Vincent's Word Studies in the NT

1 Corinthians 11:20

This is not [ο υ κ ε σ τ ι ν]. Rev., correctly, it is not possible. The Lord's Supper [κ υ ρ ι α κ ο ν δ ε ι π ν ο ν]. The emphasis is on Lord 's. Deipnon supper, represented the principal meal of the day, answering to the late dinner. The Eucharist proper was originally celebrated as a private expression of devotion, and in connection with a common, daily meal, an agape or love - feast. In the apostolic period it was celebrated daily. The social and festive character of the meal grew largely out of the gentile institution of clubs or fraternities, which served as savings - banks, mutual - help societies, insurance offices, and which expressed and fostered the spirit of good - fellowship by common festive meals, usually in gardens, round an altar of sacrifice. The communion - meal of the first and second centuries exhibited this character in being a feast of contribution, to which each brought his own provision. It also perpetuated the Jewish practice of the college of priests for the temple - service dining at a common table on festivals or Sabbaths, and of the schools of the Pharisees in their ordinary life.

Indications of the blending of the eucharistic celebration with a common meal are found here, Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7, and more obscurely, Acts 27:35; Acts 27:118

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Vincent's Word Studies in the NT

1 Corinthians 11:20

Old Testament

New Testament