The Day of Pentecost by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 3, 1871

The Day of Pentecost.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

WHY WAS THE SPIRIT POURED OUT UPON THAT DAY?

SUNDAY-KEEPERS generally claim that this event occurred on that day because it was the first day of the week which God designed to thus specially honor. Had this been the case, how much easier and more effectual it would have been for the Lord to simply and plainly say so; but as it is, it is not even said that it was upon the first day of the week. But the connection gives the manifest reason why this was upon that day—pentecost—rather than any other. Pentecost was one of the greatest days in all the Jewish year, when all Israel would be gathered together at Jerusalem. The occurrence at such a time of such a wonderful event as was the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, would attract the notice of men from all parts of the world. This would prepare the way for the gospel to go into all the surrounding nations. Hence we read: “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.” Verses 5, 6. Then it mentions some seventeen different languages and countries there represented. Verses 8–13. To these, Peter preached; and three thousand were converted and baptized. These converts must have returned to their homes and thus have carried the gospel with them to all those countries. Had any other day been selected for this event, such a wonderful result would not have been effected. Manifestly, then, for this reason, and not because it was Sunday, did God select that day. D. M. CANRIGHT.