Understanding the Doctrine of Breaking Bread

What is breaking of bread?

The breaking of bread is a central Christian ritual symbolizing Christ’s sacrificed body and communal unity among believers.

This ritual originates in Jesus’ institution of the Last Supper, as recorded in Luke 22:19-20. It includes the words, "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.'" Here, the breaking of bread symbolizes Christ’s sacrificed body and establishes a covenantal meal for believers.

By partaking, Christians remember Jesus’ sacrifice and affirm their participation in the new covenant sealed by His blood. The communal nature of this practice underscores its role in fostering unity among believers, reflecting the shared life and mission of the Church.

The Last Supper and the Institution of the Eucharist

In Luke 22:19-20, Jesus redefined the Passover meal during the Last Supper, instituting the breaking of bread as a symbol of His sacrificed body and the new covenant in His blood.

During the Passover Seder, Jesus took bread, blessed it, and said, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). This act reinterpreted the Passover lamb as His own sacrificial death, fulfilling Old Testament typology. By identifying the bread with His body, Jesus established a new covenantal meal, where believers partake in remembrance of His atoning sacrifice. The emphasis shifts from temporary animal offerings to a once-for-all redemption through Christ's death.

The Eucharist thus becomes a participation in Christ's sacrifice and a foretaste of the messianic banquet. By breaking bread, early Christians not only remembered Jesus but also affirmed their unity in the body of Christ. This practice laid the foundation for the Church’s communal identity, a theme explored further in the next section.

Theological Significance in Early Church Practice

The early church's practice of breaking bread, as recorded in Acts, reveals its central role in fostering fellowship and embodying the new covenant community.

In Acts 2:42, the believers 'devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer,' illustrating how the meal became a cornerstone of communal identity. Similarly, Acts 20:7 describes the disciples gathering to break bread, with Paul delivering a prolonged message that connects the meal to Christ's impending return. These accounts emphasize not only remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice but also the unity of believers as participants in His body.

Theologically, the breaking of bread in Acts transcends mere ritual. It signifies shared participation in Christ's sacrificial death (1 Cor. 10:16-17) and the formation of a new, Spirit-empowered community. By breaking bread together, early Christians enacted the covenant Jesus established at the Last Supper, affirming their collective identity as the body of Christ. This practice also anticipated the eschatological banquet, where God's people will fully commune with Him. The emphasis on fellowship (koinonia) in Acts 2:42 underscores that the meal was not private but a communal act of faith, binding believers to one another and to Christ's redemptive work.

Why Breaking of Bread Matters Today

The breaking of bread remains a vital practice in modern Christianity, embodying both historical remembrance and ongoing spiritual significance.

This act fosters unity among believers as they participate in what Paul describes as 'a sharing in the body of Christ' (1 Cor. 10:16-17), symbolizing their collective identity in Him. It also serves as spiritual nourishment, offering believers a means to reflect on Christ's sacrifice and renewal of their covenantal relationship with God. Furthermore, the practice proclaims Christ's death until He returns, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 11:26, making it both a memorial and a forward-looking hope.

Denominational variations - ranging from Catholic transubstantiation to Protestant symbolic remembrance - highlight diverse theological interpretations, yet all affirm its core purpose: to unite, nourish, and proclaim the Gospel. These practices, while differing in frequency and theology, maintain the ritual's foundational role in Christian worship and community.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of the breaking of bread, consider exploring key theological concepts and scriptural contexts that shape its significance.

Paul’s account in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 emphasizes the ritual’s role in proclaiming Christ’s death, stating, 'For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.' This has led to diverse interpretations, such as the Real Presence, and historical debates like transubstantiation (Catholic) versus consubstantiation (Lutheran), reflecting ongoing theological reflection on Christ’s presence in the meal.