“Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” That truism seems ready-made for a sappy greeting card. But nothing could be “truer” of the impact Pentecost had on Jesus’ disciples. In an instant, twelve disciples were transformed and recreated. Confused first followers became confident apostles of the new Body of Christ known as the church.

After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples followed part of their master’s directive, “Stay in Jerusalem.” (Actually, the phrase means more than “stay put;” it means “wait, be patient, and don’t take any precipitous action,” which they of course did by casting lots and filling the job opening of the 12th apostle.) Fifty days after Passover is the Jewish festival of Pentecost. Originally this was strictly an agricultural festival, celebrated seven weeks …