1. Acts 2:1- 13 The Coming of the Holy Spirit Encounter the Word A close reading for historical features

2. Read the passage slowly and carefully. –Underline any words or phrases which tell us about the historical setting of this passage. –When it occurred –Where it occurred –What occurred As you read on, the Bible Doctor will help you with information…. Webwanda will link you to websites that you might like to look at…. What are some of the historical features of this passage?

3. MY TURN! I found two things! Here is what I noted. 1. Luke says it was ‘the day of Pentecost…’ What are some of the historical features of this passage? The Coming of the Spirit occurred on the day of Pentecost. Pentecost is the Greek name for a Jewish religious festival called Shavu’ot (שבזעזח)

4. What are some of the historical features of this passage? Jews were required to go to the Temple for Shavu’ot. This drawing shows the Temple Mount. Anyone, Jew or Gentile (non Jew) could go on to the Temple Mount. Only Jews could enter the actual Temple, the smaller building in the centre of the Mount. The ceremonies took place in the Temple.

5. What are some of the historical features of this passage? Shavu’ot was one of the three pilgrim festivals that Jews were obliged to attend. The great crowd reflects just how important this festival was for the Jewish people. Jerusalem and the Temple would have been bustling with thousands of people from all over the world!

6. What are some of the historical features of this passage? Shavu’ot celebrated two great gifts from God the gift of food gathered in the harvest the gift of the Torah given to Moses at Mt Sinai. In the time of Jesus, Jews brought some of the first fruits of their crops to the Temple as an offering to God. Offerings would have included barley and wheat, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.

7. Webwanda will lead you to two places for further information. –1. To another powerpoint with more information about Shavu’ot http://www.teachscripture.com/Diocese-of-Westminster.php –2. To a picture of King Agrippa presenting his fruit How many different fruits can you find? Does he present all those required by Deuteronomy 8:8? http://www.templeinstitute.org/images/shavuot-article.jpg So lets do something!