Significance of Pentecost

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Question
What was the significance of Pentecost in the founding of the early church?
Answer
Pentecost is a very, very important event in the history of the church, and like the call of Abraham, the exodus from Egypt, the cross and resurrection — although these belong each to a particular period of history — but these are the events that shed light on some dealing on how God dealt with man throughout history. With regard to Pentecost, this is the great turning point in history. Here, with Pentecost, we have the truth that [the] Christian era is distinctly the age of the Spirit. At Pentecost, the disciples received power, and this power was meant to enable them to preach the gospel and extend the kingdom of God, and men were brought together and for the fulfillment of God's mission in the world. Its significance can be seen as that which is demonstrated in the whole plan of God… So, Pentecost is the fulfillment of what was promised, the coming of the Spirit, and its significance… is that which demonstrated the plan of God. So, Pentecost set the pattern or direction of the church on what was to come for the church age as a whole.

Answer by Rev. Canon Alfred Sebahene, Ph.D.

Rev. Canon Alfred Sebahene, Ph.D. is director of extension education at St. John's University of Tanzania.