In our Christian calendar, May 19 this year is considered as the Pentecost Sunday. This event is one of the most pivotal events in Christian history.
This event, recorded in the book of Acts, marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the birth of the Church. It is no coincidence that God chose the Jewish feast of Pentecost for this mighty act.
Let us explore three key points on how the Jewish feast of Pentecost was divinely purposed for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
First, the day of Pentecost was a fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy.
Joel 2:28-29 says, “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”
Peter directly refers to this prophecy in Acts 2:16-18 when explaining the event to the crowd. The timing of Pentecost, a feast celebrating the first fruits of the harvest, symbolizes the beginning of a new spiritual harvest – the Church.
God’s choice of this day signifies that the long-awaited promise of the Spirit was now being fulfilled, initiating a new era in God’s redemptive plan.
Second, the day of Pentecost was of great timing.
Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks, was one of the major Jewish pilgrimage festivals. Devout Jews from every nation under heaven were gathered in Jerusalem (Acts 2:5). This provided a unique opportunity for the gospel to be proclaimed to a diverse audience.
Acts 2:6-11 details how people from different regions heard the apostles declaring the wonders of God in their own languages. This miraculous event signified the universality of the Gospel – that it was meant for all nations.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost thus became the catalyst for the global mission of the Church, breaking down ethnic and linguistic barriers.
Third, the day of Pentecost is the birth of the Church.
Pentecost signifies the birth of the Church. Prior to this, the followers of Jesus were a small, relatively secluded group.
The coming of the Holy Spirit transformed them into bold witnesses for Christ. Acts 2:1-4 describes how the Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in tongues and preach with power.
Peter’s sermon on that day led to the conversion of about 3,000 people (Acts 2:41). This marked the establishment of the Christian community, united and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The outpouring of the Spirit brought new life, gifting, and unity to the believers, creating a dynamic and growing body of Christ.
The day of Pentecost was not just a random choice; it was a divinely- appointed moment that fulfilled prophecy, gathered the nations, and birthed the Church. May we, like the early disciples, be filled with the Spirit, empowered to proclaim the Gospel, and committed to building up the body of Christ. | NWI
