21. Breaking of bread

 

 

Acts 2: 42  -  …..they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

New Testament church life included all the above ingredients, including breaking of bread in homes.

The ordinance of breaking of bread is to be an integral part of our worship, fellowship and service as believers. It is to be a continuous reminder of the meaning of our salvation, through the blood and body of Jesus Christ.

It is instituted by Jesus  -  Matt. 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22: 7-23.

It was practised by the first church  -  Acts 2: 42-47.

It was taught on by Jesus (Jhn. 6:32-59) and Paul (1Cor.11:17-34).

 

 

A. Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament

 

Jesus became the Passover or sacrificial Lamb for us  -  Ex.12:1-14. Now, as Christ has become the Passover Sacrifice for us, we practise breaking of bread as a lasting ordinance, celebrating our freedom from sin through the body and blood of Jesus.

Note: Jesus was crucified at the same time as the Passover or Unleavened Bread Feast, thus fulfilling it  -  Matt. 26:17, Luke 22: 7.

 

 

B. When and where do we celebrate this ordinance?

 

                From Acts 2: 46 and 1Cor.11: 20 it appears, that the early believers broke bread together as often as they met together, even as much as daily!

                From these verses it also seems as though they broke bread congregationally (i.e. as a church), and from house to house (as a home group, families or individuals).

                Generally speaking breaking of bread needs to be a part of our life as believers, that constantly serves as a reminder of our salvation and unity.