How does "breaking of bread" relate to the practice of communion today? Setting the Scene: Acts 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” What “Breaking of Bread” Meant in the Early Church • More than a shared meal; it recalled Jesus’ deliberate act at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19). • Practiced regularly—“day by day” (Acts 2:46) and on “the first day of the week” (Acts 20:7). • Centered on gratitude, unity, and remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. Direct Line to Communion Today 1. Command: “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19). 2. Apostolic pattern: Paul passes it on unchanged (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). 3. Unbroken witness: from house gatherings (Acts 2) to present congregations, the church has kept this ordinance exactly as instituted—bread broken, cup shared, body and blood proclaimed. Key Elements That Carry Over • Memorial—proclaiming the Lord’s death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Covenant—cup represents the new covenant sealed by Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20). • Community—one loaf, one body (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). • Anticipation—foretaste of the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Practical Takeaways • Approach the Table frequently and intentionally, mirroring the early believers’ devotion. • Examine oneself (1 Corinthians 11:28) so the act remains a blessing, not judgment. • Keep the focus on Christ’s finished work; avoid reducing the ordinance to mere ritual. • Celebrate in fellowship—communion is corporate, not isolated. Heart Posture God Looks For • Reverence—remembering the cost of redemption. • Gratitude—thanking Him for grace received. • Unity—discerning the body, reconciling with brothers and sisters. • Hope—proclaiming that He is coming again. The early church’s “breaking of bread” is the template for present-day communion—same command, same symbols, same Lord proclaimed. |
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