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Encounter Messages  /  The Lord’s Supper: What Unifies Us?  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 4
Justin Martyr wrote that only those who believe the teachings, have been washed for the remission of sins, and live as Christ instructed may partake of the Eucharist. Why did early Christians guard the table so closely, and what did that say about how they saw the meal?
Another way to ask: Justin Martyr said only people who believe, are baptized, and live as Christ taught may take the Eucharist. Why were early Christians so careful about this, and what does it show about how they saw the meal?

Direct Answer

They guarded the table because they did not receive the bread and cup as common food. Sharing in it belonged to those who believed, were baptized, and lived as Christ taught.

Support from the Message

- Justin Martyr writes that only those who believe the teachings are true, have been washed for the remission of sins and renewal, and live as Christ instructed are allowed to partake. - He adds, "We do not receive these as common bread and drink." - He compares the blessed food to Jesus Christ becoming flesh by the word of God for our salvation. - His conditions join belief, baptism, and obedience. - Kyle sets this against churches today where there is no oversight and no guarding of the table.

Discussion Follow-up

What would it look like for a church to keep those three conditions today? How might a visitor feel, and how could a church explain the reason with love?

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