fbpx

KidsKonnect

Pentecost Facts & Worksheets

One of the most important dates in Christian tradition is Pentecost. It commemorates the Church's foundation and the Holy Spirit's descent upon the apostles. This occasion coincides with the Jewish festival of Shavuot.

Search for Worksheets

Worksheets /Religion /Pentecost Facts & Worksheets

Premium
Not ready to purchase a subscription? Click to download the free sample version   Download sample

One of the most important dates in Christian tradition is Pentecost. It commemorates the Church’s foundation and the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the apostles. This occasion coincides with the Jewish festival of Shavuot. It signifies a transformative moment where the apostles were empowered to speak in various tongues and spread Jesus Christ’s teachings to diverse communities.

See the fact file below for more information about Pentecost, or you can download our 31-page Pentecost worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BACKGROUND

  • The Greek term “Πεντηκoστή,” which means “fiftieth,” is where the name “Pentecost” originated from. 
  • It refers to the Shavuot holiday, which Jews commemorate fifty days after Passover. 
  • Shavuot, a Jewish holiday that originated as an ancient agricultural celebration marking the end of the grain harvest, is where Pentecost began. 
  • In Hebrew, “Shavuot” means “weeks,” and it takes place seven weeks after Passover, hence also being known as the “Feast of Weeks.” 
  • Over time, Shavuot evolved to commemorate the Torah’s giving to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, thus becoming an important religious celebration for Jews. 
  • For Christians, Pentecost occurs 50 days after Easter Sunday (including Easter Sunday) and ten days after Ascension Thursday, commemorating Jesus Christ’s ascension to heaven. 
  • It marks the occasion where, according to the Acts of the Apostles, the apostles and other Jesus Christ followers were in Jerusalem for the Shavuot feast when the Holy Spirit fell upon them. 
  • This event, often considered the “birthday” of the Church, marks the beginning of the Christian mission to spread the gospel to all nations, empowered by the Holy Spirit that enabled them to speak in various languages and communicate with people of different backgrounds and cultures. 
  • The cultural importance of Pentecost for Christians also ties into its theological implications.
  • It signifies the fulfillment of Jesus’s promise to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples after his departure, which is seen as enabling and guiding the evangelistic mission of the Church and the growth of the Christian community.
  • In the Old Testament, Pentecost is not directly mentioned; instead, the festival Shavuot is referenced. 
  • Shavuot is one of three major pilgrimage festivals, the other two being Passover and Sukkot, as decreed in the Torah. 
  • Shavuot is detailed primarily in Leviticus 23:15-22 and Deuteronomy 16:9-12, where it is described as a harvest festival where the first fruits were offered at the Temple, and the faithful would remember and celebrate the receiving of the Torah at Sinai. 
  • This event formed the covenant between God and Israel. 
  • According to the Acts of the Apostles, notably Acts 2:1–31, Pentecost marks a crucial turning point in Christian history in the New Testament. 
  • Fifty days after Jesus’s resurrection, the apostles received the gift of the Holy Spirit at the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, according to Luke’s account of the events in the book of Acts. 
  • The apostles received the Holy Spirit, manifested through speaking in tongues, prophesying, and preaching with boldness. 
  • This miraculous event enabled the apostles to effectively communicate the message of Jesus Christ to Jews from various nations who were gathered in Jerusalem. 
  • Acts 2 also records Peter’s sermon, which led to the conversion and baptism of about 3,000 individuals, thus marking the rapid growth of the early Christian Church. 
  • This event fulfills the promises of Jesus recorded in the Gospels, such as in John 14:26 and John 15:26-27, where Jesus speaks about sending the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to teach and remind his followers of everything he has told them. 
  • The celebration of Pentecost in both Testaments thus has a dual significance: an agricultural festival and the remembrance of the Law in the Old Testament, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Christian Church in the New Testament.

CELEBRATION

  • The celebration of Pentecost varies across different Christian denominations and cultural contexts. 

Western Christianity

  • In Western Christian churches, including Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Anglican denominations, Pentecost is celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter. 
  • Services often include reading the Acts of the Apostles account of the Holy Spirit’s descent. 
  • Red vestments and decorations symbolize the Holy Spirit’s fire.
  • Some congregations might have confirmations or baptisms on this day. 

