Pentecost

Definition and Meaning

Pentecost is the church festival commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. Its name comes from the Greek pentēkostē, meaning "fiftieth." In the liturgical calendar, it is observed on the fiftieth day, counting Easter as the first day, which makes it the seventh Sunday after Easter. Because the date of Easter changes from year to year, Pentecost generally falls between mid-May and mid-June. Churches that follow the liturgical calendar use red as the color for the day, representing the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical and Historical Background

Pentecost was originally the Jewish Feast of Weeks. The name refers to its observance on the fiftieth day, seven weeks after the Passover (Leviticus 23:15-16; Deuteronomy 16:10). It was also called the Feast of Harvest and served as a thanksgiving for the wheat harvest (Exodus 23:16).

Acts 2 records that on this day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples gathered in Jerusalem, and they began to speak in the languages of many nations (Acts 2:1-4). The account continues with Peter's sermon quoting the prophecy of Joel (Joel 2:28) and reports that about three thousand people received baptism that day (Acts 2:41). For this reason, Pentecost is often called "the birthday of the Church."

The early church is known to have kept the fifty days from Easter to Pentecost as a season of rejoicing from an early date. In the Western church, a tradition of administering baptism on this day also developed.

Observance in Korean Churches

In Korean Protestant and Anglican churches, Pentecost is not emphasized as widely as Christmas or Easter. Practices vary by denomination and congregation.

• Denominations that follow the liturgical calendar: The Anglican Church of Korea, the Lutheran Church in Korea, the Korean Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church of Korea (Tonghap), and others observe Pentecost Sunday as a major feast of the church year. Many of these churches use red pulpit hangings and stoles. The period from this Sunday until Advent is sometimes called the "Season after Pentecost."
• Pentecostal tradition: Churches in the Pentecostal tradition, such as the Korea Assemblies of God, regard the events of Pentecost as the prototype of an experience of the Holy Spirit that continues today. Around this time, some of these churches hold meetings focused on the Holy Spirit or revival meetings that emphasize baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.
• Reformed tradition: In the Reformed tradition, including many Presbyterian churches, the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost tends to be emphasized as a once-for-all event in redemptive history that established the Church. Views differ, both within and outside these denominations, on whether gifts such as tongues continue today (see cessationism and continuationism).

The Harvest Thanksgiving Day observed in Korean churches also has its roots in the Feast of Weeks (the Feast of Harvest). It is usually kept separately in July, however, and therefore does not coincide with Pentecost.