Topical Bible: The Feast of Pentecost: Called The: Day of Pentecost

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Introduction:
The Feast of Pentecost, also known as the Day of Pentecost, is a significant event in both Jewish and Christian traditions. In the Jewish context, it is known as Shavuot, a festival celebrating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. In the Christian tradition, Pentecost marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament.

Biblical Background:
The term "Pentecost" is derived from the Greek word "Pentēkostē," meaning "fiftieth," as it occurs fifty days after Passover. This feast is one of the three major Jewish pilgrimage festivals, alongside Passover and Sukkot. In the Old Testament, it is referred to as the Feast of Weeks (Exodus 34:22; Deuteronomy 16:10).

Old Testament References:
The Feast of Weeks is first mentioned in Exodus 23:16, where it is described as the "Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labors." It is further detailed in Leviticus 23:15-21, where the Israelites are instructed to count seven weeks from the day after the Sabbath following Passover and then present a new grain offering to the Lord. This festival is a time of thanksgiving for the harvest and a commemoration of the giving of the Law.

New Testament Significance:
In the New Testament, the Day of Pentecost holds profound significance for Christians. It is recorded in Acts 2:1-4 : "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of a fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

This event marks the birth of the Christian Church, as the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to preach the Gospel with boldness and in various languages, reaching a diverse audience. The apostle Peter delivered a powerful sermon, leading to the conversion and baptism of about three thousand people (Acts 2:41).

Theological Implications:
The Day of Pentecost is seen as the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit as a Comforter and Helper (John 14:16-17). It signifies the beginning of the new covenant era, where the Holy Spirit indwells believers, empowering them for service and witness. The event underscores the universality of the Gospel, as the message of salvation is proclaimed to all nations and peoples.

Liturgical Observance:
In the Christian liturgical calendar, Pentecost is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday. It is a time of joy and reflection on the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and individual believers. Many churches emphasize themes of renewal, empowerment, and mission during this period.

Conclusion:
The Feast of Pentecost, or the Day of Pentecost, is a pivotal event that bridges Jewish and Christian traditions. It celebrates both the historical giving of the Law and the transformative outpouring of the Holy Spirit, marking the birth of the Church and the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 2:1
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Pentecost.
... II. Wherefore we must keep the feast spiritually. ... The Hebdomads of days give birth
to Pentecost, a day called holy among them; and those of years to what ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xli on pentecost.htm

The Day of Pentecost.
... Thus Pentecost was again rendered illustrious as the commencement ... the strangers who
were assembled at the feast. Our attention is next called to the subjects ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture ii the day of.htm

Pentecost
... We now celebrate this feast, not because of the ... instruction concerning the difference
between our Pentecost and that ... Gospel; to grace is he called, as Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/pentecost.htm

The Miracle of Pentecost and the Birthday of the Christian
... The feast of languages in the Roman Propaganda perpetuates this ... at once, as on the
day of Pentecost, it would ... fire "sat upon each of them""were called to be ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 24 the miracle of.htm

Pentecost
... As they called to remembrance the words that Christ had ... "And when the Day of Pentecost
was fully ... from partaking largely of the new wine prepared for the feast. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 4 pentecost.htm

Concerning the Festivals; and How Each Day of Such Festival is to ...
... day, which is Pentecost, but is called by the Hebrews Asartha, which signifies
Pentecost, they bring ... and must slay sacrifices, in order to feast upon them. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning the festivals.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... gathered together at Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Pentecost ... of Tongues, on the
Day of Pentecost, had similar ... set free by a miracle, were called before the ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ...
... The confinement of Paul, which now commenced at the feast of Pentecost in AD58 ... them
that "of the hope and resurrection of the dead" he was called in question ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix pauls epistles his.htm

In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles.
... the people beforehand that they would be called upon to ... eighth day], the great day
of the feast, Jesus stood ... upon his apostles on the day of Pentecost, and the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxviii in the temple at.htm

Letter vii. --For 335. Easter-Day iv Pharmuthi, iii Kal. April; xx ...
... against heaven and before thee, and am not worthy to be called thy son ... the fourth
of Pharmuthi (Mar.30), let us afterwards keep the holy feast of Pentecost. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter vii for 335 easter-day iv.htm