Tag: Quartodecimans

Passover – Abib 14 is a Festival Day!

YRR has released an audio Mini-Pod covering the topic of “Passover – Abib 14 is a Festival Day!”

It is abundantly clear that an overwhelming amount of evidence supports the 7-day observance of Passover and Unleavened Bread being Abib 14-20.

Also, it can be demonstrated that this was the practice of Yahushua the messiah, and the early assemblies who later were referred to as Quartodecimans.

Nevertheless, many would stubbornly disagree with this conclusion in the face of the facts and continue with a modified form of the traditional Pharisaic/Hasidic practice.

This newer modified or hybrid form would have an 8-day observance of eating unleavened bread from Abib 14-21.

Scriptures clearly indicate that Yahushua ate his Passover meal just after sunset on Abib 14, one day prior to the Passover meal of the Jewish religious leaders on Abib 15.

If one followed the example as set forth by Yahushua the messiah, they would observe the 7-day Khag of Passover and Unleavened Bread from Abib 14-20.

This audio presentation can be accessed and listened to at the following link:

M015. Passover – Abib 14 is a Festival Day! – (14:27)

It can also be listened to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Podbean, among others.

Passover-Abib 14 is a Festival Day!

An overwhelming amount of evidence supports the observance of Passover and Unleavened Bread for seven days, specifically from Abib 14 to Abib 20. This study will demonstrate that this was the practice of Yahushua the Messiah and the early assemblies later referred to as the Quartodecimans (System A)

However, many individuals stubbornly disagree with this conclusion despite the evidence and continue to follow a modified version of the Pharisaic/Hasidic practice (System B). This newer practice incorporates an eight-day observance of eating unleavened bread, extending from Abib 14 to Abib 21 (System G).

Continue reading “Passover-Abib 14 is a Festival Day!” →

29. Passover – What Now?

So far, this Passover Series has endeavored to lay the groundwork for a much-needed and long-overdue discussion regarding the correct method for observing the Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread.

What has been lacking from any previous discussions, especially among the various Sacred Name groups of today, is the history of the earliest Christians and their Passover practice during the first few centuries C.E.

One of the reasons for this oversight is the fact that many are not even aware that such a history exists!

To counter the ignorance of historical evidence, this Series has brought the true Passover practice of the Quartodecimans to light, along with the importance of being included as a consideration in the ongoing quest for Yahweh’s truth of the matter.

Continue reading “29. Passover – What Now?” →

25. Passover – Roman Corruption I

The Quartodecimans argued that Christians should observe only the 14th as the Passover supper and Eucharist mystery (cup and bread) because the messiah and his disciples kept that same day.

Nevertheless, there was strong resistance by the Roman assembly.

The Quartodeciman (System A) and Quasi-Quartodeciman (System D) practice was made more difficult to overcome by the fact that they were both based upon the same apostolic authority (the apostle John).1

It soon became obvious that if the Roman assembly was to gain political dominance in the West, as well as over many of the eastern assemblies, a new strategy was required.

In response, during the last decade of the second century C.E., the western leaders and theologians developed a new approach: the Roman assembly Passover and, after the Council of Nicaea in 325 C.E., canonized as the Roman Catholic Passover (System E).

Continue reading “25. Passover – Roman Corruption I” →

24. Passover – Anatolius Speaks!

Proof that the seven days of Unleavened Bread for the Quartodecimans extended from the 14th until the end of the 20th day of the first lunar month is established from records provided by their offshoots, the quasi-Quartodecimans of System D.

The most important source for their view is found in the records of Anatolius of Alexandria.

To his words we can add the statements provided by the Audians and several bishops representing assemblies located in different parts of Europe.

Anatolius of Alexandria
Like the Quartodecimans, those who kept System D observed the 14th until the end of the 20th for the seven days of Unleavened Bread.

The most famous advocate of this system was Anatolius of Alexandria (c.230-283 C.E.).1

Continue reading “24. Passover – Anatolius Speaks!” →

22. Passover – The Quartodecimans II

An important fact regarding the Quartodecimans that has been missed by most followers of Yahweh is that the Quartodecimans claimed and demonstrated authority from Yahushua the messiah and Scriptures for their practice of Passover.

Though they considered themselves not to be under the written Torah of Moses, they followed the guides of the Torah of Moses with regard to “all the festivals.”

Chrysostom (347-407 C.E.)
Chrysostom, a strong advocate of the Roman Catholic System E, for example, demonstrates this point in his work titled Adversus Judaeos, where he condemns the Quartodeciman Christians because of their practice of celebrating such scriptural High Sabbath days as the Day of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Festival of Tabernacles.1

Continue reading “22. Passover – The Quartodecimans II” →

21. Passover – The Quartodecimans I

Of all the professed followers of Yahweh, few are aware that during the first four centuries C.E. support was very strong among the early disciples and assemblies following Yahushua the messiah for the Aristocratic system of keeping Passover and Unleavened Bread, which was a 7-day Festival observed during Abib 14-20 (System A).

It may also come as a surprise to learn that this view was, in fact, the original practice of all the earliest orthodox Christians.

