What does AD stand for?

The abbreviation “AD” is commonly used in the Gregorian calendar to refer to years. While it is widely recognized, many are unaware of its exact meaning or origin. AD stands for “Anno Domini”, which is a Latin phrase meaning “In the Year of Our Lord”. It marks the years following the birth of Jesus Christ. This system of dating is central to Christian tradition and has had a profound influence on Western civilization, history, and religious thought.

Below, we will delve into the significance of “AD,” its historical and theological underpinnings, its biblical connections, and its broader implications for Christian belief and practice. References will be drawn from the Bible, providing a biblical foundation for understanding the importance of Christ’s birth and its centrality in human history.

Historical Context of “AD”

The system of dividing history into “BC” (Before Christ) and “AD” (Anno Domini) was introduced by Dionysius Exiguus, a 6th-century monk. His intention was to calculate the date of Easter based on the birth of Christ, rather than using the Roman system that dated years from the founding of Rome (ab urbe condita). The decision to anchor history around the birth of Christ reflects the Christian conviction that Jesus’ incarnation is the pivotal event of human history.

This dating system acknowledges the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, as seen in passages such as:

Isaiah 9:6 - "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

The birth of Jesus Christ was not merely a historical moment; it was the divine intervention that changed the course of humanity, ushering in the possibility of salvation for all.

Theological Significance of “AD”

The use of “Anno Domini” reflects a recognition of Jesus Christ as Lord. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that Jesus is central to God’s plan for humanity:

• John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
• Philippians 2:9-11 – “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 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.”

The designation “AD” is a testament to Jesus’ lordship over time itself. By marking years as “the year of our Lord,” it acknowledges that all of history belongs to Him.

Biblical Basis for Dating History Around Christ

The Bible presents Jesus as the Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8). This eternal nature of Christ underscores why history is centered on His birth:

1. Jesus as the Center of History
   • Galatians 4:4-5 states: “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”
   • This verse highlights that Jesus’ arrival was perfectly timed within God’s divine plan, marking the turning point in history.
2. Prophecies Fulfilled
   • The Old Testament is filled with prophecies pointing to the Messiah’s coming, such as:
     • Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”
   • The birth of Christ fulfilled these prophecies, making it the event by which time is measured.
3. Jesus as the Light of the World
   • John 8:12 – “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.'”
   • By centering time on Christ, humanity acknowledges Him as the guiding light for all generations.

Contrast with “BC” and Secular Alternatives

While “AD” signifies the years after Christ’s birth, “BC” means “Before Christ.” Together, they divide history into two major eras. However, in modern times, secular alternatives like BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era)¹ have gained prominence. These terms aim to maintain a neutral stance, but they still hinge on the same event—Christ’s birth.

The shift to secular terminology reflects society’s attempts to diminish the overtly Christian roots of historical reckoning. Despite this, the Bible affirms that Christ’s influence is inescapable:

Colossians 1:16-17 - "For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist."

Even those who seek to obscure Christ’s role in history must acknowledge that time itself is measured from His advent.

Implications for Christians

For Christians, the use of “AD” carries profound meaning:

1. Acknowledging Christ’s Sovereignty
   • By marking years as “the year of our Lord,” Christians affirm Christ’s ultimate authority over time and history.
   • Matthew 28:18 – “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'”
2. Living in the “Year of Our Lord”
   • Recognizing that we live in the “year of our Lord” reminds believers to live in light of His lordship.
   • 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
3. Proclaiming the Gospel
   • The very act of using “AD” is an opportunity to witness to the significance of Jesus’ birth and its impact on history.
   • Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.”

Jesus as the Fulfillment of Time

The Bible portrays Jesus as the culmination of history and the one who brings God’s purposes to fulfillment:

Ephesians 1:10 - "...that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him."

This verse highlights that history is moving toward a climax in Christ. The use of “AD” reflects this reality, pointing to the ultimate reconciliation of all things under His reign.

Challenges and Controversies

While “AD” is a powerful testament to Christ’s influence, its use has been challenged in modern, pluralistic societies. Some argue that it excludes non-Christian perspectives, while others advocate for a more inclusive calendar system. However, Christians can take heart in knowing that:

Psalm 24:1 - "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein."

The acknowledgment of Christ’s lordship over time is not a matter of exclusion but a recognition of the truth revealed in Scripture.

The Eternal Perspective

Ultimately, the concept of “AD” invites believers to view time through an eternal lens. While it marks the years since Christ’s birth, it also points to the hope of His return:

Revelation 22:12-13 - "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."

This eternal perspective encourages Christians to live with purpose, knowing that time itself is under the sovereign control of the Lord.

Conclusion

The abbreviation “AD,” meaning “Anno Domini” or “In the Year of Our Lord,” is more than a historical marker—it is a profound declaration of Jesus Christ’s centrality in history and His lordship over all creation. By anchoring time around the birth of Christ, the world acknowledges the fulfillment of God’s promises and the transformative power of the Gospel.

As Christians, embracing the significance of “AD” reminds us to live under the lordship of Christ, proclaim His Gospel, and anticipate His return. Through Scriptures such as Isaiah 9:6, Galatians 4:4-5, and Revelation 22:12-13, we see that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the One who holds time and eternity in His hands.

In every “year of our Lord,” believers are called to glorify Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

References:

1. Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Common Era. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Era