Pentecost (New Testament)

The biblical narrative of Pentecost is given in the second chapter of the Book of Acts. As recounted in Acts 2:1-4:[4]

On the day of Pentecost all the Lord’s followers were together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind. It filled the house where they were meeting. Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there. The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak.

The apostles received the Holy Spirit and were miraculously enabled to go out into Jerusalem prophesying and speaking in languages that all the visitors to Jerusalem could understand as told further in Acts 2:5-6:[5]

Many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem ... they were hearing everything in their own languages.

The noise and activity attracted a huge crowd and the Apostle Peter preached a sermon to the crowd with great effectiveness, as Acts 2:41[6] reports: "On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptised."

Many Jews from throughout the world were coming to Jerusalem to celebrate Shavuot (also called Pentecost or the Feast of First Fruits) as was the custom and commandment of God (as shown in the Old Testament). The event that is spoken of in the Book of Acts took place on Pentecost and was soon after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. At this point the Apostles, taking after Jesus, were now leading the church yet hadn't yet received the Holy Spirit of God. They were waiting. Then, they received it and it was like "great, mighty tongues of fire coming down on them." This gave them the power and insight from God to be able to do what they did that day. Many people came to faith in Jesus after that day. It is traditionally referred to as the birth of the Church and the day they received the Holy Spirit, as all of those who come to the faith receive.