Christian Study - Communion

When Should We Partake of Communion?

What does the Bible say about the time and frequency of partaking of the Lord’s Supper? Many in the Christian world assume that the time element is inconsequential. Therefore, It can be observed at any frequency…. monthly, quarterly, annually, even daily. If we try to be people of the Book, what shall we do?

During the First Century, the early Christians observed the Lord’s Supper each Lord’s day. The emphasis on Sunday in general began immediately. For example, fifty days following Jesus' death, the church was established on the day of Pentecost, which always occurred on a Sunday (Lev. 23:15-16). Later, Paul in giving instructions on giving, highlights that first day of the week (1Cor 16:1-2). As the day of Christ’s resurrection it has a special significance.

From this first Lord's day the members of the church were observing the Lord’s Supper in a regular fashion. Acts tells us that they "continued steadfastly in the breaking of bread" (Acts 2:42). The verb tense in this phrase is known as "imperfect" which means an action done in the past, present and continuing in the future or, in other words, a habit. The context of religious observance links this "breaking of bread" with Communion rather than a common meal, as in Acts 2:46.

But the evidence of regular Sunday observance of the Lord’s Supper, is in Acts 20. Paul left Phillipi near the end of his third missionary journey just after the days of unleavened bread, which followed the Passover. He wanted to get to Jerusalem before Pentecost, 5 weeks later, and therefore was in a hurry. Even though he was in a hurry, he waited seven days in Troas. The apostle wanted to meet with the whole church and he knew they would assemble on the Lord’s day. Consider the text:

Acts 20:6-7 But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days. 7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.

The "Now" of verse 7 is very important as it represents a key point in the narrative. The phrase "came together" is in the passive voice meaning that someone outside the group had called them together; the most obvious explanation being the Lord’s command. The purpose of the coming together is the focal point of "breaking bread". This breaking of bread is in the context of the whole church meeting with preaching going on and consequently, in context, is a reference to the Lord’s Supper. (You have a reference to a common meal in verse 11.) The force of this passage strongly demonstrates that Paul expected the church to meet on Sunday, it was for the purpose of partaking of the Lord’s Supper, and this was the primary meeting of the week.

When one draws these points together, here is the irresistible conclusion.

1. The early church, under the oversight of inspired apostles, met regularly upon the first day of each week.

2. The primary purpose of their Sunday meeting was to observe the Lord's Supper.

3. The apostolic church, therefore, observed the communion supper, each Lord’s day.

Back to Article Education & Study Page

Church Office: 803-548-7762 Update Line: 803-548-5521