The Day of Pentecost: Babel is Reversed

There’s an old expression which goes, “What goes up must come down.” It’s interesting to note while reading the account of the life and ministry of Jesus that He often is depicted as going up: up to Jerusalem, up to the Mount of Olives, up to Skull Hill, up onto the Cross, up from death to life, and, finally, up into Heaven. But the story of the gospel, Luke explains, is only what Jesus began to do and teach (Acts 1:1).

The next part of His activity on Earth, which Luke focuses on in the Book of Acts, takes place through the church. And it involves a coming down. The gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is often associated with the events of the Tower of Babel, and with good reason.

People are not scattering as God commanded, God comes down and works a miracle of language, people scatter throughout the world, and the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham begins. Pentecost, in an important sense, is Babel’s reversal.

At Babel, this scattering was an act of judgment in response to disobedience, bringing language incomprehension and confusion. At Pentecost, it’s an act of blessing in response to obedience, bringing new understanding and unity through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Yet, Pentecost also echoes the exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt, particularly the encounter on the mountain at Sinai. Some of these connections are obvious:

The law was given to Israel about seven weeks after the Passover; the Spirit is given to the church about seven weeks after the Cross.

The anointed leader has gone up, and the divine Presence comes down.

There are tangible physical signs: a great noise came from Heaven, whether thunder and trumpets or a mighty rushing wind, and the descent of God was seen visibly in fire.

The gifts that define God’s people – first the law, then the Spirit – are given.

The people are commissioned as kings and priests, and the Tabernacle/Temple is established.

A sermon is preached, calling for obedience.

A new covenant has started. And in this covenant, all people can be saved in Jesus Christ!