Supper-time in biblical context often refers to the evening meal, which holds significant cultural and spiritual importance throughout the Scriptures. In ancient Jewish tradition, supper was not merely a time for physical nourishment but also a moment for fellowship, reflection, and worship. This entry explores the biblical significance of supper-time, highlighting key passages and themes.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, supper-time is often associated with hospitality and covenantal fellowship. Genesis 18:1-8 describes Abraham's hospitality to three visitors, where he prepares a meal for them in the heat of the day, which likely extended into the evening. This act of sharing a meal is emblematic of the ancient Near Eastern customs of welcoming and honoring guests.

The Passover meal, instituted in Exodus 12, is another significant supper-time event. The Israelites were commanded to eat the Passover lamb "in haste" during the evening, marking their deliverance from Egypt. This meal was to be observed annually as a perpetual reminder of God's salvation and covenant with His people.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, supper-time takes on profound theological significance, particularly in the context of the Last Supper. The Gospels recount Jesus sharing a final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. This event, recorded in Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, is foundational for the Christian practice of Communion or the Lord's Supper. Jesus, during this meal, institutes the new covenant in His blood, symbolized by the bread and wine.

The Berean Standard Bible captures this moment in Luke 22:19-20: "And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.'"

Supper-time in Parables and Teachings

Jesus often used the imagery of supper-time in His parables to convey spiritual truths. In the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24), Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a grand supper, emphasizing the invitation to all, including the marginalized and outcasts. This parable underscores the themes of grace, inclusion, and the urgency of responding to God's invitation.

Similarly, the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) uses the setting of a wedding feast to teach about readiness and vigilance for the coming of the Kingdom. The supper-time setting in these parables serves as a metaphor for the eschatological fulfillment of God's promises.

Cultural and Spiritual Implications

In biblical times, supper-time was a communal affair, often involving extended family and guests. It was a time for sharing accounts, teaching, and reinforcing community bonds. The spiritual dimension of supper-time is evident in the practice of giving thanks, as seen in Jesus' actions during the Last Supper and other meal settings (e.g., the feeding of the 5,000 in John 6:11).

The early Christian community continued this tradition of communal meals, as described in Acts 2:46: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart." These gatherings were not only for sustenance but also for worship, teaching, and mutual edification.

Conclusion

Supper-time in the Bible is rich with theological and cultural significance. It serves as a symbol of God's provision, fellowship, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Through the lens of supper-time, believers are reminded of the importance of community, hospitality, and the anticipation of the ultimate banquet in the Kingdom of God.

The Excuses.
... XXI. THE EXCUSES. "Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and
bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxi the excuses.htm

Now the Men of Tiberias, after I was Gone to Taricheae...
... multitudes of the people of Tiberias out of prison, among whom were Justus and his
father Pistus, I made them to sup with me; and during our supper time I said ...
/.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 35 now the men.htm

Extent of Atonement.
... my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready; come unto the
marriage.""Matthew 11:28-30; xxii.4. "And sent his servant at supper time to say ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxvi extent of atonement.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments (Continued)
... They then retired to the room of prayer. Supper time came and the Japanese girl
came to summon them to their meal, but she fell under the power of prayer. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/ii praying saints of the.htm

Polycarp is Found by his Pursuers.
... His pursuers then, along with horsemen, and taking the youth with them, went forth
at supper-time on the day of the preparation [431] with their usual weapons ...
/.../smyrna/the martyrdom of the holy polycarp/chapter vii polycarp is found by.htm

The Foot-Washing.
... In order to account for what follows, the precise time is defined in the words
"supper being served"[7] or "supper-time having arrived"; not, as in the ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/vi the foot-washing.htm

The Repentance of Samuel Johnson
... On his return at supper-time he told his friends how he had spent the day. It was
fifty years ago that day when he had refused to help his father. ...
/.../fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/the repentance of samuel johnson.htm

A Human Picture of God.
... The father kissed his boy, and left him alone. Supper-time came, and the father
and mother sat down to eat. But they couldn't eat for thinking of their son. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/a human picture of god.htm

The Slighted Invitation.
... But he said unto him, "A certain man made a great supper; and he bade many: and
he sent forth his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, 'Come ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the slighted invitation.htm

The Gospel Supper
... For these reasons, Jesus said in the parable, "A certain man made a great supper,
and bade many, and sent his servant at supper-time, to say to them that were ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the gospel supper.htm

Supper-time (1 Occurrence)
Supper-time. Suppers, Supper-time. Supping . Multi-Version Concordance
Supper-time (1 Occurrence). Luke 14:17 And sent ...
/s/supper-time.htm - 6k

Invited (49 Occurrences)
... Luke 14:17 He sent out his servant at suppertime to tell those who were
invited,'Come, for everything is ready now.' (WEB WEY DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/i/invited.htm - 21k

Dinner (23 Occurrences)
... meal was not to be taken until a little before or after sunset, when the laborers
had come in from their work (Luke 17:7; compare the "suppertime" of Luke 14 ...
/d/dinner.htm - 15k

Bidden (25 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Luke 14:17 And sent his servant at suppertime to say to them that
were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. (KJV ASV). ...
/b/bidden.htm - 14k

Supping (2 Occurrences)

/s/supping.htm - 7k

Suppers (1 Occurrence)

/s/suppers.htm - 6k

Feet (2931 Occurrences)
... (1) Jesus Washing the Disciples' Feet (John 13:1-17). "At suppertime" (deipnou
genomenou) Jesus arose, laid aside His garments (himatia = "outer garments ...
/f/feet.htm - 17k

Washing (56 Occurrences)
... (1) Jesus Washing the Disciples' Feet (John 13:1-17). "At suppertime" (deipnou
genomenou) Jesus arose, laid aside His garments (himatia = "outer garments ...
/w/washing.htm - 38k

Ready (451 Occurrences)
... Luke 14:17 He sent out his servant at suppertime to tell those who were
invited,'Come, for everything is ready now.' (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS ...
/r/ready.htm - 36k

Meal-time (1 Occurrence)
... before or after, when the day's work was over and the laborers had "come in from
the field" (Luke 17:7; Luke 24:29 f). This is the "suppertime," the "great ...
/m/meal-time.htm - 24k

What is the meaning and importance of the Last Supper? | GotQuestions.org

What is the marriage supper of the Lamb? | GotQuestions.org

What is the importance of the Lord's supper / Christian Communion? | GotQuestions.org

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