Wesley and the Lord's Supper

 

Odilon Massolar Chaves

 

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Copyright © 2025, Odilon Massolar Chaves

All rights reserved to the author.

It is allowed to read, copy and share for free

Article 184 of the Penal Code and Law 96710 of February 19, 1998.

Books published in the Wesleyan Digital Library: 485

Books published by the author: 583

Booklets: 3

Translator: Google

All glory to God!

Odilon Massolar Chaves is a retired Methodist pastor, with a doctorate in Theology and History from the Methodist University of São Paulo.

His thesis dealt with the Methodist revival in England in the eighteenth century and its contribution as a paradigm for our days.

He was editor of the official Methodist newspaper and coordinator of the Theology Course.

Copyright Statement: These files are in the public domain and are derived from an electronic edition that is available on the Ethereal Library of Christian Classics website.

Rio de Janeiro – Brazil

 

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Table of Contents

 

·       Introduction

·       Book Highlights

·       Wesley on the Importance of Fellowship

·       The Lord's Supper, a means of grace

·       Three of Wesley's Emphases on the Lord's Supper

·       Wesley's view of the Lord's Supper

·       What is the Lord's Supper

·       The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

·       The Last Easter

·       Paul's Teaching on the Supper

 

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Introduction

 

"Wesley and the Lord's Supper" is a 43-page book based on biblical texts, commentaries by Methodist theologians, and Wesley's explanatory notes.

This book is enriched with the commentaries of five Methodist theologians: Tom Sweeney, Henry H. Knight III, Ryan Danker, Paul Chilcote, and Steve Harper. 

One of the theologians said, "Wesley saw the Lord's Supper as a means of grace. He describes 'means of grace' as outward signs, words, or actions ordained by God and designed for that purpose—to be the common channels through which he can impart to men and women preventive, justifying, or sanctifying grace." 

The main highlights of the book are: Wesley on the Importance of Communion; The Lord's Supper, a means of grace; Three of Wesley's emphases on the Lord's Supper; Wesley's vision of the Lord's Supper; What is the Lord's Supper; The sacrament of the Lord's Supper; The last Easter; Paul's Teaching on the Supper. 

An extremely important book within the Wesleyan tradition.

 

The Author

 

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Book Highlights

 

Wesley on the Importance of Fellowship

It is the duty of every Christian to receive the Lord's Supper as often as possible

The Lord's Supper, a means of grace 

"Wesley saw the Lord's Supper as a means of grace. He describes "means of grace" as outward signs, words, or actions ordained by God and designed for that purpose—to be the common channels through which he can impart to men and women preventive, justifying, or sanctifying grace. 

Three of Wesley's Emphases on the Lord's Supper

John called Holy Communion "the great channel" of God's grace to us; grace being nothing less than empowerment and forgiveness made possible by God's own presence with us

Wesley's view of the Lord's Supper 

The Wesleyan revival was evangelical (a rediscovery of the importance of the Word) and Eucharistic (a rediscovery of the importance of Holy Communion). The Wesleys and the early Methodists held the two together 

What is the Lord's Supper

Wesley often began on Thursdays to prepare his heart to receive the Lord's Supper on Sunday. He realized that this was not always possible and that nothing like it was a prerequisite for participating. (...)”

The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper 

The Lord's Supper is a sacrament. It is a visible sign of an invisible grace of God 

The Last Easter

For this is my blood, the blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins

Paul's Teaching on the Supper

And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you; Do this in remembrance of me

 

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Wesley on the Importance of Fellowship

It is the duty of every Christian to receive the Lord's Supper as often as possible

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Dr. Tom Sweeney, in the study "Wesley on the Importance of Communion," stated, "It is the duty of every Christian to receive the Lord's Supper as often as possible. The first reason for this is that it is a direct command from Christ. The words of the text make it clear that it is a commandment: "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). Observe, too, that this command was given by our Lord when he was about to lay down his life for our sake. These are, therefore, his last words to all his followers.

