Biblical References for the Ascension-Pentecost Prayer Period

 The Timeline and Command to Wait

Acts 1:3-5 - The 40-day period and command

"After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'"

Luke 24:49 - Jesus' instruction before Ascension

"I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

The Promise of Power

Acts 1:8 - The purpose of waiting

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The Ascension and Prayer

Acts 1:9-14 - The Ascension and devoted prayer

"After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight... Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem... They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers."

Key detail in verse 14: "They all joined together constantly in prayer" (or "devoted themselves with one accord to prayer")

The Fulfillment at Pentecost

Acts 2:1-4 - The coming of the Holy Spirit

"When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

The Count: 50 Days Total

• Resurrection to Ascension: 40 days (Acts 1:3)
• Ascension to Pentecost: 10 days (Acts 1:3 + Acts 2:1)
• Resurrection to Pentecost: 50 days total (Pentecost = "fiftieth day" in Greek)

The 10 days between Ascension and Pentecost became the model for concerted, unified prayer in expectation of God's power—approximately 120 believers (Acts 1:15) waiting in obedience and prayer for the promised Holy Spirit.