Pentecost

Definition and Meaning

Pentecost is known in Korean as Seongnyeong Gangnimjeol (聖靈降臨節), meaning "the day the Holy Spirit descended." Another Korean name, Osunjeol (五旬節), means "the fiftieth day" and renders the Greek Pentekostē (Pentecost). In the liturgical calendar, it is observed on the fiftieth day, counting Easter as the first day—that is, on 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 liturgical color for the day, representing the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical and Historical Background

Pentecost was originally the Jewish Feast of Weeks. It took its name from being observed on the fiftieth day, seven weeks after the Passover (Leviticus 23:15-16; Deuteronomy 16:10), and it was also called the Feast of Harvest, 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). It goes on to relate that Peter preached a sermon quoting the prophecy of Joel (Joel 2:28), and 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 observed 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.

Practice in the Korean Church

In the Korean church, Pentecost is not as widely emphasized as Christmas or Easter. Its manner of observance, however, varies 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 liturgical year. Many churches use red pulpit hangings and stoles, and 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 hold special meetings focused on the Holy Spirit or revival meetings and 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 Korean church's Harvest Thanksgiving Day is likewise rooted in the Feast of Weeks (the Feast of Harvest). Because it is usually observed separately in July, however, it does not fall on the same date as Pentecost.