The second reason for doing this whenever you can is that the benefits of obeying this commandment are very great: namely, the forgiveness of our sins, and the strengthening and refreshing of our souls."[1]

 

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The Lord's Supper, a means of grace

 

"Wesley saw the Lord's Supper as a means of grace. He describes "means of grace" as outward signs, words, or actions ordained by God and designed for that purpose—to be the common channels through which he can impart to men and women preventive, justifying, or sanctifying grace.

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According to Dr. Henry H. Knight III, "Wesley saw the Lord's Supper as a means of grace. He describes "means of grace" as outward signs, words, or actions ordained by God and designed for that purpose—to be the common channels through which he can impart to men and women preventive, justifying, or sanctifying grace ("The Means of Grace," in F. Baker, The Works of John Wesley, vol. 1 [Abingdon, 1984] 385).

Among the other means of grace are prayer, the examination of the Scriptures, fasting, Christian conference, and works of mercy to one's neighbor. Some of them involve words, some actions, but the Lord's Supper integrates all three—signs, words, and actions—into one liturgical event. Is it any wonder that C. Wesley can call the Lord's Supper God's "choicest instrument" through which all of God's blessings are given (J. Rattenbury, The Eucharist Hymns of John and Charles Wesley [Epworth, 1948] 208)?"[2]


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Three of Wesley's Emphases on the Lord's Supper

John called Holy Communion "the great channel" of God's grace to us; grace being nothing less than empowerment and forgiveness made possible by God's own presence with us

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Dr. Ryan Danker, Director of the John Wesley Institute, Washington, D.C., said:

"First, the Wesley brothers—and most of their heirs until the twentieth century—believed in the Real Presence; Christ is present in Holy Communion. This is the view presented clearly in many of Charles Wesley's hymns:

This is the richest legacy that You have bestowed upon man,
 Here especially, Lord, we feed on You,
And drink Your precious blood.

John called Holy Communion "the great channel" of God's grace to us; grace being nothing less than empowerment and forgiveness made possible by God's own presence with us.

Second, revival and Holy Communion go hand in hand for Wesleyans and that is why John Wesley promoted Communion so often. He wrote that "it is the duty of every Christian to receive the Lord's Supper as often as possible..." precisely because he believed that when we receive Christ, our lives are transformed. Repeatedly in his diary, we see examples of God working mightily when the faithful gathered for Holy Communion and received Christ.

Third, the Wesleyan approach to Holy Communion is pastoral, much like the Early Church Fathers.[3]


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Wesley's view of the Lord's Supper

 

The Wesleyan revival was evangelical (a rediscovery of the importance of the Word) and Eucharistic (a rediscovery of the importance of Holy Communion). The Wesleys and the early Methodists held the two together.

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In his book "Recapturing the Wesleys' Vision," Wesley scholar Paul Chilcote said:

"Most Methodists don't realize that the Wesleyan revival was evangelical (a rediscovery of the importance of the Word) and Eucharistic (a rediscovery of the importance of Holy Communion). The Wesleys and the early Methodists held the two together, firmly convinced that both were necessary for proper guidance in the faith and the Christian walk. Sacramental grace and the evangelical experience were seen as necessary counterparts of a balanced Christian life. The enthusiasm for the sacrament of the Lord's Supper among the early Methodists was the result of the zeal kindled in the hearts of the people for the flaming message of God's love. And so the combination of pulpit and table was like a two-edged sword; Conjunction was a potent agent in the spread of revival.

In the Wesleys' view, there could be no suggestion of setting the preaching of the gospel against the celebration of the sacrament. It was impossible to think about the spoken word (preaching) apart from the Word made visible (Eucharist). Hardly a new discovery in the life of the church, this essential connection of Word and sacrament has been the hallmark of virtually every Christian renewal movement."[4]


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What is the Lord's Supper

 

Wesley often began on Thursdays to prepare his heart to receive the Lord's Supper on Sunday. He realized that this was not always possible and that nothing like it was a prerequisite for participating. (...)”

