The nation of Israel received the Law Covenant 50 days after the Passover in Egypt. Thus, historically, Pentecost (meaning 50) was very important. However, Pentecost in the New Testament is even more significant. Pentecost was the Greek name for a feast celebrating a wheat harvest observed by the Jewish people, called 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.

At 30 years of age, Jesus became Christ (meaning “Anointed”) when he was anointed with the holy spirit at his baptism. Jesus sacrificed his human will to obey and fulfill only God’s will. Hebrews 10:9, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God. He takes away the first (the Law Covenant with its typical sacrifices of bulls and goats) that He may establish the second (the New Covenant).” Jesus spent his adult life sacrificing his entire being to redeem mankind. He was able to endure, without doubts, the torments and suffering of the cross. On the cross, when Jesus did cry out, he was experiencing the full penalty of sin. Jesus was forsaken by God and treated like a sinner with full alienation from his Father.

In John 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 1:4, we read more about what Jesus said, “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 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 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.

With the outpouring of the holy Spirit, Pentecost was the outward proof that Jesus’ sacrifice had been fully accepted by the Father. The anointing of the holy spirit could now come upon believers because Jesus’ sacrifice fully paid Adam’s debt. Thus, the outpouring of the spirit testified that the ransom had been paid and the heavenly calling of the church had been opened. 2 Timothy 1:10, “Our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1325: “Does God’s Holy Spirit Speak to Us?”
Unfolding how the holy spirit does and does not function in our lives
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #1047: “Why Did the Tongues of Fire Touch the Apostles?”
How God’s spirit and speaking in tongues really worked in the Bible
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #1188: “Do We Have the Purpose of the Holy Spirit Backwards?”
Distinguishing God’s power from our own desires in our daily life
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated CQ Kids video: 
“What happened at Pentecost?”
“What is the holy spirit?”
“What does the holy spirit do?”