Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, holds a profound significance in the Christian faith. It is a sacred act of remembering and commemorating the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
In this compilation, we delve into 30 Communion Bible verses, each accompanied by commentary to deepen our understanding of the spiritual richness encapsulated in this holy sacrament.
As we reflect on these verses, may they inspire a renewed reverence for the body and blood of Christ, fostering a deeper connection with our Savior.
Communion Bible Verses
1 Corinthians 11:23-24
“For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when 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.'”
The foundational verse where Jesus institutes the Communion, emphasizing the act of remembrance and the representation of His body broken for believers.
1 Corinthians 11:25
“In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'”
Jesus extends the symbolism to the cup, signifying the new covenant sealed with His blood—a covenant that brings forgiveness and redemption.
Matthew 26:26-28
“Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'”
A parallel account of the institution of Communion, emphasizing the profound significance of Christ’s sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 22:19-20
“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'”
Luke’s account underscores the continuity of remembrance and the establishment of the new covenant through the broken body and shed blood of Jesus.
John 6:53-54
“So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.'”
Jesus emphasizes the spiritual significance of partaking in His body and blood, linking it to the reception of eternal life and resurrection.
1 Corinthians 10:16
“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?”
Paul emphasizes the communal aspect of Communion, highlighting that partaking in the elements signifies a deep participation in the sacrifice of Christ.
John 6:55-56
“For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.”
Jesus reinforces the spiritual union between believers and Himself through the symbolism of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, signifying an intimate, abiding connection.
Mark 14:22-24
“And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.'”
Mark’s concise account echoes the establishment of the covenant through the broken bread and shared cup, highlighting the sacrificial nature of Christ’s blood.
Acts 2:42
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
The early believers in Acts demonstrated a commitment to the communal aspects of faith, including the breaking of bread—a likely reference to the practice of Communion.
Acts 20:7
“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.”
The practice of breaking bread is mentioned as a significant part of the early Christian gatherings, emphasizing its regularity and importance.
Colossians 1:20
“And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
The blood of Christ, referenced in Communion, is seen as the means of reconciliation and the establishment of peace between God and humanity.
Hebrews 9:14
“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”
The purifying nature of Christ’s blood is highlighted, emphasizing its transformative effect on the believer’s conscience and service to God.
Hebrews 10:19-22
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
The access to God provided through the blood of Jesus is described, encouraging believers to draw near with confidence and assurance.
1 Peter 1:18-19
“Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”
Peter emphasizes the priceless nature of the redemption accomplished through the precious blood of Christ, drawing a parallel with the sacrificial lamb.
Ephesians 2:13
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
The reconciling power of Christ’s blood is highlighted again, illustrating its ability to bring those who were distant into close fellowship with God.
Revelation 1:5-6
“and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
The image of Christ as the liberator from sin through His blood is coupled with the profound transformation of believers into a royal priesthood, echoing the priestly themes found in Communion.
- 1 Corinthians 11:27-29
“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.”
Paul admonishes believers to approach Communion with reverence and self-examination, recognizing the gravity of partaking in the symbols of Christ’s body and blood.
John 19:34
“But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.”
The piercing of Jesus’ side provides a vivid image of the outpouring of His blood, symbolizing the lifeblood that brings redemption and cleansing.
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Walking in the light and having fellowship with God and fellow believers is intricately linked with the ongoing cleansing power of Jesus’ blood.
Hebrews 13:20-21
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
The blood of the eternal covenant is invoked in this benediction, emphasizing its role in equipping believers for God’s will and transformation.
1 Corinthians 10:17
“Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.”
The unity of believers is symbolized in the act of partaking of the one bread, signifying a shared identity and fellowship within the body of Christ.
Matthew 26:29
“I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Jesus looks forward to the future consummation of the kingdom, anticipating a communal and joyous celebration with believers—a promise embedded in the act of Communion.
Leviticus 17:11
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.”
The Old Testament foreshadowing of the importance of blood for atonement finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ’s sacrificial blood, providing life and atonement for believers.
Colossians 1:19-20
“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”
The cosmic reconciliation achieved by Christ’s blood is underscored, emphasizing its role in bringing peace and restoration to all of creation.
Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”
The theme of redemption and forgiveness is reiterated, highlighting the inexhaustible riches of God’s grace bestowed through the shedding of Christ’s blood.
Luke 24:30-31
“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.”
The post-resurrection appearance of Jesus, where the breaking of bread leads to the recognition of His presence, echoes the spiritual revelation often experienced in Communion.
Romans 5:9
“Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”
Justification through the blood of Christ stands as the foundation for believers’ confidence in salvation and deliverance from God’s wrath.
Zechariah 9:11
“As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.”
The redemptive power of the covenantal blood is depicted, symbolizing freedom and deliverance from captivity.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”
The act of receiving elements in Communion with thanksgiving is echoed here, emphasizing the sanctification through the Word of God and prayer.
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds, we are healed.”
The profound healing and peace wrought through the sufferings of Christ, as portrayed in Isaiah, find resonance in the symbolism of Communion.
Also Read: This Too Shall Pass Bible Verse (With Commentary)