Eastern Christianity

  • In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Pentecost is among the Great Feasts and is considered the highest-ranking after Pascha. 
  • On Pentecost Eve, there is an all-night vigil.
  • There is a Divine Liturgy on the feast day. 
  • Green is commonly used to symbolize life and the Holy Spirit, and there are special prayers called “kneeling prayers” after the Divine Liturgy, marking the beginning of the Fat-Free Week, where standard fasting rules are suspended. 

Jewish Tradition

  • In Jewish tradition, Shavuot is celebrated by engaging in all-night study sessions known as “Tikkun Leil Shavuot,” eating dairy foods, and reading the Book of Ruth. 
  • In addition to honoring the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, this also reflects the agricultural component of the festival as a “first fruits” celebration. 

Pentecostalism

  • Pentecostal Christians, who trace their roots to the revival movement at the turn of the 20th century, emphasize the gifts of the Holy Spirit and Pentecost as an ongoing experience. 
  • They view Pentecost as both a historical occurrence and a current reality, and they strongly emphasize spiritual abilities like prophecy, healing, and tongues. 

Local Traditions

  • In some countries, Pentecost has its own local traditions. 
  • For instance, to commemorate the miracle of the burning tongues, rose petals are occasionally thrown from church ceilings in Italy to celebrate the occasion.
  • In France, it’s known as “La fête du Saint-Esprit”.
  • In rural areas, various customs like tree planting or decorating homes with green branches can be seen.
  • In parts of Germany, there is the custom of “Pfingstbaumpflanzen” (planting a Pentecost tree), and in the British Isles, Whit Walks, processions of churchgoers, are a common sight. 
  • The rich history and theological significance of Pentecost are reflected in the many Pentecost festivities observed by various Christian groups and cultural situations.
  • The differences in traditions and rituals also highlight the variety of the Christian community worldwide and its numerous aspects of spirituality and faith.

PRACTICES DURING PENTECOST

  • During Pentecost, various practices are observed across different Christian denominations and cultures to honor the descent of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.

Special Prayers and Reflections

  • Many Christian communities engage in special prayers and reflections during Pentecost. 
  • These may focus on the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the individual believer and the Church. 
  • It’s a time for personal and communal reflection on the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding, empowering, and transforming lives.

Pentecost Sunday Services

  • Pentecost Sunday services often emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in equipping believers for ministry and mission. 
  • Sermons and teachings may explore the significance of the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in the life of the Church and individual believers.

Festive Meals and Gatherings

  • In many cultures, Pentecost is a time for festive meals and gatherings.
  • It’s an opportunity for families and communities to come together, share meals, and celebrate the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 
  • Special foods and traditions may be associated with these gatherings, reflecting the joy and gratitude for the Spirit’s presence.

Renewal and Unity

  • Pentecost is also a time for spiritual renewal and unity within the Church.
  • On this day, many Christian communities pray for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit and peace and harmony among Christians.

Mission and Evangelism

  • Given Pentecost’s significance as the birth of the Christian mission, many churches use this time to focus on mission and evangelism. 
  • It’s a time to recommit to the gospel’s spread and the believers’ empowerment to be bold and effective witnesses for Christ.

Artistic Expressions

  • In some traditions, Pentecost is also a time for artistic expressions that celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit. 
  • This may include special music, dance, and visual arts that reflect the themes of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Spirit.
  • Pentecost is a time of spiritual significance and celebration for Christians worldwide, as it marks the ongoing presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church and individual believers.

SYMBOLISM OF PENTECOST

  • Pentecost has a rich and complex symbolism that reflects theological depths in Christianity. 
    • Here are some of the key symbols and their significance: 

FIRE

  • Fire is one of the most prominent symbols of Pentecost. 
  • It signifies the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. 
  • In the New Testament account in Acts 2, it is said that tongues of flame appeared and rested on each disciple during the Pentecost event, symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit, purification, and the inspiration to communicate the gospel across linguistic and cultural barriers.

WIND

  • The sound of a mighty rushing wind accompanied the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, as described in Acts 2. 
  • Wind symbolizes the breath of life and God’s unobservable yet powerful presence. 
  • It is associated with the Spirit’s role in regeneration and renewal. 

DOVE

  • The dove is a universal symbol of peace and purity and symbolizes the Holy Spirit in Christian tradition. 
  • The Holy Spirit fell on Jesus in the form of a dove during his baptism.
  • This imagery is used throughout Pentecost to symbolize the Spirit’s kindness, serenity, and direction.