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In Steve Harper's workbook, "Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition," we find about the Lord's Supper:

  • Holy Communion is a memorial meal.
  • The Lord's Supper is a promise of future glory.
  • Christ is truly present every time we receive the Lord's Supper. Although, at one extreme, Wesley did not accept the Roman Catholic belief that the elements actually turn into the body and blood of Jesus, he also did not believe that by receiving them, we are doing nothing more than bringing bread and juice/wine into our bodies. Instead, he believed that the Lord chooses to be present in a real way whenever we receive Holy Communion (...)".
  • We are commanded by Christ to partake of the Lord's Supper.
  • Proper preparation begins with a repentant heart. Wesley often began on Thursdays to prepare his heart to receive the Lord's Supper on Sunday. He realized that this was not always possible and that nothing like it was a prerequisite for participating. (...)".
  • Since it is a means of grace, we are wise to receive the Lord's Supper whenever we can. In Wesley's day, many of the churches around him offered Holy Communion only two to four times a year, but he urged his Methodists to practice this means of grace at every opportunity, arguing that the more often we practice Holy Communion, the more likely we are to enjoy a "constant communion" with God.[5]

 

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The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

 

The Lord's Supper is a sacrament. It is a visible sign of an invisible grace of God

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Using a small piece of bread and a small cup of grape juice, evangelicals participate in the Lord's Supper, usually on the first Sunday of each month. 

The Lord's Supper is a sacrament. It is a visible sign of an invisible grace of God. 

It was instituted by Jesus. 

But why do we practice Holy Communion? 

The Lord's Supper is the sign of our redemption in Christ and the perpetual memorial of his passion and death. 

What are the elements that make up the Lord's Supper? 

*      The bread (Matthew 26:26), which symbolizes the body of Christ.

*      The wine (Matthew 26:27), which symbolizes the blood of Christ. 

The importance of trust in the act of the Supper 

*      For Wesley, the simple act of the Lord's Supper is of no avail!

*      "There is no power unto salvation except in the Spirit of God."

*      There is no merit but in the blood of Christ.

*      "That which is ordained of God does not convey grace if we do not trust in him alone." [6] 

What benefits does the Lord's Supper bring? 

*      Forgiveness of our past sins,

*      The present strengthening,

*      And the renewal of our souls. [7]

 What is necessary for us to partake of the Lord's Supper? 

*      Belong to God's people through faith in Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:25),

*      Examining the conscience and confessing sin (1 Corinthians 11:28-29),

*   Participate with a conscience at peace with God and neighbor (1 Corinthians 11:20-22,33). 

The Lord's Supper, therefore, is for us to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross and to take possession of the blessings that we are entitled to as Abraham's descendants through faith in Jesus.

 

 

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 The Last Easter

 

For this is my blood, the blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins

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Matthew 26

 

Verse 1

When Jesus Finished All These Discourses

Wesley's comments:

When Jesus finished all these discourses - When he spoke all that he had to say. Until then he would not enter into her passion: then he would delay her no longer. Mark 14:1; Luke 22:1.

Verse 2

You know that after two days it is the feast of the Passover

You know that after two days it is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to be crucified.

Wesley's comments:

After two days is the passover - The manner in which this was celebrated throws much light on several circumstances which follow. The master of the family began the feast with a cup of wine, which having solemnly blessed, he divided among the guests, Luke 22:17.

Then the supper began with the unleavened bread and bitter herbs

Wesley's comments:

Then the supper began with the unleavened bread and bitter herbs; which, when they had all tasted, one of the young men present, according to Exodus 12:26, asked the reason of the solemnity. This introduced the display, or statement of it: in allusion to which we read of the display of the Lord's death, 1 Corinthians 11:26. Then the master arose and took another cup, before the lamb was tasted. After dinner he took a thin loaf or cake, which he broke and divided for all at the table, and likewise the cup, usually called a cup of thanksgiving, from which he drank first, and then all the guests. It was this bread and this chalice that our Lord consecrated to be a permanent memorial of his death.

