Supping, in biblical terms, refers to the act of eating or partaking in a meal, often with a focus on fellowship and communion. This concept is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual practices of the biblical world, where meals were not merely for sustenance but also for building relationships and sharing in communal life.

Biblical Context

In the Bible, supping is frequently associated with significant spiritual and communal events. One of the most notable instances is the Last Supper, where Jesus shared a meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. This event is recorded in the Gospels and holds profound theological significance as it instituted the practice of Communion or the Lord's Supper. In Luke 22:19-20 , Jesus says, "And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.'"

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Supping in the Bible often symbolizes fellowship and unity. In Revelation 3:20 , Jesus extends an invitation for intimate fellowship: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me." This verse highlights the personal relationship that believers are invited to have with Christ, depicted through the metaphor of sharing a meal.

The act of supping also serves as a reminder of God's provision and blessing. In Psalm 23:5 , the psalmist declares, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Here, the imagery of a prepared table signifies God's abundant care and protection.

Cultural Practices

In ancient Near Eastern culture, meals were central to hospitality and social interaction. Sharing a meal was an expression of peace and acceptance. This cultural backdrop enriches the understanding of biblical narratives where supping is involved. For instance, in Genesis 18, Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors includes preparing a meal, which leads to the announcement of Isaac's birth.

New Testament Church

In the early church, communal meals were integral to worship and fellowship. Acts 2:46 describes the early believers: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart." These gatherings were not only for physical nourishment but also for spiritual edification and unity among believers.

Conclusion

Supping, as depicted in the Bible, transcends the mere act of eating. It embodies themes of fellowship, divine provision, and spiritual communion. Through the practice of supping, believers are reminded of the intimate relationship they are called to have with God and with one another, reflecting the communal and covenantal aspects of their faith.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sup.

2. (n.) The act of one who sups; the act of taking supper.

3. (n.) That which is supped; broth.

Acts and Martyrdom of the Holy Apostle Andrew.
... to take it again. And, last of all, while He was supping with us, He said,
[2217] One of you will betray me. At these words, therefore ...
/.../acts and martyrdom of the holy apostle andrew/acts and martyrdom of the.htm

Danger of Having to Take Part in Heathenish Rites, and Revels.
... Oehler's reading, we may perhaps take the "Dei" with "aliquid," and the "coenans"
absolutely, and render, "From the tavern, no doubt, while supping, she will ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter vi danger of having to.htm

Of the Inconsistencies of the Psychics.
... "See, how good and how enjoyable for brethren to dwell in unity!" [1094] This psalm
you know not easily how to sing, except when you are supping with a goodly ...
/.../chapter xiii of the inconsistencies of.htm

That New Chrism Should be Made Every Year, and the Old be Burnt.
... For on that day the Lord Jesus, after supping with His disciples, and washing their
feet, according to the tradition which our predecessors received from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/i that new chrism should.htm

Of the Concord Between Matthew, Mark, and John in their Notices of ...
... For although Luke records an incident resembling this, and although the name which
he assigns to the person in whose house the Lord was supping might also ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lxxix of the concord between.htm

Again, Christ, after his Glorification in Heaven, Says, "Behold I ...
... Can anyone justly call it enthusiasm to say, that this supping of the soul with
this glorified Christ within it, must mean something more heavenly transacted ...
/.../address 44 0 0 again christ after.htm

There is Another Trinity in the Memory of Him who Thinks Over ...
... about that time itself, if nothing else; at all events, I have remembered yesterday,
and that part of yesterday in which people usually sup, and what supping is ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 7 there is another trinity.htm

The Laodicean State of Christendom.
... In keeping with this note the time-mark here. The Lord speaks of "supping" (vs.20).
It is eventime. It is the closing meal of the day! The end is at hand. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 the laodicean state of.htm

Directions for those who Live Together.
... For we are not to copy oxen and asses, whose manger and dunghill are together.
For many wipe their noses and spit even whilst supping. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter vii directions for those who.htm

How, Upon Herod's Going Down into David's Sepulcher, the Sedition ...
... This Sylleus, upon some occasion coming to Herod, and supping with him, saw Salome,
and set his heart upon her; and understanding that she was a widow, he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how upon herods.htm

Supping (2 Occurrences)
... n.) of Sup. 2. (n.) The act of one who sups; the act of taking supper. 3. (n.) That
which is supped; broth. Multi-Version Concordance Supping (2 Occurrences). ...
/s/supping.htm - 7k

Supplant (1 Occurrence)

/s/supplant.htm - 7k

Supper-time (1 Occurrence)
Supper-time. Suppers, Supper-time. Supping . Multi-Version Concordance
Supper-time (1 Occurrence). ... (WBS). Suppers, Supper-time. Supping . Reference
/s/supper-time.htm - 6k

Supping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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