Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Although Pentecost is normally associated by Christians with the coming of the Holy Spirit that occurred ten days after Jesus' ascension (and thus fifty days after His resurrection), the observance of it was actually ordained by God in the Old Testament (Leviticus 23 and Numbers 28), where it was also known as Shavuot or the Feast of Weeks. It was to take place fifty days after the occurrence of Passover. (This fifty-day interval accounts for the "Pente-" portion of the observance's name.)

The purpose of it was originally in thanksgiving to God for the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, but it was also later associated with a remembrance of the Law given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, as described in Exodus 19-20.

Jesus' perfect fulfillment of the Law on humanity's behalf, followed by His atoning death and resurrection, made Pentecost the appropriate time for the original outpouring of the Holy Spirit -- not just to selected individuals, but to all believers, who became the "first fruits" of the salvation that Jesus had been incarnated to gain for them.

May 29 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is Pentecost?

Pentecost is a major Christian festival celebrated 49 days (50 days inclusive) after Easter. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus, an event described in the Bible as the "birthday of the Church".

The Biblical Story

According to the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2), Jesus' followers were gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish harvest festival of Shavuot. Suddenly, they heard a sound like a rushing wind, and what appeared to be "tongues of fire" rested above each of their heads.

Before Pentecost, the disciples were fearful and hiding. The arrival of the Holy Spirit—symbolised by the rushing wind and tongues of fire—transformed them into bold witnesses. It represents the idea that Christians are not meant to rely on their own strength but are actively empowered by the Spirit to fulfil their calling.

What happened at Pentecost in 33 C.E.?

A truly outstanding festival was Pentecost in 33 C.E. On this day, many Jews and proselytes were gathered in Jerusalem, 

Read Acts 2:2-4. God's Holy Spirit was poured out on the group of Christians gathered in the upper room. (Acts 1:8) They started to prophesy, or bear witness, concerning the wonderful things they had seen and heard. To a multitude that soon gathered, the apostle Peter explained the significance of what had happened. Then he told his audience: "Repent and let each one of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the holy spirit." Altogether, about 3,000 accepted the invitation that day, were baptised, and received the promised Holy Spirit.—Acts 2:37, 38, 41.

Conclusion

PENTECOST

A name used in the New Testament to denote the Festival of Harvest (Ex 23:16) or Festival of Weeks (Ex 34:22), called also "the day of the first ripe fruits." (Nu 28:26) Instructions for this festival are found at Leviticus 23:15-21; Numbers 28:26-31; Deuteronomy 16:9-12. It was to be celebrated on the 50th day (Pentecost means "Fiftieth [Day]") from Nisan 16, the day that the barley sheaf was offered. (Le 23:15, 16) In the Jewish calendar, it falls on Sivan 6. It was after the barley harvest and the beginning of the harvest of wheat, which ripened later than the barley.—Ex 9:31, 32.

Jesus had announced the new covenant to his disciples on the evening of his last Passover and, just before his ascension, had instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit.

The presence of God's Spirit was manifested when some 120 disciples miraculously began speaking in different tongues. By this means, the multitudes of Jews and proselytes from all parts of the Roman Empire could hear with intelligibility "the magnificent things of God." (Ac 2:7-11)

Under inspiration, the apostle Peter applied Joel 2:28, 29 to an amazing event that took place on that day of Pentecost.

It was after that remarkable outpouring of God's Spirit in the first century that the preaching work began to go forward to the greatest extent.

16 hours ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report