ABSTRACT
The Pentecostal pioneers anchored their identity deeply in the day of Pentecost as narrated in the New Testament. For many, Pentecostalism marked an exceptional revival at the end of history, while some sought traces of the movement throughout the history of Christian thought. The different perspectives illustrate the perplexing phenomenon of Pentecostalism in transition from a grassroots movement to a global tradition in the span of less than one hundred years. The development of Pentecostal theology echoes this change. Pentecostal theology shows a clear commitment to a core of theological teachings since the beginning of the worldwide revivals: salvation, sanctification, Spirit baptism, divine healing, and the coming kingdom belong undoubtedly to the central doctrines of classical Pentecostals. Many of the forays into new theological terrain have been advanced by individuals and challenge established expectations and procedures both among Pentecostals and outside the movement.
