Names For Communion

“Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.” (1 Corinthians 10:21 KJV)

A related term often confused with communion is the Love Feast. The Love Feast is technically a fellowship meal, sometimes even reenacting the Last Supper, during which communion is shared. Jude warns of ungodly people who share love feasts with believers.

“These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead.” (Jude 1:12 NIV)

Communion bread is also referred to as the bread of angels and bread from heaven, technically meaning the manna which foreshadowed communion and the Bread of Life, Jesus.

“Man ate the bread of angels. He sent them food to the full.” (Psalm 78:25 WEB)

“You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger, And brought them water out of the rock for their thirst, And told them to go in to possess the land Which You had sworn to give them.” (Nehemiah 9:15 NKJV)

Whatever we call communion, let’s avoid Pharisaic arguments over words, understand God’s grace and the simple meanings behind a range of descriptions. What are your preferred terms? You decide!