Why It Matters //
In the weeks preceding Pentecost, we will explore the meaning, history, and significance behind this day. Pentecost, which in Greek means “the 50th day”, is celebrated fifty days after Passover and it signifies the day when the Holy Spirit filled the people who were assembled in the upper room. This event was a fulfillment to the promise that Jesus gave his disciples before ascending into heaven (Luke 24:49). The promise of the Holy Spirit is true for every believer, still today. We can read about this promise throughout the Bible, as it was foretold by many prophets (see Ezekiel 11:19, Isaiah 44:3, Joel 2:28-29 etc.). Jesus spent 40 days on earth after he rose from the dead, and ten days after his ascension the Holy Spirit came.
What It's Talking About //
The book of Acts has no mention of it’s author, but most scholars conclude that it was written by Luke, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke, around 70 AD. This book begins with Jesus’ ascension, which is followed by a chronological narration of the birth of the early church, which began in the upper room nearly 2000 years ago.
Acts 1:4-11 NIV
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”