Sharing meals and fellowship has always been a significant part of human interaction. The Bible contains verses that emphasize the importance of food and communal gatherings. Join us as we discover these verses that celebrate the joy of eating together.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Hardships And Trials
Bible Verses About Food And Fellowship
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
This verse depicts the early Christians’ commitment to both spiritual and physical nourishment. They dedicated themselves to learning from the apostles, fellowshipping with one another, sharing meals, and praying together.
It highlights the importance of combining spiritual growth, community, and the sharing of meals as essential aspects of Christian fellowship.
Matthew 14:19
And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.
This verse portrays Jesus’ miracle of feeding the multitude with only five loaves of bread and two fish. It demonstrates His ability to provide abundantly even from meager resources.
It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision in times of scarcity, encouraging us to trust in His ability to provide for our needs.
Genesis 1:29
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”
This verse highlights God’s provision of food for mankind. It demonstrates His intention for humans to sustain their bodies through the consumption of plants and fruits.
It also emphasizes the importance of gratitude towards God for providing nourishment for our physical bodies.
Proverbs 15:17
Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.
This verse teaches us that the quality of our relationships and the atmosphere in which we eat together is more important than the extravagance of the food itself.
It encourages us to prioritize having love and unity in our fellowship rather than focusing solely on material abundance.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
This verse reminds us that even in the act of eating and drinking, we should do so with the intention of honoring and glorifying God.
It encourages us to view every aspect of our lives, including our meals and fellowship, as opportunities to worship and give thanks to God.
Acts 20:7
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.
In this verse, we see the early Christians gathering on the first day of the week to share a meal and listen to the teaching of Paul.
It emphasizes the importance of regularly coming together as a community to partake in fellowship and the sharing of meals while also receiving spiritual nourishment through the Word of God.
Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
This verse portrays God’s provision and protection in the midst of adversity. It depicts a table set before the psalmist by God, signifying His abundant blessings and the reassurance of His presence.
It encourages us to trust in God’s ability to provide for us, even in challenging circumstances, and to find comfort and satisfaction in His presence.
Luke 5:29
Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.
This verse describes Jesus being invited to a feast held by Levi (also known as Matthew), a tax collector. The gathering included other tax collectors and individuals considered societal outcasts.
It highlights Jesus’ willingness to dine with sinners and the importance of extending hospitality and fellowship to everyone, regardless of their social status.
Matthew 26:26
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
This verse captures the moment of the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the practice of the Lord’s Supper or Communion. He took bread, gave thanks, and shared it with His disciples, symbolizing His body that would be broken for us.
It reminds us of the significance of the Lord’s Supper as a time of remembrance, fellowship, and spiritual nourishment, commemorating Jesus’ sacrifice for our redemption.
John 6:35
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
This verse conveys Jesus’ declaration that He is the source of spiritual sustenance and satisfaction. He promises that those who come to Him and believe in Him will never experience spiritual hunger or thirst.
It reminds us that our ultimate fulfillment can only be found in a relationship with Jesus, and He alone can satisfy the deepest longings of our souls.
Romans 12:13
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
This verse exhorts us to be generous and hospitable, especially towards fellow believers who are in need.
It reminds us to be mindful of the practical ways we can support and care for one another, particularly through the act of sharing meals and providing for one another’s physical needs.
Luke 10:38-42
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
In this narrative, Jesus visits the home of Martha and Mary. Martha is busy with preparations, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, desiring to be in His presence and learning from Him.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Jesus and seeking spiritual nourishment above all else, even amid the busyness and distractions of daily life.
Ruth 2:14
At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come over here. Have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.” When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over.
This verse describes Boaz, a kind and generous relative of Ruth, inviting her to share a meal with him and his harvesters.
It demonstrates the act of hospitality and care towards others, especially those in need, and highlights the importance of providing abundantly for those in our midst.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
This verse affirms that all of God’s creation, including food, is good and should not be rejected. However, it also emphasizes the importance of receiving and partaking in food with thanksgiving and prayer.
It reminds us to have a grateful heart and to acknowledge God’s provision and blessings whenever we partake in a meal.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.
