7933 Lord’s Supper

The commemoration and remembrance of Jesus Christ’s last supper, and all the benefits that result to believers. Other terms have been used subsequently by Christians, including “Communion” and “Eucharist”.

Terms for the Lord’s Supper in the NT

Ac 2:42 “breaking of bread” could mean both eating together and also celebrating the Lord’s Supper; 1Co 10:16 The Greek word “koinonia”, here translated “participation”, is traditionally translated “communion”: hence the term “Holy Communion”; 1Co 11:20 the Lord’s Supper; 1Co 11:24 Underlying “had given thanks” is the Greek “eucharisteo”, from which comes the term “Eucharist”.

Jesus Christ’s institution of the Lord’s Supper

1Co 11:23-25 pp Mt 26:26-28 pp Mk 14:22-24 pp Lk 22:17-20

Celebrating the Lord’s Supper in the NT

As part of an ordinary meal 1Co 11:21 The church was not necessarily wrong to include the sacrament in an ordinary meal; this should have been conducted in a charitable way.

On the Lord’s day Ac 20:7 See also Jn 20:26

The fourfold formula for breaking bread: taking, giving thanks, breaking, giving Mt 26:26 pp Mk 14:22 pp Lk 22:19 See also Lk 24:30; Jn 6:11; 1Co 11:24

The sharing of the cup 1Co 11:25 pp Mt 26:27-28 pp Mk 14:23-24 pp Lk 22:20

Themes connected with the Lord’s Supper

The Passover 1Co 5:7-8 See also Jn 11:50 Caiaphas’words may have an unintended Passover significance; Jn 13:1; Jn 19:14,33,36; Ex 12:46; Nu 9:12

The new covenant 1Co 11:25 pp Mt 26:27-28 pp Mk 14:23-24 pp Lk 22:20 The reference to the (new) covenant implies a personal relationship with God and sins forgiven.

Remembrance 1Co 11:24 pp Lk 22:19

Thanksgiving, fellowship and unity 1Co 10:16 See also Mt 26:26-27 pp Mk 14:22-23 pp Lk 22:19; 1Co 11:20-21

The Lord’s return 1Co 11:26 See also Mt 26:29 pp Mk 14:25 pp Lk 22:16; 1Co 16:22; Rev 22:20

Separation from sin 1Co 10:21 Paul is referring to feasts in heathen temples. See also 1Co 11:27-32

A foretaste of heaven Mt 26:29 pp Mk 14:25

See also