How Many Cups?

August 5, 2011

 How to administer the wine at a communion service has been a source of contention in years past.  What’s scriptural?  One cup or multiple cups?  With helmet and flak jacket on, I’m wading in.

 Mark’s account leads a reader to believe that one cup had been used, although sentence structure would allow the “it” to be wine and not a cup.  Mark 14:23-25  -  And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.  And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.  Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

 Luke’s account leads a reader to believe that multiple cups were used, although context is loose enough to allow a second serving of wine.  Luke 22:17-18, 20  -  And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:  For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.  …  Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

One cup or multiple cups?  Neither case is air tight, and I believe we have liberty when something is not air tight.  If a person has a strong personal preference, then say you have a strong personal preference but do not make something doctrinal without clear scripture.  And certainly do not judge others with larger congregations or different preferences (Act 2:41-42).  Never forget, little eyes are watching and they will have to fight enough of their own tradition.

Article Written by Elder Dolph Painter, Moriah Primitive Baptist Church

pastordolph@aol.com

This site created by Steve McCannon. This page last updated 08/07/2011