This verse recounts the miraculous feeding of the multitude by Jesus, where He took the limited resources of five loaves and two fish, gave thanks, and multiplied them to feed thousands of people.
It serves as a reminder of God’s ability to provide in abundance even from what seems insufficient. It teaches us the importance of expressing gratitude for God’s provision and sharing the blessings we receive with others.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper, he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
In these verses, Paul recounts the instructions Jesus gave at the Last Supper regarding the practice of Communion. It serves as a reminder for believers to partake in the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of His sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood.
It is a solemn and sacred act of fellowship that proclaims the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and looks forward to His second coming.
Acts 27:35
After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.
In this verse, Paul is aboard a ship in the midst of a storm. Despite the challenging circumstances, he takes a moment to give thanks to God and breaks bread before eating.
It serves as a reminder to maintain an attitude of gratitude and dependence on God even in the midst of difficulties, and to acknowledge Him as the source of provision in all circumstances.
John 21:12
Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.
In this verse, Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection and invites them to join Him for breakfast. They recognize Him as the Lord through this act of fellowship.
It emphasizes the joy and intimacy that can be experienced in shared meals and highlights the presence of Jesus in the midst of our everyday activities.
Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
This verse exhorts believers to show hospitality to strangers, as it may have the potential to bless others without their knowledge.
It encourages us to embrace opportunities to demonstrate love and kindness to those we encounter, even if they are unfamiliar to us.
Luke 24:30-31
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
This verse recounts the moment when Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. He joins them at the table, takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and offers it to them. As soon as their eyes are opened to recognize Him, Jesus disappears from their sight.
It illustrates the transformative power of Jesus’ presence and the revelation of His identity through the act of breaking bread together.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
This verse highlights God’s faithfulness in providing not only physical nourishment but also spiritual abundance.
It encourages believers to cultivate a generous spirit and use the resources God has blessed them with to bless others, ultimately resulting in thanksgiving and praise to God.
1 Peter 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
This verse reminds believers to offer hospitality to one another willingly and without complaint.
It challenges us to cultivate an open and welcoming disposition, displaying Christ-like love and care towards others as we extend hospitality to them.
Psalm 145:15-16
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
This verse proclaims God as the ultimate provider of food and sustenance for all living creatures.
It acknowledges God’s sovereignty and provision, emphasizing the trust we can place in Him to meet our physical needs and satisfy the desires of our hearts.
John 12:2
Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.
This verse describes a dinner being given in honor of Jesus, featuring Martha serving the guests, including Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead by Jesus.
It signifies the act of celebrating and honoring Jesus through fellowship and the sharing of meals, demonstrating the joy and gratitude for His miraculous works.
What Does the Bible Say About Food And Fellowship?
In the Bible, food and fellowship are often intertwined with one another. We see the importance of sharing food and fellowship with others in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, communal meals were a common practice, and they often served as a way for the community to come together and celebrate important events, such as festivals and special occasions.
In the New Testament, we see Jesus frequently dining and fellowshipping with various individuals, including tax collectors, sinners, and his disciples. These meals served as opportunities for Jesus to engage with people from all walks of life and demonstrate love and acceptance.
Additionally, the early church placed a strong emphasis on communal meals and fellowship. Acts 2:46 describes how the early believers “broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” This passage not only highlights the importance of sharing meals but also emphasizes the joy and sincerity that characterized their gatherings.
Furthermore, the apostle Paul speaks about the concept of food and fellowship in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 11, he provides instructions regarding the Lord’s Supper and emphasizes the significance of partaking in the meal with reverence and unity, recognizing the body and blood of Christ.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us that food and fellowship are not merely physical activities but opportunities for spiritual and relational nourishment. By sharing meals and fellowship with one another, we can build community, demonstrate hospitality, and strengthen our relationships with both God and our fellow believers. Additionally, the act of sharing food and fellowship can be a powerful witness to those outside the faith, displaying God’s love and inclusivity.
As believers, we should seek to follow the biblical example by embracing the practice of food and fellowship, using it as a means to build up and encourage one another in Christ.