Reference: Eucharist
Hastings
This is the earliest title for the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ. It is found in Ignatius and the Didache, and is based upon the eucharistia or giving of thanks with which our Lord set apart the bread and wine at the Last Supper as memorials of Himself (Mt 26:27; Lu 22:17,19; 1Co 11:24). The name Lord's Supper, though legitimately derived from 1Co 11:20, is not there applied to the sacrament itself, but to the Love-feast or Agape, a meal commemorating the Last Supper, and not yet separated from the Eucharist when St. Paul wrote. The irregularities rebuked by the Apostle (1Co 11:21,29) are such as could only have accompanied the wider celebration, and doubtless contributed to the speedy separation of the essential rite from the unnecessary accessories. The title Communion comes from 1Co 10:16, where, however, the word is a predicate not used technically. The breaking of (the) bread (Ac 2:42,46) probably refers to the Eucharist (cf. Ac 20:7; Lu 24:35?), but until modern times does not seem to have been adopted as a title.
1. The institution is recorded by each of the Synoptic Gospels, but not by St. John. A fourth account appears in 1 Corinthians.
As they were eating, he took bread, and when he had blessed, he brake it, and gave to them, and said. Take ye: this is my body. And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the covenant, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it; and he gave to the disciples, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took a cup, and gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is shed for many unto remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
Lu 22:14-20.
When the hour was come, he sat down, and the apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto you, I will not eat it, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I will not drink from henceforth of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body [which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. And the cup in like manner after supper, saying. This cup is the new covenant in my blood, even that which is poured out for you].
I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, how that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said. This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me. In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
A comparison shows variations of minor importance between Mark and Matthew. But the most remarkable differences are those of Luke, which mentions what is apparently a second cup. It seems scarcely credible that at a supreme moment, like that in which a sacred rite was being established, our Lord should have created the possibility of confusion by solemnly delivering two of the Paschal cups, dividing between them the words which, according to the other Synoptics, belong, as it would seem appropriately, to one. Nor, if He were about to ballow a succeeding cup as Eucharistic, is it likely that He would have spoken of the fulfilment of the Paschal wine in relation to another (Lu 22:17). In spite, therefore, of the fact that the majority of MSS and Versions favour its inclusion, Westcott and Hort are probably right in regarding the passage inclosed in brackets above as an interpolation. With this omitted, the narrative is assimilated to the other Synoptics. The inversion of bread and cup, which now becomes apparent and which probably belongs not to Luke but to his source, is perhaps due to the fact that the writer, dwelling on the Lord's intention that the Passover should be fulfilled in a Messianic rite, records at the opening of his narrative a declaration similar to that which Matthew and Mark assign to a later stage, the delivery of the cup (Mt 26:29; Mr 14:25). These words, though referring more particularly to the Eucharistic bread, yet, as extending to the whole meal ('this passover'), require no mention of the action that would accompany them; whereas the companion statement concerning the fruit of the vine (Lu 22:18) necessitates the mention of the cup (Lu 22:17). The first half of Lu 22:19 (the consecration of the bread), which, if the account were symmetrical, would appear (as arranged in Rush-brooke's Synopticon) before Lu 22:15, is then added to complete the institution. A copyist, assuming a part of the narrative to be wanting, would then introduce, probably from a contemporary liturgical formula, the second half of Lu 22:19 and Lu 22:20, which bear a striking resemblance to the Pauline account, of which Luke is otherwise independent. A similar inversion is found in the sub-Apostolic Teaching of the Apostles.
2. From the Synoptic record the following inferences may be drawn: (1) The words of institution cannot themselves determine the meaning of the rite. Luke (unless v. 20 be genuine) omits 'This is my blood of the covenant.' [Notice also that the other traditional form varies the phrase
See Verses Found in Dictionary
While they were yet eating, Jesus took bread, and having given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, take, eat; this represents my body. and he took the cup, and having given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, drink ye all of it:
and he took the cup, and having given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, drink ye all of it: for this represents my blood, the blood of the new covenant which is shed for mankind for the remission of sins.
for this represents my blood, the blood of the new covenant which is shed for mankind for the remission of sins. but this I tell you, I shall not drink any more wine with you from this time forth to the day, when I shall drink with you, of the spiritual wine, in my father's kingdom.
but this I tell you, I shall not drink any more wine with you from this time forth to the day, when I shall drink with you, of the spiritual wine, in my father's kingdom.
then he chose twelve of them to be near his person, and afterwards to be gospel-missionaries.
