Pentecost

Lore & Background

The term Pentecost comes from Koine Greek πεντηκοστή, meaning 'fiftieth'. In the Septuagint, it refers to the Jewish festival of Shavuot, celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover. The Septuagint also uses the word for the year of Jubilee and as an ordinal number. Hellenistic Jewish writers Philo of Alexandria and Josephus used the term to refer to Shavuot. In Judaism, Shavuot is a harvest festival seven weeks and one day after Passover or after the Sabbath, discussed in the Mishnah and Babylonian Talmud. It is also called the Feast of Harvest and the Day of First Fruits. During the Hellenistic period, it became a day of renewing the Noahic covenant. After the Temple's destruction in 70 CE, the focus shifted to the Israelites receiving the Torah. By that time, some Jews lived in the Diaspora, and Acts 2:5–11 mentions Jews from 'every nation under heaven' in Jerusalem as pilgrims during Pentecost. The New Testament narrative in Acts 2 includes references to the Tower of Babel, the flood, creation, and the theophanies at Mount Sinai. Theologian Stephen Wilson calls the narrative 'exceptionally obscure'. The location of the 'house' in Acts 2:2 is uncertain; it may be the 'upper room' from Acts 1:12–26, but no textual evidence confirms this. The disciples were 'all together in one place' on the 'day of Pentecost'. A 'mighty rushing wind' and 'tongues as of fire' appeared, and the disciples spoke in other tongues. Some scholars interpret this as multiple languages; others as ecstatic speech. Peter's sermon quotes Joel 2:28–32 and Psalm 16, proclaiming the start of the Messianic Age. Some critical scholars see theological constructions, but others like Lüdemann, Wedderburn, and Hengel consider the event historically credible.

Reader's Guide

Pentecost is one of the Great feasts in the Eastern Orthodox Church, a Solemnity in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, a Festival in the Lutheran Churches, and a Principal Feast in the Anglican Communion. Many Christian denominations provide a special liturgy for this holy celebration. Since its date depends on the date of Easter, Pentecost is a 'moveable feast'. The Monday after Pentecost is a legal holiday in many European, African and Caribbean countries. In Christian tradition, this event represents fulfillment of the promise that Christ will baptize his followers with the Holy Spirit. The narrative in Acts evokes Jesus's baptism and the start of his ministry, connecting John the Baptist's prophecy to the baptism of the disciples with the Holy Spirit. The timing during the law-giving festival of Pentecost symbolizes continuity with the giving of the law and the central role of the Holy Spirit for the early church. Peter stated that this event was the beginning of a continual outpouring available to all believers, Jews and Gentiles alike. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Pentecost is considered the highest ranking Great Feast of the Lord, second only to Pascha (Easter). The service includes an All-night Vigil on the eve and the Divine Liturgy on the day. Orthodox churches are often decorated with greenery and flowers. The use of the term 'Pentecost' in Acts refers to the Jewish festival; a distinct Christian celebration developed later, calculating the date based on Easter rather than Passover.

Did You Know?

• The term 'Pentecost' comes from Koine Greek πεντηκοστή, meaning 'fiftieth'.
• The Monday after Pentecost is a legal holiday in many European, African and Caribbean countries.
• The narrative in Acts 2 includes references to the Tower of Babel and the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.