Pentecost is the anniversary of the founding of the New Testament Church and pictures the first spiritual harvest of God. Just as the physical spring harvest marked the firstfruits of the grain, Pentecost symbolizes the first small harvest of individuals called through God's Church — and in the life of each believer, the receiving of the Holy Spirit after baptism.
What is Pentecost?
Pentecost — also called the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Firstfruits, and the Feast of Harvest — is the third of God's seven annual holy days. Its name comes from the Greek word "Pentekostos" meaning "fiftieth," because it is observed exactly fifty days after the wave-sheaf offering made during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
In ancient Israel it marked the end of the spring grain harvest. God commanded Israel to bring an offering of the firstfruits of their harvest on this day. But beyond the agricultural observance, Pentecost pictures one of the most pivotal events in history — the founding of the New Testament Church and the giving of the Holy Spirit.
"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting."
— Acts 2:1–2How Pentecost is Counted
God gave specific instructions for counting to Pentecost. Beginning with the wave-sheaf offering — made on the first day of the week during the Days of Unleavened Bread — Israel was to count seven complete weeks (49 days), then observe the fiftieth day as Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15–16). This is why Pentecost always falls on a Sunday.
The wave-sheaf offering itself was deeply prophetic — it pictured the risen Christ ascending to the Father to be accepted as the First of the Firstfruits (John 20:17; 1 Corinthians 15:20). Only after Christ was accepted by the Father could the spiritual harvest of firstfruits begin — which is what Pentecost pictures.
"But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep... But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming."
— 1 Corinthians 15:20, 23The Birthday of the New Testament Church
The most dramatic fulfillment of Pentecost came in 31 AD. Jesus had instructed His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Father — the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). They were gathered together in one place keeping the Day of Pentecost when suddenly the Spirit came upon them with the sound of a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire.
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, stood and preached the Gospel to the assembled crowd — Jews from every nation under heaven who had gathered for the feast. Three thousand people were baptized and received the Holy Spirit that day. It was the single greatest day of spiritual harvest in history — the firstfruits of God's spiritual harvest had begun.
"Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' ... And that day about three thousand souls were added to them."
— Acts 2:38, 41Pentecost and the Firstfruits
The physical spring harvest pictures a profound spiritual reality. God is not trying to save everyone right now. Those He is calling in this age — those given eyes to see and ears to hear — are the firstfruits of His great spiritual harvest. The majority of humanity will have their opportunity for salvation at a later time, pictured by the fall holy days.
Being called now as firstfruits is a privilege and a responsibility. God grants His Spirit to those He calls, transforming their minds and enabling them to understand His Word, keep His commandments, and develop His character. Pentecost reminds us each year of this calling and the power God has given us to fulfill it.
"Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures."
— James 1:18How We Observe It Today
Pentecost is an annual Sabbath — a holy convocation on which no regular work is done. The Church of God International gathers for worship services on this day, observing it as God commanded "throughout your generations" (Leviticus 23:21). In 2026 Pentecost falls on Sunday, May 24.
Visitors are always welcome at our Pentecost services. Join us as we commemorate the birthday of the New Testament Church and celebrate God's gift of the Holy Spirit.