Overview
Pentecost (meaning "fiftieth") was one of Israel's three major festivals, observed fifty days after the Passover celebration. The festival involved specific offerings and represented thanksgiving for the harvest. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit was dramatically poured out on believers in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, inaugurating the Church age and empowering disciples to witness boldly.
Key Scriptures
"From the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, you shall count seven full weeks" (Leviticus 23:15, ESV). "You shall present a new grain offering to the Lord" (Numbers 28:26, NASB). "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting" (Acts 2:1-2, ESV).
Application
Reflect on how God's gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost empowers believers today to live boldly for Christ and share the Gospel with others.