Sharing a meal with others can be meaningful, but in the Bible, breaking bread is deeply symbolic. It represents fellowship, thanksgiving, and even covenant relationships. Today, we’ll uncover what this beautiful tradition means for believers.
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What Does The Bible Say About Breaking Bread
Acts 2:46
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.”
This verse illustrates the importance of fellowship and community in the early church. Breaking bread together symbolizes a shared meal and unity among believers. It emphasizes the joy and sincerity in their hearts as they gathered to eat and commune with one another.
By breaking bread together, believers not only nourish their bodies but also strengthen their bonds of love, support, and encouragement. It is a reminder of the unity and oneness they have in Christ.
Luke 24:30
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.”
This verse recounts the familiar story of Jesus appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. The breaking of bread in this context serves as a powerful symbol of Jesus’ presence and fellowship with his followers.
As Jesus broke the bread, it revealed who he truly was to the disciples, and their eyes were opened. Similarly, when believers partake in the breaking of bread during communion, it can serve as a moment of revelation, recognition, and intimate connection with the resurrected Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:16
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?”
This verse highlights the profound spiritual significance of breaking bread in the context of the Lord’s Supper or communion. When believers partake in the breaking of bread, they are participating in the body of Christ, which was broken for their redemption.
It serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross and the new covenant established through his blood. The act of breaking bread becomes a sacrament that unites believers with Christ and with one another, strengthening their faith and deepening their relationship with the Savior.
Mark 8:19-20
“When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Twelve.” “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.”
These verses reference two instances where Jesus performed miraculous feedings, multiplying a small amount of bread to feed thousands of people. The act of breaking the bread demonstrates Jesus’ ability to provide abundantly and meet the needs of his followers.
It serves as a reminder that when we offer our small provision, talents, or resources to Jesus, he can multiply them beyond our imagination. It encourages us to trust in his provision and have faith that he will meet our needs, both physically and spiritually.
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.’”
In this verse, Jesus proclaims himself as the true source of spiritual nourishment and satisfaction. Just as bread is a staple for physical sustenance, Jesus offers himself as the bread of life, providing eternal nourishment and satisfaction for the soul.
By coming to Jesus and believing in him, believers find fulfillment, purpose, and eternal life. It reminds us that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by a relationship with Jesus, who offers true satisfaction and sustenance for our spiritual journey.
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.’”
During the Last Supper, Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, and broke it, symbolizing his impending crucifixion and sacrifice. By doing so, he instituted the practice of communion as a way for believers to remember his body that was broken for their salvation.
Breaking and partaking of the bread in communion not only serves as a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, but it also signifies the ongoing spiritual nourishment and sustenance that believers receive through their union with him.
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, breaking bread is associated with coming together as a community of believers. It symbolizes the shared meal and fellowship that took place during their gathering on the first day of the week.
Breaking bread provides an opportunity for believers to connect, encourage, and edify one another through their shared faith. It emphasizes the importance of regularly gathering together to strengthen their relationships with one another and their devotion to Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:23-24
“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 these verses, Paul recounts the instructions given by Jesus during the Last Supper. By breaking the bread and sharing it with his disciples, Jesus initiated the practice of communion as a way to remember his sacrifice and express unity within the body of believers.
By participating in the breaking of bread during communion, believers affirm their faith in Jesus’ redemptive work and their commitment to follow his example of selfless love and sacrifice.
John 13:26-27
“Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.’ Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.’
In this passage, Jesus performs a symbolic act of washing his disciples’ feet before the Last Supper, demonstrating humility and servanthood. The act of breaking bread with Judas, who would later betray him, holds significance.
It serves as a profound example of Jesus’ love and forgiveness towards even those who would betray him. It reminds believers of the need for humility, forgiveness, and love in their relationships with one another, even in the face of potential betrayal or disappointment.
Luke 22:19
“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.’”
During the Last Supper, Jesus, after giving thanks, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, instructing them to continue this practice in remembrance of him. The act of breaking bread reinforces the significance of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross.
By participating in the breaking of bread during communion, believers are reminded of the immense love and sacrifice of Christ, renewing their devotion to him and their commitment to live according to his teachings.
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
This verse describes the early believers’ commitment to various spiritual practices within the community. Breaking bread is mentioned alongside devotion to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, and prayer, highlighting its importance in the life of believers.
Breaking bread signifies not only the sharing of physical food but also the spiritual nourishment and unity that comes from sharing in the body of Christ. Through the act of breaking bread, believers strengthen their bond with one another and deepen their relationship with God.