There he came in the evening with the twelve.
When they had been eating, Jesus took bread, and having given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to them, and said, take it, this represents my body. and he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. read more. and he said to them, this represents the effusion of my blood (the sanction of the new covenant) for mankind. but this I tell you, I will never more drink of this fruit of the vine, from this time forth to that day, when I shall drink with you of the spiritual wine in the kingdom of God.
but this I tell you, I will never more drink of this fruit of the vine, from this time forth to that day, when I shall drink with you of the spiritual wine in the kingdom of God.
The hour of eating being come, he, and the twelve apostles sat down to table. and he said to them, I have ardently desired to eat this passover with you, before I suffer.
and he said to them, I have ardently desired to eat this passover with you, before I suffer.
and he said to them, I have ardently desired to eat this passover with you, before I suffer. for I declare unto you, I shall not celebrate this passover with you any more, to the time, when it shall have its accomplishment in the kingdom of the messiah. read more. having then taken the cup, and given thanks, he said, take this, and distribute it to one another.
having then taken the cup, and given thanks, he said, take this, and distribute it to one another.
having then taken the cup, and given thanks, he said, take this, and distribute it to one another.
having then taken the cup, and given thanks, he said, take this, and distribute it to one another. for I tell you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine to the time when the kingdom of God shall come.
for I tell you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine to the time when the kingdom of God shall come. then he took bread, and having given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to them, saying, this represents my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me.
then he took bread, and having given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to them, saying, this represents my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me.
then he took bread, and having given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to them, saying, this represents my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me.
then he took bread, and having given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to them, saying, this represents my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me. and after supper he likewise gave the cup, saying, this cup is the new testament sealed by my blood, which is shed for you.
and after supper he likewise gave the cup, saying, this cup is the new testament sealed by my blood, which is shed for you. yet there's the hand that is to seize me, now upon the table.
Now there had been a dispute among the disciples, which of them should be accounted the greatest. Jesus therefore told them, the kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they, who are invested with their authority, take the title of benefactors. read more. but you must not be such: the greatest of you must be as the junior, and he that governs as he that serves. for who is greatest, he that sits at table, or he that waits? is it not the person at table? yet I am among you as one that serves. but since you did not abandon me in my trials, I commit the kingdom to you, as my father committed it to me; that you may eat and drink at my table, in my kingdom, and seated on thrones may judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Then said Jesus, Simon, Simon, satan has demanded to shake you, and my disciples, like wheat in a sieve. but as for thee, I have pray'd that you faith may not fail. do you in return establish thy brethren. Peter answer'd, Lord, I am ready to accompany you both to prison, and to death. but Jesus said, before the cock proclaims the day, you will thrice deny that ever you knew me.
Thereupon the two disciples related what had hapned on the road, and how they first discover'd who Jesus was at his breaking of bread.
Upon this the Jews disputed among themselves, saying, how can this man give us his flesh to eat? but Jesus answer'd, I assure you, except ye eat the flesh of the son of man, and drink his blood, ye will have no life in you. read more. he that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. for my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. he that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. as the father who is the source of life hath sent me, and I live by the father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. this is that bread which came down from heaven: very different from that manna, which your fathers did eat but died nevertheless: he that eateth of this bread, shall live for ever.
it is the action of the mind that vivifies, that of the body profits nothing: the words that I have delivered to you, spiritually understood, give life.
for these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, "a bone of him shall not be broken."
for these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, "a bone of him shall not be broken."
they continued stedfastly in the apostolical doctrine of a community, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
and continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they did eat their meals with gladness, and simplicity of heart,
on the first day of the week we assembled to break bread, when Paul, who was to depart on the morrow, gave them a sermon, which lasted till midnight.
purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new mass, since you should be without leaven. for Christ our paschal lamb has been sacrificed for us.
even so has the Lord ordained, that they who preach the gospel, should live by the gospel.
the cup of benediction which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
the cup of benediction which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
the cup of benediction which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
the cup of benediction which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? for the bread being one, as many as we are, we are one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. read more. consider the custom of the Jews by descent, are not they which eat of the sacrifices, partakers of the altar? what say I then?
no, but that what the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not have you partake of the sacrifices of demons. you should not drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: you should not be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of demons.
you should not drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: you should not be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of demons.
