Topical Bible: Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Supper

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the supper was a significant social and religious event, often serving as a setting for fellowship, teaching, and the demonstration of hospitality. The concept of supper in Scripture is multifaceted, encompassing both daily meals and special occasions.

1. Daily Meals and Fellowship:

The evening meal, or supper, was a common time for families and friends to gather, providing an opportunity for fellowship and the strengthening of communal bonds. In the New Testament, the supper is often depicted as a time for teaching and sharing. For instance, in the account of the Last Supper, Jesus uses the occasion to impart crucial teachings to His disciples (Matthew 26:26-29). This meal becomes a foundational event for the Christian practice of Communion, symbolizing the new covenant through the breaking of bread and sharing of the cup.

2. Hospitality and Generosity:

Supper also served as a means of expressing hospitality and generosity. In the Old Testament, Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors included preparing a meal, which is a precursor to the supper tradition (Genesis 18:1-8). This act of sharing a meal is emblematic of the biblical call to welcome strangers and provide for others.

3. Parables and Teachings:

Jesus frequently used the setting of a supper in His parables to convey spiritual truths. The Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24) illustrates the kingdom of God as a grand supper to which many are invited, emphasizing themes of invitation, acceptance, and the consequences of rejection. This parable highlights the inclusive nature of God's kingdom and the importance of responding to His call.

4. Eschatological Significance:

The supper also holds eschatological significance in Scripture. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb, described in Revelation 19:9 , symbolizes the ultimate union between Christ and His Church. This future event is depicted as a celebratory feast, underscoring the joy and fulfillment found in the eternal presence of God.

5. Cultural and Social Context:

In the cultural context of the Bible, suppers were often elaborate affairs, especially during festivals and special occasions. The Passover meal, for example, was a significant supper that commemorated Israel's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:1-14). This meal was rich in symbolism and ritual, reflecting the deep spiritual and communal aspects of supper in biblical tradition.

In summary, the concept of supper in Scripture is rich with spiritual, social, and cultural significance. It serves as a setting for teaching, fellowship, hospitality, and the anticipation of future glory, reflecting the multifaceted nature of biblical entertainments.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 14:12
Then said he also to him that bade him, When you make a dinner or a supper, call not your friends, nor your brothers, neither your kinsmen, nor your rich neighbors; lest they also bid you again, and a recompense be made you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 12:2
There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Church Fabrics and Services.
... in the north, and in the midst 'all kinds of bargains ... Burnet has been mentioned. ... were
few marriages in Lent,[1006] comparatively few entertainments, public or ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

part i
... The Holy Scripture is the domain of Wisdom, Word and Spirit, of God in the Trinity ...
lays his heavy load on your heart and compels you to evil of various kinds. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm