Biblical Terms For The Service Of The Table

The New Testament uses four terms to describe worship at the Table: Breaking of the Bread, the Lord's Supper, Communion, and Eucharist.

1. Breaking of the Bread (Acts 2:42). The emphasis is on the presence of the resurrected Christ in the feast. The term breaking of bread is reminiscent of the appearance of Jesus to the disciples, in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:31, 35). 2. The Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:17–34). The emphasis is on the death of Christ. The experience recalls the sobriety of the Last Supper and Jesus' impending death. 3. Communion (1 Cor. 10:16). The emphasis is on a participation in the broken body and shed blood. The word communion means participation, and refers to the thanksgiving God's people give for the death and resurrection of Christ. 4. Eucharist (John 6:11; 1 Cor. 11:24). The word Eucharist means "giving thanks." The prayers at the Table are called the great Thanksgiving.