Pentecost Archives - A Bible A Day

The word Pentecost is from the Greek word meaning fiftieth. It’s the fiftieth day after Jesus‘ death, when the Holy Spirit can to earth, as Jesus had promised (John 14:26) to comfort his followers and be their counselor (Acts 2).

Although the word Pentecost is only used in the New Testament, there was also a feast on that same day in the Old Testament. It was called “the feast of the harvest” or “the day of first fruits”(Exodus 23:16 and Numbers 28:26).

Key verse about Pentecost: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place (Acts 2 :1, NIV)

A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.

The first sermon in the book of Acts: Acts 2:1-41 (specifically Acts 2:14-36).

Setting: Jerusalem on Pentecost

Speaker: Peter

Audience: Jews from many nations

Preceding Events: The Holy Spirit arrives and empowers the disciples to speak in other languages. Unable to comprehend what is happening, some in the crowd conclude that the disciples are drunk. (This may be the original source for the phrase “drunk on the Holy Spirit.”)

Overall Theme: Jesus died but is alive again – and he is Lord

Scripture Quoted: Joel 2:28-32, Psalm 16:8-11, Psalm 110:1

Central Teaching: Repent (change your ways) and be baptized

Subsequent Events: 3,000 respond

Key Lesson: Through the Holy Spirit, amazing things can happen that go far beyond man’s capabilities to accomplish on his own.

What would have been your reaction if you where there to witness these events?