1 Corinthians 10:16
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
Bible Commentary
1 Corinthians 10:16 is a Bible verse from the New Testament which expresses the oneness of the body of Christ to Christ. There is much to be understood about the unity, or communion between Christ and the body, the church.
In Webster’s dictionary, “communion” means: possession in common. Hebrew definitions include: partnership, participation, intercourse, distribution, fellowship.
Clearly, the word communion is a coming together, which could be in fellowship, partnership or participation in ministry or business or distribution of possessions.
1 Corinthians 10:16 is speaking of the church’s practice of communion, which is partaking of wine and bread, symbolizing the blood and body of Christ, His sacrifice for us.
One of the most touching Bible verses for me personally is Luke 22:19 during the Last Supper, where Jesus is telling the disciples about His impending death, and while breaking bread says to them, “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.”
After He was no longer with them in this life, He still wanted that connection or communion with them–in their memories and in their hearts. His love surpasses all time, space and dominion.
Then in Luke 22:20 after they partook of the bread, a symbol of His body, He takes the cup and says, “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
This was the last meal–the last event of communion–they shared together before Jesus was betrayed, arrested, tortured and crucified on the cross.
He knew the pain of what He would have to endure, yet He did not shrink back in fear. He moved forward courageously, being innocent and blameless, and willingly placed his life into the hands of sinners like you and me because of His great love for us and His faithful devotion to the Father.
He asked us to remember Him by practicing communion.
Unlocking the Truth – Communion
What does it mean when we practice communion with one another? We remember and acknowledge the sacrifice of His body being broken and the pouring out of His blood, which established the New Testament—grace.
In doing so, we partake of His body–Jesus, Who is the Resurrection and the Life–and we come together in fellowship, partnership and possessions in common, just like the definitions stated above. Not only together with one another, but together in Christ.
As we partake of Holy Communion, we partake of the Bread of Life, and therefore we are infused with more of Him and everything He has to offer. We get to share in His possessions and fellowship, and partnership with Him…together.
Hallelujah!
Ephesians 4:6 says there is “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” The blood of Christ is like a scarlet thread woven throughout eternity, like a beautiful tapestry, which unites all things to Himself.
He made us in His image and gave us life. The blood of Christ is the common thread that brings all of life together in Him—a Holy Communion.
Because He is One with us, He experiences everything with us–our joys, our sorrows, and pain. He knows what we’ve been through because He was there with us. He shares our memories and knows our thoughts, not because He is prying, but because He made us in love, and He is love.
We can’t hide anything from Him, but He won’t force us to share it with Him. He lovingly waits for us to look His way and offer whatever we have to share.
Ezekiel 11:19-20 says, “19 And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.”
Like a loving Father, He desires His children to be of one heart and one mind, to get along—to love Him and one another. We cannot do that without the truth and grace of Christ living in us.
The communion of the body is holy fellowship with one another. The communion of the blood is holy fellowship with Christ. We need both.
Study the Bible verse of 1 Corinthians 10:16, and seek Holy Fellowship with Christ. Let us unite with others in Holy Communion, willingly sharing things in common. The blood of Christ makes it possible.