TONGUES AND LANGUAGES

  • The ability to speak in diverse tongues or languages symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s power to communicate across barriers. 
  • At the first Pentecost, the disciples could speak in languages they had not previously known, emphasizing the universal and inclusive nature of the gospel.

FRUITS AND HARVEST

  • Pentecost also holds agricultural symbolism as a “first fruits” celebration in the Jewish tradition. 
  • It represents the spiritual harvest and the offering of the first fruits to God, signifying gratitude and dependence on Him for sustenance and abundance.

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

  • The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost united people from different nations and cultures, transcending language and social barriers. 
  • This event symbolizes the unifying and reconciling work of the Spirit, emphasizing the diversity within the body of Christ as a source of strength and enrichment.

RENEWAL AND EMPOWERMENT

  • Pentecost symbolizes spiritual renewal and empowerment for believers. 
  • It marks the Church’s birth and the disciples’ equipping for their mission to spread the gospel and make disciples of all nations.

GREENERY

  • The color green is often used in Pentecost decorations and vestments, representing life, growth, and the renewal brought by the Holy Spirit. 
  • It serves as a reminder of the ongoing work of God in bringing forth new life and vitality within the Church and individual believers.
  • Understanding these symbols deepens the significance of Pentecost as a time of spiritual power, renewal, unity, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 
  • Reflecting on these symbols can help Christians appreciate the multifaceted meanings of Pentecost and its enduring relevance in the life of the Church.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PENTECOST

  • Pentecost is traditionally considered the birth of the Christian Church. 
  • The Holy Spirit’s descent transformed a group of Jesus’ followers into a community with a mission, marking the beginning of the Church’s public ministry. 
  • Pentecost represents the fulfillment of Jesus’s promise and Old Testament prophecies, such as Joel 2:28-32, about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 
  • It signifies God’s faithfulness to His word and the continuation of His plan of salvation. 
  • The coming of the Holy Spirit equipped the early believers with the necessary gifts and boldness to preach the gospel, signifying empowerment for ministry and mission to all Christians.
  • Pentecost is the definitive event that revealed the personhood and work of the Holy Spirit, showing the Spirit to be an active and dynamic presence within the Church and individual believers. 
  • At Pentecost, people from various nations and languages understood the apostles’ preaching, illustrating the Holy Spirit’s role in transcending cultural and linguistic barriers and calling people into one body of Christ despite their diversity. 

Pentecost Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Pentecost across 31 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Pentecost. This occasion coincides with the Jewish festival of Shavuot. It signifies a transformative moment where the apostles were empowered to speak in various tongues and spread Jesus Christ’s teachings to diverse communities.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Pentecost Facts
  2. Pick The Best
  3. Is It True or False?
  4. Can You Tell Them Apart?
  5. Relating With The Symbols
  6. Denominations
  7. Favorite Festival
  8. Jumbled Letters
  9. Dove Origami
  10. Recall
  11. Power In Togetherness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pentecost?

Pentecost is a Christian holiday celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament Book of Acts, Chapter 2.

Why is Pentecost significant in Christianity?

Pentecost is significant because it marks the birth of the Christian Church. It represents the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to guide and empower his disciples after his ascension into heaven. The event symbolizes the spread of the gospel message and the unity of believers across languages and cultures.

How is Pentecost celebrated?

Pentecost is celebrated with various customs and traditions across different Christian denominations. Common practices include attending church services, reciting prayers, singing hymns, and reading passages from the Bible, particularly the account of Pentecost in Acts 2. Some churches also engage in special services, such as confirmation or baptism ceremonies. In certain cultures, Pentecost may also be celebrated with processions, feasts, and other festive activities.

What is the significance of the Holy Spirit in Pentecost?

The Holy Spirit is central to the Pentecost narrative, as it descended upon the disciples in the form of “tongues of fire,” empowering them to preach the gospel boldly in different languages. This event is often interpreted as the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and empower believers. The presence of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost signifies the ongoing presence of God within the Christian community and the transformative power of faith.

How does Pentecost relate to other Jewish festivals?

Pentecost has roots in the Jewish festival of Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is sometimes referred to as the “Christian Shavuot” because it also involves the giving of divine revelation, albeit in the form of the Holy Spirit rather than the written law. Additionally, Pentecost falls fifty days after Passover, just as Shavuot falls fifty days after Passover in the Jewish calendar, highlighting the connection between the two holidays.

Link/cite this page

If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source.

Link will appear as Pentecost Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, April 3, 2024

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

Related Resources