What Does Communion Mean?
1. Definition of Communion
The word communion comes from the Latin communio and the Greek word koinonia, which means participation, sharing, or fellowship. In the Bible, this word is used in contexts that go beyond mere association. It describes:
Participation in Christ’s sufferings (Philippians 3:10).
Sharing in His resurrection power (Romans 6:4–5).
Acts of fellowship and generosity among the church (Acts 2:42–45).
At its heart, communion is about union with Christ and unity with His people. It represents a covenant relationship rooted in God’s grace, not simply a human act of gathering.
2. Early Church Practice
From the beginning, communion shaped the life of the church. In Acts 2:42, believers devoted themselves “to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” This shows communion involved both worship at the Lord’s Table and shared generosity.
Paul emphasizes its spiritual depth in 1 Corinthians 10:16: “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?”
For the early church, communion was:
Sacramental – union with Christ’s body and blood.
Communal – unity among believers.
Practical – expressed in generosity and shared life.
3. Fellowship Among Believers
Communion is not only vertical (with God) but also horizontal (with others). The Bible shows fellowship (koinonia) expressed in relationships among believers:
“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another” (1 John 1:7).
Bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
Rejoicing and weeping together (Romans 12:15).
Communion reminds the church that believers are bound together as family, not by bloodline or culture but by the Spirit of God.
4. Covenant Nature
The covenant dimension of communion is central. In the Old Testament, fellowship meals sealed covenants, as when Israel ate before God at Sinai (Exodus 24:9–11).
In the New Testament, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper as covenant renewal:
“This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20).
His words tie communion directly to Jeremiah 31:31–34, where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people.
Thus, communion is not a contract but a covenant—a binding relationship based on God’s promises and fulfilled in Christ.
5. Proclamation of the Gospel
Paul declares that communion is proclamation: “As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Communion proclaims:
Past – It looks back to the cross and Christ’s atoning death.
Present – It calls believers to examine themselves, repent, and live in covenant fellowship.
Future – It anticipates Christ’s return and the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).
In this way, communion connects every believer to the full scope of the Gospel—what Christ has done, what He is doing, and what He will do.
6. Renewal of Life
Communion renews the life of the believer and the church. It is both spiritual nourishment and a means of grace.
Participation in the Lord’s Supper:
Strengthens faith in Christ.
Cultivates unity in the body.
Calls believers to holiness and service.
But renewal is not limited to the worship service. True communion flows into daily life. It transforms relationships, urging Christians to live in humility, forgive others, and serve with sacrificial love (Philippians 2:5–8).
7. Eschatological Fulfillment
Communion also points to its future fulfillment in the kingdom of God. Jesus said: “I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29).
This means communion is:
A foretaste of the eternal banquet.
A pledge of God’s promise that Christ will return.
A hope that sustains believers through trials until all things are made new.
In this sense, communion ties believers to the present reality of Christ’s reign and the future hope of His coming kingdom.
8. Conclusion
Communion is more than ritual; it is participation in Christ. It unites believers with their Lord and with one another. It is covenant, fellowship, proclamation, renewal, and hope.
The Bible shows communion as a gift of grace, binding the church to Christ’s sacrifice and pointing forward to His eternal kingdom. It is both remembrance and anticipation, shaping Christian life now while reminding believers that the feast of the Lamb is still to come.
Bible Verses about Communion
1 Corinthians 10:16 – “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?”
1 Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Luke 22:19–20 – “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’”
Acts 2:42 – “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
John 6:53–54 – “So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.’”
1 John 1:7 – “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Matthew 26:29 – “I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Philippians 3:10 – “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
Romans 12:5 – “So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
Revelation 19:9 – “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”
