Pentecost was the Greek name for a feast celebrating a wheat harvest observed by the Jewish people. They called it the Feast of Harvests or the Feast of Weeks. It took place around May or June, 50 days after the first day of the feast of the Passover, another Jewish festival.
In the book of John (see 15:26), Jesus told his disciples that a “comforter” would be coming, and by this he meant the gift of the holy spirit.
In Acts, we read more about what Jesus said (1:4, NLT): “Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, ‘Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift He promised, as I told you before.’”
On the day of Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection, his statement was fulfilled. His believers were meeting together in Jerusalem. Acts (2:2-4, Life Application Bible) says, “Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm in the skies above them, and it filled the house where they were meeting. 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 other languages as the holy spirit gave them this ability.”
The holy spirit is God’s power and influence. At that moment, God’s spirit made its entrance – the ‘mighty windstorm’ was like a forceful announcement of God’s incredible power and influence! This miraculous gift of God’s spirit helped guide them to speak in foreign, understandable languages.
Jewish people from surrounding countries were in town for Pentecost. They heard the gospel message being spoken in their own languages and were amazed. (see Acts 2:7) In Acts (2:11, NLT) they said, “…we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”
It’s important to note that this miraculous gift is no longer available. It was only accessible for a limited time to accomplish a specific purpose. In fact, 1 Corinthians (see 13:8) says the gift of miraculously speaking in other languages would stop. That makes sense, because after the gospel message spread, the ability wasn’t needed anymore because its purpose was finished.
So, what happened at Pentecost? Jesus’ followers received the gift of the holy spirit – God’s power and influence. They also received the ability to miraculously speak in other languages. This helped the gospel message spread far and wide! The Bible says that this gift is not available anymore. Today, we receive the gospel message through God’s word, the Bible.
This video is from Christian Questions Podcast. For more information please go to https://christianquestions.com
