removed 64,000 words and that alone makes it in violation of the severe warning of Jesus recorded in Revelation 22:18-19 … oh and the NIV is published by a division of zondervan which publishes the satanic bible and other perverted books such as “the joy of gay sex.” Oh and the NIV committee included Virginia Mollencott, a life long atheist and lesbian. See below.
As you take in some of this information, perhaps ask yourself: Could it possibly be the Holy Spirit of God leading someone to read the NIV?
The answer is a resounding NO!
Also, ask yourself: If a pastor isn’t exposing these counterfeit “bibles”, why not?
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