JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your recent inquiry in which you asked for an explanation of the terms B.C. and A.D.

B.C. is an abbreviation of the words "before Christ" and is used in reference to the time before the birth of Jesus. A.D. is an abbreviation of "anno Domini," a Latin term meaning "in the year of the Lord." A.D. applies to the time since Christ's birth.

Christ's birth is commonly used as the central point from which the years are counted. Starting with A.D. 1, we count forward until we reach the present year. Years B.C., starting with 1 B.C., are counted BACKWARD in time. For example, 100 B.C. refers to the time 100 years BEFORE the birth of Jesus.

Actually, Jesus was born earlier than the starting point of this system by approximately three years. In terms of the existing system, Jesus was born in the year 4 B.C. But, that was not understood when the B.C./A.D. system was established in the Middle Ages.

The Jews count time from 3761/3760 B.C. The sacred calendar, which sets the Holy Days, is based upon this date.

Thank you for your interest. It is our pleasure to help you in your study of God's Word.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT