The Origin of Pentecost

Question: I know that Pentecost means 50 days, but what is the origin of it?

Answer: Pentecost was a Jewish festival that came 50 days after the Passover. The Feast of the Fiftieth Day has several Old Testament names — the Feast of the Harvest (Exod. 13:16), the Feast of Weeks (Deut. 16:10), and the Day of the First Fruits (Num. 18:26). It was one of the three great agricultural festivals on which all males were required to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus’ followers changed the festival to mark Jesus’ resurrection and ascension as they worshipped together.*

*From More Than Words, Seabury Press

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