Quick Answer

The core Easter verses: Matthew 28:6 ("He is not here; he has risen"), John 11:25 ("I am the resurrection and the life"), 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (the death and resurrection is of first importance), Romans 6:4 (buried with Christ, raised to new life), and Revelation 1:18 ("I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever"). Easter is the hinge on which all of Christian faith turns.

Paul wrote that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile and we are still in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). Easter is not the pleasant conclusion to a good story — it is the claim on which everything stands or falls. These are the verses that carry that weight.

The Resurrection Accounts

"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."

Matthew 28:6

"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!"

Luke 24:5–6

"Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance."

John 20:1

"Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, 'Rabboni!' (which means 'Teacher')."

John 20:16

The Meaning of the Resurrection

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."

1 Corinthians 15:3–4

"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins."

1 Corinthians 15:17

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

Romans 6:4

"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die."

John 11:25–26

The Hope Easter Carries

"I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."

Revelation 1:18

"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."

1 Corinthians 15:20

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Revelation 21:4

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Philippians 1:21

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16

"Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"

1 Corinthians 15:54–55

For Good Friday

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."

1 Peter 2:24

"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."

Colossians 1:19–20

"When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

John 19:30

Frequently Asked Questions

What Bible verse is most associated with Easter?

Matthew 28:6 ("He is not here; he has risen, just as he said") is the most iconic Easter verse. John 11:25 ("I am the resurrection and the life") is also central. For the theological significance of the resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (the resurrection is "of first importance") and verse 17 ("if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile") are foundational.

What is a good Easter Scripture reading for church?

The resurrection accounts in each Gospel offer complete narratives (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-18). 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 is Paul's extended treatment of resurrection theology. For a shorter reading, John 20:1-18 (the garden tomb and Mary's encounter with the risen Jesus) is deeply moving and complete.