Acts 2:46-47
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
This passage highlights the daily practice of breaking bread among the early believers. It demonstrates the close-knit community they formed and their shared joy, sincerity, and gratitude as they gathered for meals and worship.
Breaking bread served as a catalyst for fellowship, praise, and worship, leading to the growth of the early church. It emphasizes the power of communal meals and shared experiences in creating an atmosphere of love, unity, and witness to those around them.
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.”
Paul’s example of breaking bread in this verse serves as a reminder to believers to give thanks to God even in the midst of challenging circumstances. Paul’s act of giving thanks and breaking the bread before eating displayed his gratitude and trust in God’s provision.
It encourages believers to maintain an attitude of thankfulness and reliance on God regardless of the circumstances they face. The act of breaking bread can be a significant moment of acknowledging God’s faithfulness and provision in every aspect of life.
Acts 2:32
“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.”
In this verse, Peter proclaims the truth of Jesus’ resurrection to the crowd. The message of Jesus’ resurrection is closely connected to the breaking of bread, as it symbolizes his victory over sin and death.
The act of breaking bread becomes a testimony of the resurrected Jesus, reminding believers of the power and hope found in his resurrection. It serves as a potent declaration of the good news and the transformative impact of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection on the lives of believers.
Acts 27:34
“Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a hair from his head.”
In this verse, Paul encourages those aboard a ship facing a storm to eat and take nourishment. The command to take food highlights the physical sustenance and strength that breaking bread can provide.
Similarly, believers can find nourishment and strength for their faith through the act of breaking bread, not only in a physical sense but also spiritually. It reminds them of their dependence on God for sustenance and the assurance of his care and protection.
1 Corinthians 10:17
“Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.”
This verse emphasizes the unity and interconnectedness of believers through the act of breaking bread. The shared loaf represents the body of Christ, and as believers partake in the breaking of bread, they symbolize their participation in the body of Jesus.
Breaking bread not only signifies individual believers’ union with Christ but also their unity as the body of Christ. It reinforces the importance of fellowship, love, and mutual support among believers, as they are united in their faith and partake in the shared meal as one body.
Acts 2:43-47
“Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
These verses describe the early believers’ devout and generous communal life. Breaking bread served as a central aspect of their shared meals, characterized by gladness, sincerity, and praise to God.
By breaking bread together, the early believers demonstrated their commitment to love, unity, and meeting one another’s needs. It created an atmosphere of appreciation for God’s blessings and increased their witness and favor among others, resulting in the growth of the church.
1 Corinthians 11:26
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of the act of breaking bread in communion. It serves as a proclamation of the Lord’s death and an anticipation of his future return.
By participating in the breaking of bread, believers declare their faith in the redemptive work of Jesus on the cross and their hope in his second coming. It is a symbol of their identity as followers of Christ, their unity with one another, and their anticipation of the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom.
John 6:48
“I am the bread of life.”
In this verse, Jesus identifies himself as the bread of life, emphasizing the centrality of his person and teachings for spiritual nourishment and sustenance.
Just as bread provides physical sustenance, Jesus offers himself as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance, satisfying the deepest longings and hunger of the soul. Believers are called to come to him, partake of the bread of life, and find complete satisfaction and fulfillment in their relationship with him.
1 Corinthians 10:21
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
In this verse, Paul warns believers against participating in idolatry and partaking in the table of demons. It underscores the spiritual significance of the act of breaking bread and the need for believers to remain faithful and devoted to the Lord.
Breaking bread becomes a symbol of allegiance and commitment to the Lord’s table, representing a life dedicated to following Jesus’ teachings and rejecting any association with false gods or practices that contradict the truth of the gospel.
Mark 14:22-23
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take it; this is my body.’”
During the Last Supper, Jesus’ act of breaking the bread and giving it to his disciples holds immense significance. By doing so, he symbolized his impending sacrifice and establishment of a new covenant.
Breaking bread represents the broken body of Christ, which was given for the redemption of humanity. As believers partake in the breaking of bread during communion, they remember Jesus’ sacrificial death and renew their commitment to living in light of his selflessness and love.
Matthew 15:36
“Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.”
This verse recounts the miraculous feeding of the four thousand by Jesus. In the act of breaking bread and distributing it, Jesus reveals his power to provide abundantly and meet the needs of the people.
It reminds believers that just as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish, he can multiply their resources, talents, or provisions to meet the needs of others. Breaking bread becomes a symbol of generosity, sharing, and trust in God’s provision.