What is Pentecost Sunday?

Answer

Pentecost Sunday is a commemoration and celebration of the receiving of the Holy Spirit by the early church. John the Baptist prophesied of the first Pentecost when Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:”, (Matthew 3:11). Jesus confirmed this prophecy with the promise of the Holy Spirit to the disciples in John 14:26. He showed Himself to these men after His death on the cross and His resurrection, giving convincing proofs that He was alive. Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Father’s gift of the Holy Spirit, from whom they would receive power to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:3-8). After Jesus’ ascension to heaven, the men returned to Jerusalem and joined together in prayer in an upper room. On the Day of Pentecost, just as promised, the sound of a violent wind filled the house and tongues of fire came to rest on each of them and all were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were given the power of communication, which Peter used to begin the ministry for which Jesus had prepared him. After the coming of the Holy Spirit, the disciples did not stay in the room basking in God’s glory but burst out to tell the world. This was the beginning of the church as we know it.

Today, in many Christian churches, Pentecost Sunday is celebrated to recognize the gift of the Holy Spirit, realizing that God’s very life, breath, and energy live in believers. During this service, John 20:19-23 may be the core of the message about our risen Savior supernaturally appearing to the fear-laden disciples. Their fear gave way toJoy filled the disciples when the Lord showed them His hands and side. He assured them of peace and reiterated the command from Matthew 28:19-20, saying, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Then He breathed on them, and they received the Holy Spirit (John 20:21-23).

The observance of Pentecost Sunday serves as a reminder that we all share the unifying Spirit poured out on the early church in Acts 2:1-4. It reminds us that we are joint heirs with Christ, sharing in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory; that the Spirit’s manifestation is for the greater good «But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. », (1 Corinthians 12:7); that we are all baptized by one Spirit into one body «For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. », (1 Corinthians 12:13); and that the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead dwells within believers (Romans 8:9-11). This gift of the Holy Spirit, promised and given to all believers on the first Pentecost, is also promised to you, your children, and to all who are far off, whom the Lord our God will call «For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. », (Acts 2:39).