PB Devotional

Pentecost is the Greek name for the Feast of Weeks. This festival occurred 50 days (7 weeks) after the Passover. In the Old Testament, Pentecost (Feast of Weeks), along with the Passover and Feast of Tabernacles, was one of the 3 annual pilgrimages for God’s people. It was a harvest festival that marked the time that people brought offerings from their annual harvest. This rich Old Testament background serves as a foundation for the coming of the Holy Spirit. What was now emerging was the fulfillment of promises that the Old testament had foretold.

When Peter preached there was a broad spectrum of people who were in Jerusalem, specifically because this was one of the three annual festivals that was so central to their spiritual journey. Peter preaches and connects the promise of their spiritual heritage with its fulfillment.

As we approach our yearly recognition of the Day of Pentecost, I am reminded of the words of Peter’s sermon. Those words should still strengthen us today. No one is left out of the outpouring of God’s Spirit: men and women, young and old are all part of God’s plan to empower an army of witnesses. Since we are now part of God’s eternal purposes, we are given power from God Himself to continue His redemptive ministry.

Read Acts 2

The Road to Pentecost