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 Read about the Life of Jesus in Comic Form in the following languages: |
The First Whitsun
Jesus had promised his disciples that, when He returned to heaven, He would not leave them alone but would send the Holy Spirit, who God had promised would come. He also assured them that they would thus be empowered by God
to do all He had commanded.
Fifty DaysThe word "Pentecost" comes from the Greek word for "fifty". In the Jewish festivals, the Feast of Pentecost comes fifty days after Passover. Fifty days after the first Easter, the disciples were together praying. There were about a hundred and twenty of them in all, including the apostles. It was the Day of Pentecost. As they were praying something strange and wonderful happened. The place where they were started to shake. Then they heard the sound of a strong wind blowing. There appeared a flame of fire in the room which divided and sat on each of their heads. Immediately, they began to speak in other languages and to praise God.They opened the door and poured outside, still praising God in other languages. Because it was a festival day, Jerusalem was packed with pilgrims from all over the middle eastern world of those days. They were surprised when they heard the disciples speaking about all God's wonderful works in their very own languages. Into All the WorldPeter spoke clearly to the people explaining exactly what was happening and how everyone could receive the same gift if they would only repent, believe the good news and be baptised. It was a gift for all.Later, the disciples spread from Judea to other parts of Israel, to neighbouring Samaria and then into all the world, speaking in the power and authority of the Holy Spirit who had been sent by God. Many Christians see Whitsun as the birthday of the Church - when the Church really began with the power and authority of God.
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