Topical Encyclopedia The term "Paschal" is derived from the Hebrew word "Pesach," which means "Passover." In the Christian tradition, it is closely associated with the celebration of Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Paschal theme is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, symbolizing deliverance, sacrifice, and redemption.Old Testament Context The origin of the Paschal concept is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the account of the Passover in the Book of Exodus. The Israelites were instructed by God to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood so that the angel of death would "pass over" their homes during the final plague in Egypt (Exodus 12:1-13). This event marked the beginning of the Israelites' liberation from slavery, and the Passover became an annual observance to remember God's deliverance. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the Paschal theme is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul explicitly connects Christ to the Passover lamb, stating, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7). This identification underscores the belief that Jesus' sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection accomplished the ultimate deliverance from sin and death for all who believe. The Gospels recount that Jesus' crucifixion occurred during the Passover festival, further linking His sacrifice to the Paschal lamb. The Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples, is understood as a Passover meal, where He instituted the Lord's Supper, saying, "This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19). This act established a new covenant, signifying the fulfillment of the Old Testament Passover through His atoning death. Paschal Celebration in the Early Church The early Christian Church recognized the significance of the Paschal mystery, celebrating the resurrection of Christ as the cornerstone of the faith. The Paschal Vigil, held on the night before Easter Sunday, became a central liturgical event, symbolizing the transition from darkness to light, death to life. This vigil included the reading of Scripture, the lighting of the Paschal candle, and the celebration of the Eucharist, reflecting the joy of the resurrection. Theological Significance The Paschal theme is rich with theological implications. It emphasizes the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting God's redemptive plan through history. The sacrifice of the Paschal lamb in the Old Testament prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). This connection underscores the belief in Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, bringing salvation to all who trust in Him. In Christian theology, the Paschal mystery encompasses not only the death and resurrection of Christ but also His ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit. This comprehensive understanding affirms the transformative power of the resurrection, offering believers new life and hope in Christ. Paschal in Christian Worship The Paschal theme continues to be central in Christian worship, particularly during the Easter season. Hymns, liturgies, and sermons often reflect on the victory of Christ over sin and death, encouraging believers to live in the light of the resurrection. The Paschal candle, lit during the Easter Vigil, serves as a powerful symbol of the risen Christ, the light of the world. In summary, the term "Paschal" encapsulates the profound mystery of Christ's death and resurrection, rooted in the biblical narrative of deliverance and redemption. It remains a foundational element of Christian faith and worship, celebrating the victory of life over death through Jesus Christ, our Passover lamb. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Of or pertaining to the Passover, or to Easter; as, a paschal lamb; paschal eggs.Greek 106. azumos -- unleavened ... unleavened. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: azumos Phonetic Spelling: (ad'-zoo-mos) Short Definition: unleavened, the paschal feast, uncorrupted ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/106.htm - 6k 1207 -- second, after the first. Library The Paschal Canon of Anatolius of Alexandria The Paschal or Easter Table of Anatolius. ... Whether the Paschal Lamb was the Chief Figure of this Sacrament? The Paschal Supper - the Institution of the Lord's Supper. Meditation iii. Arrangements for Eating the Paschal Lamb. The Paschal Meal. Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet. Fragment iii. St. Hippolytus, Bishop and Martyr, in his Homily on ... The Paschal Canon of Anatolius of Alexandria On the Sacraments of the Old Testament, the Tree of Life ... The Festal Epistles of Dionysius, in which He Also Gives a Paschal ... Thesaurus Paschal (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Of or pertaining to the Passover, or to Easter; as, a paschal lamb; paschal eggs. ...Paschal (1 Occurrence). ... /p/paschal.htm - 6k Eucharist Supper (17 Occurrences) Easter (1 Occurrence) Passover (81 Occurrences) Pentecost (3 Occurrences) Lord's (548 Occurrences) Lamb (124 Occurrences) Leg (24 Occurrences) Lintel (4 Occurrences) Resources What is the paschal mystery? | GotQuestions.orgIf Jesus is our atonement, why did He die at Passover instead of the Day of Atonement? | GotQuestions.org What is Pascha? | GotQuestions.org Paschal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Paschal (1 Occurrence)1 Corinthians 5:7 Subtopics Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb without Blemish Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: A Male of the First Year Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: A Type of Christ Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Blood of, not Sprinkled on Threshold Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Blood of, Sprinkled on Lintel and Door-Posts Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Chosen Before-Hand Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten in Haste Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With Bitter Herbs Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With Shoes On Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With Staff in Hand Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With the Loins Girt Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Eaten With Unleavened Bread Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Its Blood to be Shed Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Killed at the Place where the Lord Put his Name Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Killed by the People Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Killed in the Evening Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Not a Bone of, Broken Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Not Eaten Raw Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Not Taken out of the House Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Roasted With Fire Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Shut up Four Days That It Might be Closely Examined Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: Taken out of the Flock Typical Nature of Paschal Lamb: What Remained of It Till Morning to be Burned Related Terms |