Concerning Both Kinds in the Lord’s Supper – part 3
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:27–29
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Paul says that he passed on what he had received from the Lord (1 Cor 11:23). But the text clearly shows that he had delivered the use of both kinds. “This do,” he says first, concerning his body. Afterwards, he repeats the same words concerning the cup. And then he says, “Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” These are the words of him who established the Sacrament, saying previously that those who will use the Lord’s Supper should use both kinds.
Pulling It Together: We usually read this passage of Scripture, thinking about how we ought to confess our sins before receiving Holy Communion. This is proper. Indeed, it is necessary, as Paul teaches. But we also clearly see here that the early Church—not just Jesus’ disciples—received both elements of the Lord’s Supper. Everyone received bread; all received wine. Why? The simple reason Paul gives is, that is the way the Lord established it, so that is what the apostle passed on to the Church.
Prayer: Help me, Holy Spirit, to confess my sins and truly believe that I am forgiven, so that I may eat and drink in a worthy manner. Amen
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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