Verse 3

Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people gathered in the palace

Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people gathered together in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

Wesley's comments:

The chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people - (Heads of families.) These, together, constituted the Sanhedrin, or great council, which had the supreme authority, both in civil and ecclesiastical affairs.

Verse 5

Not on the day of the feast, lest there be a tumult among the people

But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be tumult among the people.

Wesley's comments:

But they said, Not at the feast - This was the result of human wisdom. But when Judas arrived, they changed their purpose. Thus came the counsel of God, and the true Passover Lamb was offered on the great day of the Paschal Solemnity.

Verse 6

Now while Jesus was in Bethany

Now while Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

Mark 14:3.

Verse 8

What is this waste for?

But when his disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, "What is the use of this waste?"

His disciples, seeing this, were indignant, saying, "It seems that several of them were angry and spoke, though none so warmly as Judas Iscariot," said Wesley.

Verse 11

but you don't always have me

For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have me.

Wesley's comments:

Ye have the poor always with you - Such is the wise and gracious providence of God, that we may always have opportunities to relieve their wants, and so lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven.

Verse 12

And she poured this ointment upon my body, and made it unto my grave

For when she poured this ointment on my body, she made it for my grave.

Wesley's comments:

She did it for my burial - As if it were for the embalming of my body. Indeed, this was not her design: but our Lord puts this building upon him, to confirm thus what he had said before to his disciples, concerning his approaching death.

Verse 13

And what this woman did will be told in remembrance of her

Verily I say unto you, Wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what this woman did also shall be told in remembrance of her.

This Gospel - That is, this part of the Gospel story, said Wesley.

Verse 14

Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests

Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests,

Mark 14:10Luke 22:3.

Verse 15

And they made a covenant with him for thirty pieces of silver

And he said to them, "What will you give me, and I will give it to you?" And they made a covenant with him for thirty pieces of silver.

Wesley's comments:

They traded with him for thirty pieces of silver -(about three pounds and fifteen shillings sterling; or sixteen dollars and sixty-seven pence), the price of a slave, Exodus 21:32.

Verse 17

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread

And on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus, and said to him, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?"

On the first day of unleavened bread –Thursday being the fourteenth day of the first month, Exodus 12:6; Exodus 12:15Mark 14:12; Luke 22:7, said Wesley.

Verse 18

I will celebrate the Passover in your house with my disciples

And he said, Go to the city to such a man, and say unto him, Saith the Master, My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover in your house with my disciples.

The Master says, "My time is at hand —That is, the time of my suffering," said Wesley.

Verse 20

He sat down at table with the twelve

 

And when evening came, he sat down at table with the twelve.

Mark 14:17;Luke 22:14.

Verse 23

Whoever dips his hand with me in the dish, he will betray me

And he answered and said, "Whoever dips his hand with me in the dish, he will betray me."

He that dips his hand with me into the dish - Which it seems that Judas was doing at that very moment. This dish was a container filled with vinegar, in which they dipped their bitter herbs, Wesley said.

Verse 24

but woe to him by whom the Son of man is betrayed

The Son of man goes, as it is written of him, but woe to him by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.

Wesley's comments:

The Son of man undergoes sufferings to glory, as it is written of him - Yet this is no excuse for him that betrayeth him: wretched shall that man be: it would have been good to that man if he had not been born - Can not the same be said of every man that finally perishes? But who can reconcile this, if it were true only of Judas, with the doctrine of universal salvation?

Verse 25

Is it I, Master?

Then Judas, who betrayed him, answered and said, "Is it I, Master?" He said to her, "You have said."

Thou hast said - That is, it is as thou hast said, said Wesley.

Verse 26

Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples

And while they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; This is my body.

