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    What Does the Bible Say About Communion (the Lord's Supper)?

    What Does the Bible Say About Communion (the Lord's Supper)? Communion is the practice of eating bread and drinking from the cup in remembrance of Christ's body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.

    Key verse: 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (KJV)

    Communion is the practice of eating bread and drinking from the cup in remembrance of Christ's body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.

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    Quick Answer

    Communion is the practice of eating bread and drinking from the cup in remembrance of Christ's body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.

    "This is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me... This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." — 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    Jesus instituted communion at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19-20), commanding His disciples to eat bread and drink the cup 'in remembrance of me.' Paul expands on its meaning in 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, emphasizing that participants should examine themselves beforehand and recognize the Lord's body. Communion proclaims Jesus' death until He comes again. It is both a memorial looking back to the cross and a proclamation looking forward to His return. The early church practiced it regularly as part of their fellowship (Acts 2:42). Christians hold varying views on the nature of Christ's presence in the elements, but all agree it is a sacred ordinance commanded by Jesus Himself.

    Topic Overview

    What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness of Sins?

    How God forgives sin and what the Bible says about receiving complete pardon through Christ.

    Key Scripture References

    "This is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me... This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me."
    "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."
    "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

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    Deep Dive Commentary

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    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside 1 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read 1 Corinthians on day 324 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Communion (the Lord's Supper)?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Jesus instituted communion at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19-20), commanding His disciples to eat bread and drink the cup 'in remembrance of me.' Paul expands on its meaning in 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, emphasizing that participants should examine themselves beforehand and recognize the Lord's body. Communion proclaims Jesus' death until He comes again. It is both a memorial looking back to the cross and a proclamation looking forward to His return. The early church practiced it regularly as part of their fellowship (Acts 2:42). Christians hold varying views on the nature of Christ's presence in the elements, but all agree it is a sacred ordinance commanded by Jesus Himself.

    At the Last Supper, Jesus shared a final Passover meal with His disciples, instituted communion, washed their feet, predicted His betrayal, and gave final teachings.

    The early church was marked by apostolic teaching, fellowship, communal sharing, prayer, signs and wonders, and rapid growth.