The Pentecostals of Maui

What is Pentecost?

Thomas E. Bailey

Originally, Pentecost was a Jewish feast day in celebration of the first fruits of harvest. It was a time of thanksgiving for the blessings of the Lord and what He had provided. Fifty days after Passover, the Feast of Pentecost was observed annually in Jerusalem . It was a festive time of rejoicing and an expression of faith for the promise of future provision.

One Important Pentecost

On one such day, soon after the ascension of Jesus from the Mount of Olives, disciples and loyal followers of Christ were gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem where they had been instructed to wait, "for the promise of the Father" (Acts 1:4). This promise was spoken of with anticipation following "repentance and remission of sins" in the Gospel of Luke (24:47, 49). The promise was identified as the gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts chapter two, and was delivered to the believers gathered in Jerusalem on the "Day of Pentecost."

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. (Acts 2:1-4 NKJV)

What is Pentecost?

When asked, "What is Pentecost?" the most obvious place to start to answer the question is with this passage. However, because of the wondrous events on this particular day of history, "Pentecost" has come to mean much more than a festival of Jewish celebration, it now embraces the fuller meaning of an experience of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. The word Pentecostal describes denominations who embrace the demonstration of the Holy Ghost with a supernatural evidence of speaking in "tongues;" an utterance unlearned and unknown by the recipient.