What is the meaning of BC and AD (B.C. and A.D.)?
B.C. and A.D.: Understanding the Dating System Through a Biblical Lens
The terms B.C. and A.D. have been used for centuries to mark time in relation to the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of human history. However, there are common misconceptions about what these abbreviations mean. Let’s explore their origins, meanings, and significance within a biblical and theological framework.
What Do B.C. and A.D. Mean?
It is widely assumed that B.C. stands for “Before Christ” and A.D. stands for “After Death.” While B.C. does indeed mean “Before Christ,” A.D. is a Latin abbreviation for anno domini, meaning “in the year of our Lord.” This term does not refer to the time following Jesus’ death but rather to the years following His birth. Thus, A.D. 1 is not “after Jesus’ death” but “in the year of our Lord,” referring to the era that began with the incarnation of Christ.
This clarification is important because it reveals the centrality of Christ’s birth in shaping the way human history is measured.
The Origins of the B.C./A.D. System
The B.C./A.D. dating system was not taught in the Bible, nor was it implemented during the time of Jesus or the apostles. Instead, it was developed centuries later by Dionysius Exiguus, a monk in the 6th century A.D., who sought to create a dating system centered on Christ’s incarnation. His goal was to make the birth of Jesus the dividing point of history.
However, in calculating the year of Jesus’ birth, an error was made. Scholars now believe Jesus was likely born between 6 and 4 B.C., based on historical and biblical evidence such as the reign of King Herod (Matthew 2:1). This discrepancy does not diminish the significance of the system, as the focus remains on Jesus as the pivotal figure of history.
Theological Significance of B.C. and A.D.
The B.C./A.D. system highlights the birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the central turning points of world history. It is fitting that Christ divides the "old" from the "new," reflecting His role as the fulfillment of the Old Covenant and the establishment of the New Covenant.
The apostle Paul emphasizes the supremacy of Christ in all things:
"And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:17–18, NKJV).
Jesus is not merely a historical figure but the eternal Son of God, through whom all history is defined and given meaning. The very existence of a dating system centered on Him reflects the truth of Philippians 2:10–11:
"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (NKJV).
As Christians, we affirm that Christ is the Lord of all history and the ultimate focal point of time and eternity.
The Shift to B.C.E. and C.E.
In recent times, there has been a movement to replace B.C. and A.D. with the terms B.C.E. (Before Common Era) and C.E. (Common Era). Proponents argue that these terms are more inclusive and devoid of religious connotations, aiming to avoid offending those who do not recognize Jesus as Lord.
The irony of this change is evident: the dividing line between B.C.E. and C.E. remains the life and times of Jesus Christ. Even if His name is not explicitly mentioned, His impact on history is inescapable. Regardless of the terminology, the reality remains that history pivots on the person and work of Jesus Christ.
As believers, we recognize the significance of this debate not merely as a semantic issue but as a reflection of humanity’s response to Christ. Jesus Himself warned that He would be a dividing line:
"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword" (Matthew 10:34, NKJV).
Efforts to secularize the dating system are part of a broader trend to marginalize Christ, yet His Lordship and centrality cannot be erased from history or eternity.
Why Christ as the Center of History Matters
Christ’s centrality in history underscores the reality that He is both the Creator and Redeemer of all things. The apostle John testifies:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made" (John 1:1–3, NKJV).
As the Creator, Christ stands at the beginning of time, and as the Redeemer, He is the turning point of history. His incarnation, ministry, atoning death, and resurrection mark the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, dividing history into two great epochs.
Believers affirm that Christ is not only the center of history but also the center of their lives. As Paul writes:
"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21, NKJV).
This personal acknowledgment of Christ’s Lordship mirrors the larger truth of His supremacy over all time and creation.
Conclusion: Living in the Year of Our Lord
The B.C./A.D. dating system, with its focus on Jesus Christ, is a reminder that all history is under God’s sovereign control. Even efforts to obscure this truth cannot change the reality that Jesus is Lord. As believers, we are called to live in light of His Lordship, proclaiming Him as the Savior of the world and the Redeemer of history.
In this era, we continue to live anno domini, "in the year of our Lord." Let us reflect this reality in our daily lives, bearing witness to His grace and truth, and anticipating the day when all creation will acknowledge Him:
"For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen" (Romans 11:36, NKJV).
