What Is PENTECOST? | The Age of the SPIRIT Begins

Pentecost was known as the Feast of Weeks or the Feast of Harvest. The Jews celebrated this feast fifty days after Passover. After the return of the Jews from the Babylonian captivity, it became known as “Pentecost.” “Pentecost” means “fiftieth” in Greek. Since it was thought that the law was given fifty days after the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt, the name of the feast was changed to “Pentecost” to celebrate the giving of the law. Originally, the Feast of Harvest was given to return thanks to God for His gracious provision in the harvest. Later, it commemorated God’s graciousness in giving Israel the law of Moses, which marked the Sinaitic Covenant. In Acts chapter 2 this day marked both the giving of the Spirit, which was the sign of the “New Covenant,” and harvest of 3000 souls. John R.W. Stott admits this “double symbolism” is tempting but contends that Luke does not mention it. Considering that harvest was the original idea behind the feast, the comparison only seems natural. After all, were not the 3000 that were saved, in some respects, the fruit of the labors of the Lord and his disciples during His earthly ministry?