What is Pentecost? What significance does it hold for today? What does Pentecost have to do with the church today? Is it a holy day and if so, should it be observed by the church today?
The Meaning of the Word Pentecost
The word Pentecost is from the Greek word “pentekostos” and it’s literally a translation of the word “fifty” or “fiftieth” day. It was significant to ancient Israel for it was the “Feast of First Fruits” called Shavuot. It was a day of celebration for the early harvest that enabled Israel to have sustenance until the greater fall harvest. Originally a harvest festival, it became a traditional Jewish celebration of the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Some churches today still celebrate this day as holy in the Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Roman Catholic, and even some Lutheran churches. Pentecost comes fifty days after the Passover. In the New Testament, Pentecost has significant meaning as we shall see.
The Birth of the Church
Before Jesus’ Ascension, He told the disciples to wait (or tarry) in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit would come. Jesus commanded the disciples to “not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:4-5). The church could not even exist without the Holy Spirit and so on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was given to the church and the church was begun.
In Acts 2:1-4 it states that
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues [or literally, languages] as the Spirit enabled them.”
On Pentecost the Spirit came as fire. When Jesus was baptized He came like a dove.
So Pentecost was the day when the Holy Spirit was given and thus, Jesus’ church was founded.
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113 N. Church St
Udall, KS 67146
We are an Evangelical Free Church in Udall, KS. Our focus is to join together in fellowship for study, worship, and teaching, in pursuit of living a life in Jesus Christ. If you are unable to worship with us, you can like us on Facebook as we post weekly worship services.
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