Why do the Gospel accounts of Easter differ slightly?+
The four Gospels were written by different authors in different contexts, each emphasizing different aspects of Jesus's resurrection and resurrection appearances. While the core facts remain consistent—Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose on the third day—the specific details about who saw Jesus first and which disciples were present vary because each author selected details relevant to their audience and theological purposes.
What is the historical evidence for Jesus's resurrection outside the Bible?+
While no non-Christian sources directly attest to the resurrection itself, ancient sources confirm several facts the Gospels report: Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate (Tacitus, Josephus), his followers believed he had risen (Paul's letters, written 20-25 years after the event), and the tomb was empty (implied even in Matthew's Gospel, which provides a counter-explanation). These facts are the foundation of what the Gospels claim about the resurrection.
Why is Easter on a different date each year?+
Easter's date is determined by a lunisolar calendar. According to church tradition established at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, Easter falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox (March 21). This is why Easter can range from March 22 to April 25, depending on the lunar calendar for any given year.