In biblical times, suppers were significant social and religious events, often serving as a setting for fellowship, teaching, and the demonstration of hospitality. The concept of supper in the Bible is not merely about the consumption of food but also about community, covenant, and spiritual nourishment.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, meals, including suppers, were integral to the culture and religious practices of the Israelites. The Passover meal, for instance, was a pivotal supper that commemorated the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. Exodus 12:8 describes the meal: "They are to eat the meat that night, roasted over the fire, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs." This supper was not only a physical meal but also a spiritual act of remembrance and obedience to God's command.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, suppers continue to hold significant meaning. The Gospels frequently depict Jesus sharing meals with others, using these occasions to teach and reveal His mission. One of the most notable suppers is the Last Supper, which Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. This event is recorded in all four Gospels, with Matthew 26:26-28 stating, "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is My body.' Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'"

The Last Supper established the practice of Communion, a central rite in Christian worship, symbolizing the New Covenant through Jesus' sacrifice.

Cultural and Social Aspects

Suppers in biblical times were often communal, reflecting the social and familial bonds within the community. Hospitality was a valued virtue, and sharing a meal was a way to extend friendship and peace. In Luke 14:12-14 , Jesus teaches about humility and generosity in hosting suppers: "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends or brothers or relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid. But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed."

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Suppers in the Bible often carry deeper spiritual meanings. The parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14:15-24 illustrates the kingdom of God as a feast, emphasizing the inclusivity and grace of God's invitation. Revelation 19:9 speaks of the "wedding supper of the Lamb," symbolizing the ultimate union of Christ and His Church: "Then the angel told me to write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'"

Conclusion

Suppers in the Bible are rich with theological and cultural significance, serving as a means of fellowship, teaching, and spiritual reflection. They remind believers of the importance of community, hospitality, and the profound truths of God's covenant and kingdom.

On Eating.
... truly carnal and destructive life; whence [1305] some, speaking with unbridled tongue,
dare to apply the name agape, [1306] to pitiful suppers, redolent of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the instructor paedagogus/chap i on eating.htm

The Honors that were Paid the Jews; and the Leagues that were Made ...
... our friends and confederates, whereby they are forbidden to live according to their
own customs, or to bring in contributions for common suppers and holy ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 the honors that.htm

The Course of the World.
... Col.3:2. The entertainments, such as suppers, festivals, parties, concerts, regardless
of what may be the ultimate object, are engaged in and enjoyed only by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xii the course of.htm

1877-1879. "They Helped Every one his Neighbour" --Miss Child, a ...
... to us"'We have listened to your Gospel; we are in want; show us thy faith by thy
works.' This we are endeavouring to do by providing for them suppers of soup ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vii 1877-1879 they helped.htm

Chapter twenty-one
... "It would be what Madam Blanc calls outre.' Decidedly. Therefore you will please
not invite him or others like him to hot suppers because I suggested it. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-one.htm

I Would Now have These Most Religious Protectors and vindicators ...
... For I see the Centenarian suppers must now bear the name, not from the hundred asses,
but from the hundred sestertia [83] expended on them; and that mines of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter vi i would now.htm

A Servant of Servants
... by them all. The Passover suppers had been scenes of special interest;
but upon this occasion Jesus was troubled. His heart was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 71 a servant of.htm

On Eutropius, the Eunuch, Patrician and Consul.
... up from the roots. Where now are your feigned friends? where are your
drinking parties, and your suppers? where is the swarm of ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i on eutropius the.htm

The Prophecy of the Perilous Times.
... of grace. And witness the musical programmes, the entertainments, the
ice-cream suppers etc., held in our church-houses. "But, it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 the prophecy of the.htm

The Feeding of the Four Thousand - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from ...
... alone into the wilderness. Thus these three Suppers' seem connected, each
leading up, as it were, to the other. There can, at any ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvi the feeding of.htm

Suppers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Suppers (1 Occurrence). Mark 12:39 and first seats
in the synagogues, and first places at suppers; (DBY YLT). ...
/s/suppers.htm - 6k

Banquet (58 Occurrences)
... John 12:2). These meals were in the days of Christ usually called "suppers," after
the custom of the Romans, and were partaken of toward the close of the day. ...
/b/banquet.htm - 36k

Couches (15 Occurrences)
... and couches.) (WEB DBY YLT). Mark 12:39 and first seats in the synagogues,
and first couches in suppers, (YLT). Luke 14:7 And he spake ...
/c/couches.htm - 10k

Supper-time (1 Occurrence)
Supper-time. Suppers, Supper-time. Supping . Multi-Version Concordance
Supper-time (1 Occurrence). ... (WBS). Suppers, Supper-time. Supping . Reference
/s/supper-time.htm - 6k

Supper (17 Occurrences)

/s/supper.htm - 44k

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