What Is Communion (The Lord's Supper) — In Biblical Context
Communion is a sacred meal of bread and wine (or grape juice) that Jesus instituted to remember His sacrificial death until He returns.
Communion is a sacred meal of bread and wine (or grape juice) that Jesus instituted to remember His sacrificial death until He returns.
"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you." — Luke 22:19-20 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples and established what we know as communion or the Lord's Supper. He took bread, broke it, and said, 'This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me' (Luke 22:19). He then took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you' (Luke 22:20). Paul later provided detailed instructions in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, adding that communion proclaims 'the Lord's death till he come.' The bread symbolizes Christ's body broken on the cross, and the wine represents His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. Christians differ on the precise nature of communion — Catholics teach transubstantiation (bread and wine become Christ's actual body and blood), Lutherans hold to consubstantiation, while most Protestants view it as symbolic remembrance. All agree on its importance: it is an act of worship, a proclamation of the gospel, a celebration of community, and an anticipation of Christ's return. Paul warned against taking it 'unworthily' (1 Corinthians 11:27-29), emphasizing the need for self-examination.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Luke 22:19-20, sits inside Luke 22. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
Supporting Passages
"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."
"But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Bible Say About Communion (the Lord's Supper)?
Prayer & Worship
What Is Communion (The Lord's Supper)?
Prayer & Worship
What Is the Lord's Supper in the Bible?
Prayer & Worship
The Lord's Supper Bible Quiz
This do in remembrance of me — the bread, the cup, and the communion of the body
Matthew 6:9-10 Commentary
In-depth study • Prayer
Communion (κοινωνία (Koinōnia))
Intimate fellowship and sharing; also the Lord's Supper
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.