Let’s look at some common names for communion. First of all, is the word communion even used for the ceremony of the bread and cup? That depends on the translation of the Bible.
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of [participation, sharing in] the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of [participation, sharing in] the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16 KJV)
What does that mean? The Greek word for communion is something you may have heard of, “koinónia.” A lexicon suggests that in this context it specifically refers to “the share which one has in anything, participation.” It also has a broader meaning in the intimacy of Christian fellowship and our contribution to the whole. So, the meaning of communion goes way deeper than just the physical elements alone, but reminds us of our participation in Christ and the whole body of believers on earth and in heaven.
In some passages the bread is mentioned first and in others the cup. This seems to be deliberately inspired perhaps so that we don't create a legalistic fetish as to which we partake of first.
Is communion referred to as the Lord’s Supper anywhere in the Bible? Paul was admonishing the Corinthians for abusing communion.
“When you meet together, you don't really celebrate the Lord's Supper.” (1 Corinthians 10:16 CEV)
Some Corinthians were not waiting for others to participate in communion and others were overindulging in the wine by getting drunk. Paul reminded them not to partake of communion in an unworthy manner, but to examine themselves. For this reason, many Christians take a moment to examine their lives and attitudes before partaking of Holy Communion.
And where does the word Eucharist come from? Is that even in the Bible? Yes, it is. It comes from the Greek word for thankful, “eucharisteó.” Celebrating a harvest festival of thanksgiving goes back millennia, but giving thanks for the communion elements is why it is sometimes called the Great Thanksgiving.
“And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks [eucharisteó] he said, ‘Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ And he took bread, and when he had given thanks [eucharisteó], he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ ” (Luke 22:17-19 ESV)
Eucharist or the Eucharistic Celebration are perfectly good names for communion. Communion is also sometimes called the Last Supper, though technically, communion was instituted after Jesus’ last supper.
“In the same way He also took the cup after supper …” (1 Corinthians 11:25 NASB)
Another term for communion is the Sacrament, Holy Sacrament or Blessed Sacrament. For some Protestants, sacrament is a difficult word, because it sounds so Catholic. But, we must remember the origin of the word. When Jesus said, this “is” my body and “is” my blood, eastern Christians were not presumptuous by either calling it a mere symbol or on the other extreme a transubstantiation, but humbly called it a mystery.
Western Christians found difficulty translating the word mystery into its Latin equivalent as their word for mystery popularly referred to a soldier’s packed lunch. So, they chose the equivalent of our English word sacrament, originally meaning a sacred blessing or divine grace. Some have expanded upon that idea by calling all of life a sacrament, a reasonable sentiment. Over time, Christians narrowed the meaning to seven or two sacraments, and that’s been a bone of contention between Protestants and Catholics ever since. If we forget the wheels within wheels of rhetoric overcomplicating a word, and stick with simplicity, we do not have a problem. Some Protestants prefer the word ordinance to sacrament, but if we understand the simple original meanings, rather than later history’s overly complicated meanings, both are acceptable.
Mass is a strange word to Protestant ears, but if we understand the real meaning, it’s not so outlandish. In the early church, communion was held at the end or dismissal of a church service, so that the baptized believers could partake, while those not yet ready for a Christian commitment were dismissed. Yes, it’s really that simple. Mass comes from the ancient timing of communion, at dismissal. So calling it Holy Mass is not really just a Catholic quirk. It has real Christian history behind it.
The Breaking of the Bread is an obvious term which is quite acceptable. The Memorial of the passion, death and Resurrection of the Lord, is another acceptable description. Other acceptable terms are the Holy Sacrifice, the Holy and Divine Liturgy, the Sacred Mysteries, and even the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Another strictly biblical term is the Lord’s Table.
“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!
