On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. Acts 2:1-4 NLT
What Is Pentecost?
Pentecost is a Jewish holiday that occurs 50 days after Passover. It’s also known as the Day of Firstfruits, because on this day the Jewish people would present the first harvest of wheat to God as a sacrifice.
In the Jewish tradition, Pentecost also marked the day that the Israelites received the Law—the Ten Commandments Yahweh gave to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 20).
Then we come to the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Many believers were gathered together to celebrate and wait faithfully on the promise that Jesus had left them with just 10 days previously, right before He ascended back to heaven: “‘...in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 1:5 NLT).
As they’re gathered together, the Holy Spirit falls on each person present, filling them up so that they begin speaking in other languages. The purpose of this outpouring of the Holy Spirit was to empower the apostles to go out and witness, make disciples, baptize, and teach as Jesus called them to do (Matthew 28:19-20).
It’s important to note that even before this moment, the Spirit was always present and working in the lives of believers. After receiving the baptism of the Spirit, however, the apostles would begin to experience the Spirit in a more powerful, tangible way.
Why Is Pentecost Important?
In the Old Testament, Pentecost signaled the receiving of the Law. In the New Testament, Pentecost signaled the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
In their efforts to spread the Gospel “‘in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’” (Acts 1:8 NLT), the apostles were going to be ministering to everybody, Jewish people and non-Jewish people alike. Their mission was to bring the message of salvation through Jesus to all the earth, expanding God’s Kingdom family, the Church.
How Do I Celebrate Pentecost?
Some churches may have special worship or prayer services to observe Pentecost. It’s traditional to wear red on this day, representing the power of the Spirit and the “tongues of fire” that fell on the apostles in the upper room.
One of the best ways to celebrate Pentecost is by acknowledging and thanking God for His presence in our lives, and for giving us the Holy Spirit to empower, guide, and comfort us. The Spirit that God poured out on the apostles in the upper room thousands of years ago is the same Spirit at work in each one of us today.
Prayers for Pentecost
Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for what it represented to Your people thousands of years ago, and thank You for what it means for me now. Help me to always be aware of Your Spirit at work in me, to guide me, correct me, and comfort me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God Almighty, I want to experience Your Spirit as powerfully as the apostles did on the Day of Pentecost. I know it’s available to me in the same way today. So give me a fresh outpouring of Your Spirit as I go about the work You’ve called me to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Jesus, even though You can’t be with us physically, You never leave us alone. You have given us Your Spirit in this life, until the day of Your return, when we’ll get to live with You forever. Thank You for this gift that brings me so much peace and power that I wouldn’t otherwise have. Help me to use this Holy Spirit power to grow Your Kingdom family. In Jesus’ name, amen.
