Lord's Supper
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Lord's Supper in the Bible?
The Lord's Supper is a ritual meal established by early Christian communities to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is referred to in the New Testament by various terms including the Lord's table, communion, and the breaking of bread.
SIGNIFICANCE
These diverse terms reflect the evolution of the practice from a communal meal to a formalized liturgical rite. Analyzing these labels helps historians understand early church sociology and the development of Christian identity, providing context for how early believers interpreted the narrative of Jesus' final days and the establishment of their communal bonds.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Lord's Supper in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Lord's Supper clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.