The Pentecost Basic 5 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Explain what Pentecost means
• Describe the events of the day of Pentecost
• List the spiritual significance of the Pentecost
• Students will understand the significance of the day of Pentecost in the history of the Christian church
• Students will be able to explain the spiritual significance of the Pentecost event
• Students will learn about the events that took place on the day of Pentecost
• Students will be able to understand the spiritual significance of the Pentecost event

Embedded Core Skills

• Communication and Collaboration
• Critical thinking and problem solving

Learning Resources

• The Holy Bible
• Acts 2: verse 1
• Acts 2: verse 1 to 14

Learning Activities

• Pupils as individuals, define the meaning of Pentecost
• Pupils are are guided to describe the content of the day of Pentecost
• In groups, pupils discuss the significance of the day of Pentecost

Instructional Techniques:

• Identification
• Explanation
• Questions and answers
• Demonstration
• Story telling
• Guided class discussion

CONTENT

Introduction

The word “Pentecost” derives from the Greek word meaning “fiftieth.” It was called this because it was celebrated on the fiftieth day (the seventh week) after the Passover. It was a Jewish religious festival that brought blessings for the forthcoming agricultural season. It took place 50 days after the Feast of Passover and was known as the “Feast of Weeks.” The word is used in the New Testament to describe the day when the Spirit of God was poured out upon the early Church, including Jews and non-Jews, during this celebration.

The Event that Happened on the Day of Pentecost

On the day of Pentecost, a remarkable event occurred in the history of Christianity. According to the Bible, the followers of Jesus were gathered together in a room in Jerusalem when they suddenly heard the sound of a mighty wind, and what appeared to be tongues of fire appeared above their heads.

The Holy Spirit descended upon them, and the Apostles spoke in different languages which they had never learned these languages before. People from all over the world who were visiting Jerusalem for the celebration of Pentecost heard the disciples speaking in their own languages and were amazed.

The Apostles thought the disciples were drunk, but Peter, one of the apostles, explained to the crowd that they were not drunk but were filled with the Spirit of God as part of the prophecy of the coming of the Holy Spirit. He also preached to them about Jesus and the message of salvation, and many people were filled with the Holy Spirit and became followers of Jesus Christ.

This event on Pentecost marked the beginning of the spread of Christianity and the power of the Holy Spirit to help the disciples share the message of Jesus with others.

The Number of People that were Saved on the Day of Pentecost

The exact number of people who were saved on the day of Pentecost was specified in the Bible. However, according to the book of Acts in the New Testament, a large crowd of people from various countries gathered in Jerusalem for the celebration of Pentecost, and when the disciples spoke in different languages through the power of the Holy Spirit, many people were amazed and asked what this meant.

It is reported that many people were filled with the Holy Spirit and became believers in Jesus as the result of Peter’s preaching on that day. The Bible mentions that about 3,000 people were baptized that same day. The event marked a significant turning point in the early Christian church, as it led to the rapid growth of believers through divine intervention.

The Significance of the Holy Spirit

The Pentecost has significant spiritual meaning for Christians:

Fulfillment of Prophecy: The coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was the fulfillment of a prophecy in the Old Testament about the promised gift of the Holy Spirit to believers.

Birth of the Church: The event on Pentecost marks the birth of the Christian church, as the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to share the message of Jesus with others and the church began to grow in number.

Empowerment of Believers: The Holy Spirit coming to the believers on Pentecost signifies the empowerment of all believers to live and serve as witnesses of Jesus to the world.

Gift of Different Languages: The ability of the disciples to speak in different languages on Pentecost symbolized the universal message and the ability of the Holy Spirit to break down barriers and bring people together.

Completion of the Trinity: The coming of the Holy Spirit completes the trinity of the Christian Godhead, representing the presence of God in the world and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

Sign of Renewal: The events of Pentecost serve as a reminder of God’s ongoing work of renewal and transformation in the world and in the lives of believers.

EVALUATION

1. What is the significance of the day of Pentecost in Christianity? Is it the birth of the Christian church? Is it the day that Jesus was born? Is it the day that Jesus died on the cross? Is it the day that Jesus rose from the dead? 
2. When did the event of Pentecost occur? Is 50 days after the Feast of Passover, Is 100 days after the Feast of Passover, Is 7 days after the Feast of Passover, Is 40 days after the Feast of Passover? 
3. Who were present in the room where the event of Pentecost occurred? Is the apostles of Jesus, Is the enemies of the apostles, Is the Roman soldiers, Is the chief priests? 
4. What happened on the day of Pentecost? Is the disciples spoke in different languages, Is People from different countries heard the disciples speaking in their own languages, Is Many people became believers in Jesus, Is All of the above? 
5. What was the sound that the disciples heard on the day of Pentecost? Is the sound of a mighty wind, Is the sound of thunder, Is the sound of rain, Is the sound of music?