Pentecost Was Observed by the Early Church

• Acts 2:1-4: “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
  The apostles and early disciples were gathered to observe Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out. This moment marked the birth of the New Testament Church and fulfilled prophecies from Joel 2:28-29.

Pentecost Tied to the Wave Sheaf Offering

• Leviticus 23:15-16: “And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord.”
  The timing of Pentecost is linked to the wave sheaf offering during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The early Church recognized this connection, understanding Pentecost as the culmination of the first harvest cycle, symbolizing the beginning of the spiritual harvest.

Paul and the Observance of Pentecost

• Acts 20:16: “For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.”
  1 Corinthians 16:8: “But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.”
  Paul’s deliberate efforts to keep Pentecost and also using it as a significant time marker, demonstrate its continued importance in the early Church, even among Gentile believers.

Historical Evidence: Early Christians and Pentecost

• The Apostolic Church: The events of Acts 2 establish Pentecost as foundational to the Christian Church. The apostles and early Christians did not discard the holy day but redefined its significance through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

• Early Church Fathers: Irenaeus and Tertullian referenced Pentecost in their writings, connecting it to the outpouring of the Spirit and the establishment of the Church.

  • Source: Irenaeus’ Against Heresies, 4.15.2, notes Pentecost as central to the spiritual harvest.

• The Quartodeciman Christians, who observed Passover and other Biblical Feasts, also marked Pentecost. These early believers adhered to the Biblical calendar as instructed by the apostles.

• Source: Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 5.24, documents early observance of biblical holy days.

• Fulfillment in the Giving of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost marks the day the God’s Holy Spirit was given, empowering the Church for its mission.

• John 16:13: “However, when it, the Spirit of truth, has come, it will guide you into all truth…”

  Observing Pentecost reminds Christians of their reliance on the Holy Spirit and their calling to spread the Gospel.

• Spiritual Harvest and God’s Plan: Pentecost symbolizes the firstfruits of God’s spiritual harvest, reflecting Christ’s’ role as the first of the resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:23). Christians, as firstfruits, are part of this ongoing harvest.

• Biblical Command for Perpetual Observance: Leviticus 23:21: “It shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.”
  The Bible describes Pentecost as an everlasting ordinance, emphasizing its relevance for all generations.

• Early Church Practice: The New Testament Church, led by the apostles, kept Pentecost as a pivotal holy day. The events of Acts 2 confirm its continued significance, and historical records demonstrate that it was observed for centuries.