In later centuries, its advocates and supporters were referred to as the Quartodecimans (14th keepers).

In our posts dealing with the Quartodecimans, we shall investigate the antiquity of the Quartodeciman practice, demonstrate that they observed the 14th day of the first moon for the Passover supper, and present their claim that they kept Passover according to both Scriptures and the examples set forth by the messiah and his apostles.

Continue reading “21. Passover – The Quartodecimans I” →

20. Passover – Christian Factions II

An important fact to realize is that there were eight basic premises concerning Passover, the seven days of Unleavened Bread, and Pentecost which were almost universal and formed the foundation upon which the overwhelming majority of the early Christian assemblies, whatever system they followed, stood:

1. The Passover celebration was required for all Christians.1

2. The Christian Passover was an innovation in that it did not require any ritualistic animal sacrifice.2

3. The Passover lamb of the Torah and its sacrifice was a typology of the death of the messiah, the true Passover lamb of Yahweh.3

Continue reading “20. Passover – Christian Factions II” →

19. Passover – Christian Factions I

The Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread along with the Festival of Shabuath (Pentecost) were not just Jewish concerns.

Today, few English-speaking Christians, largely due to their long practice of glossing the Hebrew word Phasekh (Passover) with the name Easter and their abandonment of the Festival of Pentecost, realize that Passover and Pentecost were the chief religious observances of the early Christian assemblies.

In one form or another, all early Christian groups not only observed the Passover and Pentecost but calculated the Passover observance in connection with the seven days of Unleavened Bread.

Continue reading “19. Passover – Christian Factions I” →

15. Passover – Aristocratic Practice II

There is little doubt that the ancient Samaritans reflected the Sadducean position with regard to the timing of byn ha-arabim (twilight after sunset).

To support this detail, we retain one piece of evidence from an ancient Samaritan writer, Ezekielos the Tragedian, in his work titled ἐζαγωγή (Exagoge; Deliverance).1

This work was composed sometime between the first part of the second century until about 90 B.C.E.,2 i.e., as early as the outbreak of the Hasmonaean Revolt or as late as the first decade of the next century.

Clement of Alexandria calls Ezekielos “the poet of Jewish tragedies.”3 Important fragments of the Exagoge have survived in the works of Eusebius.4

Internal evidence from this tragic drama reveals that the author belonged to the ancient Samaritan sect, which used the Aristocratic method.5 As we shall demonstrate, the ancient Samaritans held that byn ha-arabim begins the day and that the entire Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread lasts only seven days, beginning with the 14th.

Continue reading “15. Passover – Aristocratic Practice II” →

14. Passover – Aristocratic Practice I

The Aristocratic understanding (System A) of “בין חערבים (byn ha-arabim)” was represented by the Jews called Sadducees, the Boethusian Sad­ducees, and by the ancient Samaritans.

Moreover, the Aristocratic practice was utilized by Yahushua the messiah, his apostles, and the early assemblies that followed him.1

Very few writings which discuss just how to observe Passover have come down to us directly from any acknowl­edged Sadducean, Boethusian, or ancient Samaritan source. So, for an acquaintance with their opinions, we are mainly dependent upon their antagonists.2

These antagonists, and records which are derived from the later variations of this view (as demonstrated by the neo-Samaritans and Karaites),3 show that, contrary to the Hasidic views, the Aristocratic approach understood that the first ערב (arab; intermixing of light and dark) occurred at sunset and the second at deep twilight (the setting of darkness).

Continue reading “14. Passover – Aristocratic Practice I” →

Passover Controversy

Which scriptural topic causes the most confusion among Yahweh’s followers?

If you say Passover, you are making an insightful choice.

Almost everyone who attempts to observe Passover correctly seems to be at odds with someone or some group. Logic dictates that not everyone is right, and that at the same time, everyone may be wrong.

To address this issue, let us examine the scriptural evidence together to understand the core of the problem and explore possible solutions.

Years ago, there was a discussion with the leader of a well-known Sacred Name group headquartered in Missouri. Our scriptural discussion led to Passover, when he firmly stated, “I am not changing on this one. My mind is made up. I have extensively researched this topic, and it is final.”

Well, so much for abiding by the following scriptural precept:

Come, let us reason together. (Isaiah 1:18)

There is no shortage of written material from numerous Sacred Name groups purporting to prove the correct method for observing the Festival of Passover. However, one would be hard-pressed to find a universal agreement. When the dust settles on the various arguments back and forth, most everyone realizes the little progress made toward finding truth and unity.

The arguments presented by the various groups for the correct observance of Passover are fairly well known.
We want to introduce a perspective that might help break down barriers and allow Yahweh’s truth to prevail in the Passover dilemma.

First, we recommend an action that most people hesitate to do, which requires humility. For instance, one has to realize that the interpretation of Scriptures does not come from a person’s inner self.

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20)

Therefore, one must admit that the interpretation of Scriptures or scriptural truth does not come from oneself. However, one can seriously tackle the situation if one understands and accepts that.

