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 climate of worship, it refers to the Lord's Supper as opposed to a meal, as such, (see Acts 2: 42, 46). I believe it is obvious that partaking once a year, for an example, does not fit the mentioned constancy which Luke is describing. Paul planned his stay so he could break bread with the saints at Troas on the first day (Acts 20: 5-7). It is apparent that the Lord's Supper was an important part of the worship on the Lord's day (Acts 20: 7). As such, it would have been observed once a week, since every week has a first day (Sunday). The Jew under the law so understood the frequency of the Sabbath day law (cf. Ex. 20: 8).
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 climate of worship, it refers to the Lord's Supper as opposed to a meal, as such, (see Acts 2: 42, 46). I believe it is obvious that partaking once a year, for an example, does not fit the mentioned constancy which Luke is describing. Paul planned his stay so he could break bread with the saints at Troas on the first day (Acts 20: 5-7). It is apparent that the Lord's Supper was an important part of the worship on the Lord's day (Acts 20: 7). As such, it would have been observed once a week, since every week has a first day (Sunday). The Jew under the law so understood the frequency of the Sabbath day law (cf. Ex. 20: 8).
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).