What Is Communion in the Bible?
Quick Summary
Communion—also known as the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist—is a sacred practice in the Bible where believers remember the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ by sharing bread and cup. Instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19–20), communion is both a memorial and a participation in the body and blood of Christ. It reflects unity with Christ, unity within the church, and a hope for Christ’s return.
Introduction: A Table and a Promise
There’s something profoundly good about a table. It’s where stories are shared, tears are dried, laughter echoes, and bread is broken. In the Bible, one table scene stands above all the rest—the night before Jesus died, when he took bread and wine, gave thanks, and said: “Do this in remembrance of me.”
That simple, powerful act has been repeated for nearly two thousand years. It’s called communion, the Lord’s Supper, or, in some traditions, the Eucharist (which means “thanksgiving”). But what is communion in the Bible? What does it mean—and why does it matter?
In this article, we’ll look at communion from several angles: its biblical origin, theological depth, and how it is practiced in different Christian traditions around the world—from Roman Catholics and mainline Protestants to Baptists and non-denominational churches.
The Biblical Roots of Communion
The Last Supper
Communion begins with Jesus. During the Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus reinterprets the meal around his own mission:
“Then he took a loaf of 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 he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’” (Luke 22:19–20, NRSV)
This moment is rich with meaning. Jesus isn’t just instituting a ritual; he’s offering himself. The bread and wine symbolize his body and blood—soon to be broken and poured out. He connects this moment to the new covenant—language deeply rooted in Old Testament promises (see Jeremiah 31:31–34).
Paul’s Teaching on Communion
The Apostle Paul echoes and expands Jesus’ teaching in his letter to the Corinthians:
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26, NRSV)
Paul sees communion as a proclamation—a sermon enacted. And he warns the church to approach it with reverence, recognizing the sacred reality it points to:
“Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28)
Communion in Catholic, Mainline, and Evangelical Traditions
Though all Christians affirm the importance of communion, how it is understood and practiced differs widely. Here’s a look at the major views.
1. Roman Catholic Understanding: Transubstantiation
In Roman Catholic theology, communion is referred to as the Eucharist, and it is understood as a sacrament—an outward sign of an inward grace. Catholics believe that during the Mass, the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ through a process called transubstantiation.
“By the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance... into the Body and Blood of Christ our Lord.” — Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1376
While the appearance remains bread and wine, the essence is changed. This belief emphasizes the real presence of Christ—not symbolically, but literally. That’s why Catholics treat the elements with such deep reverence and why only baptized Catholics may receive communion.
2. Mainline Protestant Views: Real Presence or Sacramental Union
In many Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian, Reformed, and Methodist churches, communion is also seen as more than a memorial. It is a means of grace—a mystery where Christ is truly present, though the mechanics differ from the Catholic view.
Lutherans affirm the real presence of Christ “in, with, and under” the elements.
Anglicans often speak of a spiritual presence, where the bread and wine remain unchanged, but Christ is present to the faithful.
Reformed/Presbyterian churches (following Calvin) describe Christ’s presence as spiritual yet real, mediated by the Holy Spirit.
John Calvin writes:
“The truth of the sacrament is not tied to the element, but is joined to it by the Holy Spirit.” — Institutes of the Christian Religion, IV.xvii.10
These traditions often retain the sacredness of the table, while resisting the idea that the bread and wine are changed in essence.
3. Baptist and Non-Denominational Churches: Memorialism
In many Baptist, independent, and non-denominational churches, communion is seen primarily as a memorial—a symbolic act of obedience and remembrance.
This view follows the teaching of Ulrich Zwingli, a Swiss Reformer who emphasized:
“The eating is a memorial and signifies that the body of Christ was once offered for us.” — Zwingli’s Sixty-Seven Articles (1523)
In these traditions:
The elements remain bread and juice/wine, without mystical change.
Communion is not a sacrament that conveys grace but an ordinance—a command to remember and give thanks.
The focus is on personal reflection and the unity of the local church.
This doesn’t mean the moment is casual. Most churches that follow this view take it seriously, often reading Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11 and inviting self-examination.
What Communion Is and Isn’t
Across traditions, communion carries weight. But understanding what it is not can also help clarify:
Communion is not a private act. It is deeply communal—done with the gathered church.
It is not magic, even in traditions that affirm Christ’s real presence. It is a mystery of grace, not a spell.
It is not optional for Christians. Jesus commanded, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
At its best, communion is an act of worship, remembrance, proclamation, and hope.
Incidentally, some of the best theological reading is found in the creeds or in the denominational explanation of the Table. Writers from various Christian traditions integrate theology and concepts that span testaments and the centuries, each bringing a different lens to the same sacred act. Their differences reflect deep wrestling with Scripture, tradition, and the lived experience of faith.
Communion and Covenant
When Jesus lifted the cup and called it “the new covenant in my blood,” he was evoking the entire sweep of biblical history:
The Passover lamb, whose blood protected the Israelites (Exodus 12)
The Sinai covenant, sealed with blood (Exodus 24)
Jeremiah’s promise of a new covenant, written on hearts (Jeremiah 31:31–34)
Jesus offers himself as the fulfillment of all these promises. And communion draws us into that story—not just as observers but participants.
Communion and the Church
Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians reminds us that communion is not just vertical (between you and God), but horizontal (between you and others).
“Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:17)
The table is where we remember not only the cross, but our call to unity, humility, and mutual love.
Communion and the Future
Communion also points forward:
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)
This is not just a look back. It’s a practice of longing. Communion whispers that the story isn’t over. One day, we’ll eat at another table:
“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Revelation 19:9)
Meaning for Today: Why It Matters
Whether you receive communion every Sunday or a few times a year, it is meant to be a rhythm of grace. It anchors us. It reminds us who we are and whose we are.
If your heart is broken, come to the table.
If your soul is weary, come to the table.
If your faith feels fragile, come to the table.
You don’t have to understand it fully to receive it gratefully. Communion isn’t for those who have figured it all out—it’s for those who keep showing up in faith.
As Henri Nouwen wrote:
“The table is the place of intimacy, the place where we meet each other, not as strangers, but as children of God.” — Life of the Beloved, p. 57
FAQ
What is communion in the Bible?
A practice instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper, where believers share bread and wine in remembrance of his death and in hope of his return.
What do different Christians believe about communion?
Catholics believe in transubstantiation; mainline Protestants see Christ spiritually present; Baptists and others view it as a symbolic memorial.
Is communion for everyone?
Most traditions require baptism and a measure of faith. Catholics require confession and adherence to church teaching; others offer an open table.
Is it okay to take communion alone?
Generally, no. Communion is communal—it is meant to be shared in the gathered body of believers.
