Pentecost

points forward to · fire on a new temple

Fire settled on the tent and on Solomon's temple at their dedication. At Pentecost it settles on people.

points forward to · languages reversed

At Babel one language became many and the nations scattered. At Pentecost many languages hear one message and the nations begin to gather.

points forward to · power to go

Jesus tells them to wait for power before going; Acts 2 is that power arriving, and the first sermon reaches a city full of nations.

grows out of · fifty days later

Pentecost is the feast counted fifty days from Passover, associated in Jewish tradition with the giving of the law at Sinai. Fire, wind and a voice arrive again — this time on people rather than a mountain.