What is the frequency of the Lord's Supper?
Introduction. The Lord's Supper was one of the specified acts of worship of the church (Acts 20: 7). How often, then, are Christians to partake of this memorial?
The "often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup" argument. It is contended that since 1 Corinthians 11: 26 mentions "as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup," there is no specified frequency of observance. However, if there is a specified frequency, then it must be understood as qualifying 1 Corinthians 11: 26.
The early church continued steadfastly in the breaking of bread. When Luke wrote of the early activities of the First Century church, he stated, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2: 42). When "breaking bread," (Matt. 26: 26) is mentioned in the context of worship, it refers to the Lord's Supper as opposed to a common meal (see Acts 2: 42, 46). Further, the constancy described by Luke does not fit the pattern of partaking once a year as the Jehovah's Witnesses, Church of God (Seventh Day), or other groups do.
Per Acts 20:5-7, Paul planned his stay at Troas so he could break bread with the saints there on the first day of the week. It is apparent that the Lord's Supper was an important part of their worship on the Lord's day. As such, it would have been observed once a week, since every week has a first day (Sunday). As a parallel, the Jew under the Law of Moses so understood the frequency of the Sabbath day law (Ex. 20: 8).
While we have this approved example of weekly observance, there is no scriptural basis for observing on other days of the week or every day, for example as practiced by the Roman Catholic church.
Conclusion. In view of the meaning, constancy, and the place of importance of the Lord's Supper, it should be admitted that the frequency is weekly (Matt. 26: 26-29; 1 Cor. 11: 20-29; Acts 2: 42; 20: 7). "Communion every Lord's day was universal," wrote Dr. Mason, "and was preserved in the Greek Church till the seventh century" (Church History for Busy People, pg. 86).
The "often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup" argument. It is contended that since 1 Corinthians 11: 26 mentions "as often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup," there is no specified frequency of observance. However, if there is a specified frequency, then it must be understood as qualifying 1 Corinthians 11: 26.
The early church continued steadfastly in the breaking of bread. When Luke wrote of the early activities of the First Century church, he stated, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2: 42). When "breaking bread," (Matt. 26: 26) is mentioned in the context of worship, it refers to the Lord's Supper as opposed to a common meal (see Acts 2: 42, 46). Further, the constancy described by Luke does not fit the pattern of partaking once a year as the Jehovah's Witnesses, Church of God (Seventh Day), or other groups do.
Per Acts 20:5-7, Paul planned his stay at Troas so he could break bread with the saints there on the first day of the week. It is apparent that the Lord's Supper was an important part of their worship on the Lord's day. As such, it would have been observed once a week, since every week has a first day (Sunday). As a parallel, the Jew under the Law of Moses so understood the frequency of the Sabbath day law (Ex. 20: 8).
While we have this approved example of weekly observance, there is no scriptural basis for observing on other days of the week or every day, for example as practiced by the Roman Catholic church.
Conclusion. In view of the meaning, constancy, and the place of importance of the Lord's Supper, it should be admitted that the frequency is weekly (Matt. 26: 26-29; 1 Cor. 11: 20-29; Acts 2: 42; 20: 7). "Communion every Lord's day was universal," wrote Dr. Mason, "and was preserved in the Greek Church till the seventh century" (Church History for Busy People, pg. 86).