Feast of Weeks
Pentecost marks the founding of the Christian community and the beginning of its evangelistic mission.
Pentecost (Greek, fifty) takes its name from the 50 days between Passover and the Old Testament festival of Feast of Weeks. Ancient Jewish law in Leviticus and Deuteronomy set out the requirements for this observance. “You are to count seven weeks, counting the weeks from the time the sickle is first put to the standing grain. You are to celebrate the Festival of Weeks to the Lord your God with a freewill offering that you give in proportion to how the Lord your God has blessed you.” Deuteronomy 16:9-10 HCSB
In the new Testament, Pentecost marks the arrival of the Holy Spirit 50 days after the Passover Crucifixion and Resurrection. The symmetry between the Feast of Weeks and Pentecost demonstrates the Majesty of God, and of His unfolding Plan of Redemption.