Next, let us keep it simple. For instance, we will only address one aspect of the Passover controversy. But hopefully we will provide some food for thought to provoke questions and make some progress toward Yahweh’s truth of the matter.

Question: Does the Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread begin on Abib 14 and end on Abib 20 for a total of 7 days of the Festival? This also indicates that the first day of Unleavened Bread begins on Abib 14. But, of course, most professing followers of Yahweh would disagree and proclaim that there is all the proof in Scriptures that proves otherwise.

For the sake of simplicity, let us use Yahushua the Messiah as the benchmark to provide an excellent example of the Passover observance. If anyone were going to be right about the Passover, surely it would be Yahushua.

The messiah came under the Law (Torah of Moses) and was subject to all its relevant commands, including keeping the Passover. Since Yahushua never sinned (i.e., transgressed the Law), we can be sure he correctly observed the Passover. (Otherwise, Yahushua would have sinned.)

But when the time had fully come, Yahweh sent forth his son, born of woman, BORN UNDER THE LAW (Torah of Moses). (Galatians 4:4)

Scriptures are clear on this matter regarding the the Law.

And it was the PREPARATION OF THE PASSOVER, and about the sixth hour: and he (Pilate) saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! (John 19:14)

So because of the JEWISH DAY OF PREPARATION, as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Yahushua there. (John 19:42)

Undoubtedly, the implications gleaned from the two verses above pose a massive problem for many.

According to the scriptural narrative, Yahushua had made preparations for Passover prior to Abib 14. Along with his disciples, he ate the Passover meal that night after sundown at the beginning of Abib 14. This would mean that Yahushua observed the Festival of Passover, including the eating of the Passover lamb, was murdered and buried on the Jewish day of preparation of the Passover (Abib 14)!

Also, unless there is information to the contrary, Yahushua and his disciples would have eaten unleavened bread with the Passover meal after sundown at the beginning of Abib 14.

A counterargument is that the meal Yahushua ate with his disciples at the beginning of Abib 14 was not the Passover meal. According to the following passage, just what then was going on?

So Yahushua sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and PREPARE THE PASSOVER for us, THAT WE MAY EAT IT.” (Luke 22:8)

One conclusion could be that Yahushua knew he was to eat a counterfeit Passover meal, and then, to perpetrate the fraud, he lied to Peter and John. Of course, he would have had to lie, as he knew the true Passover meal was to take place at the beginning of Abib 15.

Continuing with the thought, since Yahushua knew he could not observe the Passover meal on Abib 15 (since he would be dead by then), he just bumped the meal up by a day. Besides, he also had to be the sacrificial lamb that was slaughtered in the afternoon of Abib 14, just as the Pharisaical religious leaders were killing their Passover lambs, which were to be eaten after sundown at the beginning of Abib 15.

Some even argue that breaking the law is necessary to uphold it. This scenario can be interpreted in many ways

According to scriptural instructions, Yahushua and his disciples consumed the Passover meal with unleavened bread after sundown at the beginning of Abib 14. This indicates that Abib 14 marks the commencement of the Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread. Consequently, this day is also considered the first day of Unleavened Bread, as the consumption of unleavened bread is mandated with the Passover meal. The book of Deuteronomy states:

And you shall offer the Passover sacrifice to Yahweh your eloahi, from the flock or the herd, at the place which Yahweh will choose, to make his name dwell there. YOU SHALL EAT NO LEAVENED BREAD WITH IT (PASSOVER MEAL); SEVEN DAYS YOU SHALL EAT IT (PASSOVER MEAL) WITH UNLEAVENED BREAD, the bread of affliction–for you came out of the land of Egypt in hurried flight–that all the days of your life you may remember the day when you came out of the land of Egypt. (Deut. 16:2-3)

In contrast, the Jews, including the Pharisaic religious leaders and their followers, killed their Passover lambs in the afternoon of Abib 14. They then prepared for the Passover meal, which they ate after sundown at the start of Abib 15.

By now, a red flag should be clear. Who correctly observed Passover: Yahushua or the Pharisaic Jews?

Although this discussion is introductory, it highlights the importance of asking relevant questions to those who serve as leaders and teachers within Yahweh’s assemblies. It is also important for individuals who wish to uphold Yahweh’s truth to strive to provide scripturally accurate answers to these questions.

Several years ago, Dennis Bitterman, well known among many sacred name groups, sent an open letter to all the assemblies and teachers challenging the generally accepted 8-day observance of Abib 14-21 for Passover and Unleavened Bread.

Dennis has done a reasonably good job of briefly presenting the evidence supporting a 7-day observance of the Festival of Passover and Unleavened Bread, which falls on Abib 14-20. This letter has been converted to a PDF and made available for everyone to evaluate and determine whether there is any merit to Dennis’s conclusions.

Just click on the following link to download: EAOY Open Letter.

Note: As of this date, there does not seem to exist any written response to Dennis’ letter by any elder or teacher from the various Sacred Name groups.

For a more in-depth scriptural examination, including the historical evidence regarding Passover, please download the publication by Qadesh La Yahweh Press titled The Festivals and Sacred Days of Yahweh.