1-Week Bible Study on Pentecost: The Promise is Unto You!
Pentecost is an important feast day on both the Jewish and Christian calendars. For many Christians, it brings to mind tongues of fire and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. However, Pentecost goes much deeper than this. It fulfills a promise that is found in both the Old and New Testaments. We want to dig into all that Pentecost means for us today, so we’ve put together a seven-day Pentecost Bible Study!
This study is designed to help understand Pentecost and the powerful promise God made to all believers, including us! Each day there will be some scriptures to dig into, a devotion to read, questions for personal reflection, and a practical application for our daily lives.
Will you join us in studying Pentecost this week and allow God to lead you to a new place in Christ?
Sunday: What is Pentecost?
Pentecost is a Jewish agricultural festival. It is one of three Jewish festivals requiring all males to appear before the Lord. Pentecost means 50, and this festival is celebrated 50 days after Passover. It is also called the Feast of Shavuot or The Feast of Weeks because it is celebrated seven weeks after the beginning of the grain harvest.
Passover marked the beginning of the grain harvest when the first sheath of the barley harvest was offered to the Lord. Pentecost marked the end of the grain harvest because the first sheaf (or first fruit) of the wheat harvest was offered to the Lord. Over time, Pentecost also began to commemorate the giving of the law on Mount Sinai.
Today, Christians celebrate Pentecost 50 days after Easter. It marks the birth of the Christian Church when the Holy Ghost was poured out on believers for the very first time.
Reading
Leviticus 23:9-21, Deuteronomy 16:9-12
Reflection Questions
Why did God choose the day of Pentecost to pour out the Holy Spirit for the first time?
Why was it important to offer God the first fruits of the harvest and how does that apply to us today?
Apply It
Reflect on the importance of being grateful for everything God has provided. Practice developing an attitude of gratitude for the many blessings you have received from God.
Monday: Why is the Holy Spirit Important?
Jesus promised that those who believe in him would receive the Spirit. He explained that the Father would send a Comforter to us who would dwell with us and be in us. This Comforter is the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things and guides us to all truth. If we submit ourselves to God, the Holy Spirit gives us tremendous strength to resist sin and lead a transformed, Christian life. Jesus also taught that we cannot enter the kingdom of God unless we are born of water (baptism) and the Spirit.
Reading
John 3:5, 7:37-39, 14:15-18, 16:5-15; Galatians 5:16-25; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, 12:7-10
Reflection Questions
What do you think it means to be born of the Spirit?
Why do you think some believers struggle with sin more than others?
Apply It
Think about your walk with God. Can others see evidence of a transformed life by your words and actions? If not, spend time with God consistently and seek his help.
Tuesday: Jesus’ Instructions to Wait for the Holy Spirit
After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and taught them about the kingdom of God for a period of 40 days. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he instructed the apostles and those who were with them to wait in Jerusalem until they were given “power from on high.”
Reading
Luke 24:46-51, Acts 1:4-5, Isaiah 40:31
Reflection Questions
Do you think everyone who heard Jesus’ instructions obeyed and waited?
Why do you think both Acts and Luke record these instructions as Jesus’ final words to his followers before his ascension to heaven?
Apply It
Sometimes, we can experience doubts when we wait for God to answer a prayer or fulfill a promise. Remember that the time of waiting can be a time of transformation. We can emerge with a deeper trust in God and stronger faith.
Wednesday: The First New Testament Pentecost
As Jesus instructed, the disciples returned to Jerusalem. The book of Acts tells us that 120 disciples waited in the upper room. This included the apostles; Mary, the mother of Jesus; and the brothers of Jesus. These disciples continued to pray “in one accord.” This means they prayed with one mind and with one passion. On the day of Pentecost, tongues as of fire appeared and sat on each person. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with other tongues. Thousands of people heard the disciples speak about the wonderful works of God in their own languages. Some were amazed but some mockingly accused the disciples of being drunk.
Reading
Acts 2:1-13
Reflection Questions
Why was it important for the disciples to pray in unity?
Why do you think some people mocked the disciples, even after witnessing a miracle?
Apply It
Anyone who has played or watched sports can easily see that a team that does not play with unity will not win. Take some time to think about why unity is so important in the church.
Thursday: Peter Preaches to Thousands
The apostle Peter didn’t have the courage to admit he knew Jesus on the night of the arrest. This same man, after receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, courageously addressed a crowd of thousands. He first told the crowd they had witnessed the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy that God promised to “pour out His Spirit on all flesh.” Peter then boldly declared they had crucified their Messiah. The crowd was convinced and asked what they needed to do. Peter responded by presenting the plan of salvation. He explained they must repent and be baptized, and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter also explained that the gift of the Holy Spirit was for everyone whom God calls—even for those “afar off.” Those who received Peter’s words were baptized. That day, about 3,000 people were added to the church.
Reading
Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:14-41
Reflection Questions
Why did Jesus refer to the gift of the Holy Spirit as “power from on high?”
Why do you think the disciples needed the gift of the Holy Spirit?
Apply It
Take time to reflect on the tremendous change in Peter after receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Then reflect on how this gift could empower you to serve God more effectively.
Friday: What Does It Mean to Speak in Tongues and What is the Purpose?
Speaking in tongues means speaking in a language you have not learned. This can be a known human language, such as English or Spanish, or it can be an unknown language.
When we speak in tongues, we speak to God and speak mysteries by the Holy Spirit. We can also worship God or pray. An important time to pray in tongues is when we do not know what we should pray. This can happen when we are faced with an overwhelming problem or loss. It is in these times, when we pray in tongues, the Spirit can intercede for us according to God’s will. Jude also tells us that, when we pray in the Holy Spirit, we keep ourselves in God’s love.
Reading
Romans 8:26-27, 1 Corinthians 14:2, 14:14-15, Jude 1:20-21
Reflection Questions
Why do you think God chose speaking in tongues as a sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
What do you do when you don’t know how to pray for someone—or even for yourself?
Apply It
If you have questions about speaking in tongues, ask God to open your understanding. Attend church this Sunday to learn more about Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Saturday: Can We Expect a Pentecost Experience Today?
Yes! Peter preached that the promise of the Holy Ghost is for all whom the Lord calls—even those of us who are “afar off.” On Pentecost, all 120 disciples spoke in tongues. In Acts 10 when the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues and praised God. In Acts 19 when disciples of John the Baptist received the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Jesus once explained to a religious leader named Nicodemus that we must be born of water and Spirit or we cannot even see the kingdom of God. Since receiving the Holy Spirit is this important, God — in his goodness — provided a sign. That sign is speaking in tongues.
Reading
Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, Acts 19:1-6, John 3:5
Reflection Questions
Do you think it is just as important for us to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as it was for the apostles?
How could receiving the Holy Spirit help your walk with God?
Apply It
If you have not received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost Sunday is a great time to seek this marvelous gift. Start preparing your heart today by repenting of your sins and making a decision to live for God. Lay hold of the promise that is for all believers everywhere!