Now in what I am going to say, I do not commend you, because your assemblies are not to your advantage, but to your prejudice. for first, I hear, that when you come together in the church, you fall into parties; and I believe it is true of some of you. read more. for there must be factions among you, whereby it will appear who among you are the approved. when you thus assemble therefore, this is not eating the Lord's supper.
when you thus assemble therefore, this is not eating the Lord's supper. for in eating every one strives to take his own supper first, and while one is hungry, another is surfeited.
for in eating every one strives to take his own supper first, and while one is hungry, another is surfeited.
for in eating every one strives to take his own supper first, and while one is hungry, another is surfeited. what, have you no houses to eat and drink in? or have ye a contempt for the church of God, or is it to insult those who are in want? what shall I say to you? shall I commend such behaviour? I do not approve of it.
what, have you no houses to eat and drink in? or have ye a contempt for the church of God, or is it to insult those who are in want? what shall I say to you? shall I commend such behaviour? I do not approve of it. For I received it from the Lord, and I inform'd you of it: that the Lord Jesus, the night in which he was betrayed, took bread:
For I received it from the Lord, and I inform'd you of it: that the Lord Jesus, the night in which he was betrayed, took bread: and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, "take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me."
and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, "take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me."
and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, "take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me." in the same manner he took the cup, after supper, and said, "this cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me."
in the same manner he took the cup, after supper, and said, "this cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me."
in the same manner he took the cup, after supper, and said, "this cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." As often then as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye make a declaration of the Lord's death till he come.
As often then as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye make a declaration of the Lord's death till he come.
As often then as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye make a declaration of the Lord's death till he come.
As often then as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye make a declaration of the Lord's death till he come. so that whosoever eats this bread, and drinks this cup without respect to the Lord, does make a criminal use of the body and blood of the Lord.
so that whosoever eats this bread, and drinks this cup without respect to the Lord, does make a criminal use of the body and blood of the Lord.
so that whosoever eats this bread, and drinks this cup without respect to the Lord, does make a criminal use of the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man then sift and approve himself, and accordingly let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. read more. for he that eats and drinks in a disrespectful manner, not discriminating the Lord's body, eateth and drinketh to his own punishment.
for he that eats and drinks in a disrespectful manner, not discriminating the Lord's body, eateth and drinketh to his own punishment.
for he that eats and drinks in a disrespectful manner, not discriminating the Lord's body, eateth and drinketh to his own punishment.
for he that eats and drinks in a disrespectful manner, not discriminating the Lord's body, eateth and drinketh to his own punishment. hence it is, that many are weak and sickly among you, and no small number now sleep in their graves. read more. for if we made such a discrimination, we should not be punished.
for if we made such a discrimination, we should not be punished. but when we are punished, we are chastised by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. read more. wherefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, stay for one another. and if any one is press'd with hunger, let him eat at home; that ye may not otherwise meet with punishment. as for other matters, I will set them in order when I come.
I acquainted you chiefly with what I received myself, that Christ died for our sins, as the scriptures foretold:
from me, who called you by the grace of Christ; this can be owing to nothing but your being practised upon by some, who would overturn the gospel of Christ. read more. but tho' I, or an angel from heaven should preach any thing to you for gospel, different from the gospel I have preached unto you, let him be accursed. as I said before, so say I now again, if any one preach any other thing to you for gospel, than what you have received, let him be accursed.
What we have said amounts to this; we have an high priest, who sits in heaven on the right hand of the throne of the divine majesty.
in consequence of which WILL we are sanctified by the oblation which Jesus Christ has made once for all of his own body.
for by one single oblation he has purified for ever those that are sanctified.
Wherefore, my brethren, since by virtue of the blood of Jesus we have the liberty of entring into the holy of holies, by a new and living way which he has first open'd for us, thro' the veil, that is, thro' his flesh; read more. and having an high priest, who is established over the house of God, let us draw near with sincerity, in full assurance of faith, having our consciences purified from guilt, and our bodies washed with pure water.
I am he that liveth; I was dead; but now you see I am alive for all eternity, amen; and I have the keys of the grave, and of death."
And I beheld, and saw before the throne, in the midst of the four animals, and in the midst of the elders, a lamb which seem'd to have been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Morish
See LORD'S SUPPER.
Watsons
EUCHARIST, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The word, in its original Greek, ??????????, properly signifies giving thanks; from the hymns and thanksgivings which accompanied that holy service in the primitive church. See LORD'S SUPPER.