“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.” — John 14:26 (BSB)
“And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.” — Joel 2:28 (BSB)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 (BSB)
The coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was not a private experience but a public sign of a new era. The Church was born in power and unity, with believers speaking in many languages, preaching the Gospel, and baptizing thousands. Pentecost reveals the Spirit not only as Comforter, but as the One who sends, empowers, convicts, and unites.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “At Pentecost, the fire of heaven fell—and the Church was ignited. This is not the end of the Gospel story, but its worldwide beginning. The risen Christ sends His Spirit to make disciples of all nations.”
Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) explains, “Pentecost reminds us that the mission of the Church is impossible apart from the Spirit. But with the Spirit, the impossible becomes reality—lives changed, hearts set free, the Gospel proclaimed.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer celebrates Pentecost—also called Whitsunday—with the Collect: “O God… who didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; grant us… to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort.”
J.C. Ryle emphasized the ongoing work of the Spirit: “The same Spirit who came at Pentecost still abides with the Church. Without Him, we are weak and lifeless. With Him, we are mighty to serve Christ and glorify God.” (Practical Religion, 1878)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Pentecost is not just a date on the calendar—it is the power of God in the life of the believer. We are not alone. We are filled, commissioned, and sent by the Spirit of Jesus.”
Pentecost glorifies Christ because the Spirit who came points to Him, unites us to Him, and empowers us to proclaim His Gospel in every tongue and to every nation.
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “The Spirit, who once hovered over the waters at creation, now breathes into the Church, making her fruitful in every good work.” — On the Holy Spirit, 16
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “On Pentecost, the Spirit descended not to dwell in buildings, but in hearts. From that moment, the Church began to shake the world.” — Homilies on Acts, 4
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The Spirit came as fire, not to destroy, but to purify. He came as wind, not to scatter, but to fill. Pentecost is the birth of holy boldness.” — Sermon 267
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
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