“You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
32 “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. 35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:18-35)
Paul had to say goodbye to the elders of Ephesian church because he knew he would not see them again. But he decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible. on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 20:16)
I received this above message which highlighted the Day of the Pentecost. This year it will be on 20th May (49 days after Easter). What is its significance? What is going to happen this Pentecost? Why am I led to read this passage about the Apostle Paul’s farewell speech and his hurrying to Jerusalem before that Day? Incidentally, the Jewish Shavuot 2018 will begin in the evening of Saturday, 19 May and ends in the evening of Monday, 21 May. Shavuot (the Feast of Weeks) is celebrated the seventh week after Passover.
Note: This coming Pentecost is the 70th year of the birth of the present Israel nation. Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948.
“Israel signed their Declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948. The Declaration states that the British Mandate governing Palestine would remain in effect until midnight (May 15), and at that time the interim government of Israel would begin to rule. So the first “official” day of statehood for Israel was Saturday May 15, 1948. Mr. Camping stated this was the day of Pentecost. Pentecost day began on the evening of May 15th.” (Quoted from :http://www.ebiblefellowship.com/numbers/israel.html)
“Israel signed their Declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948. The Declaration states that the British Mandate governing Palestine would remain in effect until midnight (May 15), and at that time the interim government of Israel would begin to rule. So the first “official” day of statehood for Israel was Saturday May 15, 1948. Mr. Camping stated this was the day of Pentecost. Pentecost day began on the evening of May 15th.” (Quoted from :http://www.ebiblefellowship.com/numbers/israel.html)
Bible verses
Deuteronomy 16:16 “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed.
Deuteronomy 16:16 “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed.
Acts 2:1 [ Coming of the Holy Spirit ] When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Acts 20:16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.
1 Corinthians 16:8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.