Wesley's comments:

Jesus took the bread–the bread or cake, which the master of the family used to divide among them, after they had eaten the passover. Our Lord's custom was now transferred to a nobler use. This bread is, that is, signifies or represents my body, according to the style of the sacred writers. Thus, Genesis 40:12, The three branches are three days. Thus Galatians 4:24, St. Paul, speaking of Sarah and Hagar, says, These are the two covenants. Thus, in our Lord's great type, Exodus 12:11, God says of the paschal lamb, This is the passover of the Lord. Now, Christ, substituting the Passover for Holy Communion, follows the style of the Old Testament, and uses the same expressions which the Jews were wont to use in the celebration of the Passover.

Verse 27

 And he took the cup, and gave thanks

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to him, saying, Drink ye all of it;

And he took the cup - Called by the Jews the cup of thanksgiving; which the master of the family also used to give to every one after dinner, said Wesley.

Verse 28

'Cause this is my blood, the blood of the new testament

For this is my blood, the blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Wesley's comments:

This is the sign of my blood, by which the new testament or covenant is confirmed.

Which is poured out by many—as many as spring from Adam.

Verse 29

until that day when I drink it again with you in my Father's kingdom

But I say to you that I will drink no more of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it again with you in my Father's kingdom.

I will drink no more of this fruit of the vine, until I drink it again with you in my Father's kingdom - That is, I will taste no more wine, until I drink wine of another kind in my Father's glorious kingdom. And you will also participate with me, said Wesley.

Verse 30

And having sung a hymn

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Wesley's comments:

And when they sang the hymn - Which was constantly sung at the end of the passover. It consists of six psalms, from the 113th to the 118th. Psalms 113:1, etc.

The Mount of Olives - It was in front of the temple, about two miles from Jerusalem. Mark 14:26; Luke 22:39; John 18:1.

Verse 31

Tonight you will all be offended because of me

And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall all be offended this night because of me, for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.

You will all be offended with me - Something will happen to me, which will bring about your fall into sin, forsaking me. Zechariah 13:7, said Wesley.

Verse 32

After I resurrect

But after I am resurrected, I will go before you into Galilee.

Wesley's comments:

But nevertheless, after I am resurrected, I will go before you (as a shepherd before his sheep) into Galilee. Even if you forsake me, I will not forsake you.[8]

 

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Paul's Teaching on the Supper

And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you; Do this in remembrance of me

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1 Corinthians 11

 

Verse 18

When you gather in church, I hear that there are divisions among you

For, first of all, when you meet together in church, I hear that there are divisions among you; And I believe in part.

In the church - In the public assembly. 

I've heard that there are schisms among you; and I believe some of it – that is, I believe it from some of you, said Wesley. 

but divisions without charity in it; for the Corinthians continued to be a church; and in spite of all their struggles and contentions 

Wesley's comments:

It is clear that by schisms is not meant any separation from the church, but divisions without charity in it; for the Corinthians continued to be a church; and, notwithstanding all their strife and contention, there was no separation of either part from the rest, so far as outward communion was concerned. And it is in the same sense that the word is used, 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:25; which are the only places in the New Testament, besides this, where the schisms of the church are mentioned. Therefore, to yield to any temper contrary to this tender care of one another is the true biblical schism. This is, therefore, a very different thing from that orderly separation of the corrupt churches which later ages stigmatized as schisms; and they pretended to be the vilest cruelties, oppressions, and murders that disturbed the Christian world. 

Both heresies and schisms are here mentioned in almost the same sense; unless by schisms is meant, instead, those internal animosities which occasion heresies 

Wesley's comments:

Both heresies and schisms are here mentioned in almost the same sense; unless by schisms is meant, instead, those internal animosities which occasion heresies; i.e. external divisions or parties: so that, while one said, "I am Paul's," another, "I am Apollo's," this implied both schism and heresy. So wonderfully have the later ages distorted the words heresy and schism from their biblical meaning. 

Therefore, both heresy and schism, in the modern sense of the words, are sins of which scripture knows nothing 

Wesley's comments:

Heresy is not, throughout the Bible, considered "an error in the fundamentals" or in anything else; nor schism, for any separation made from the external communion of others. Therefore, both heresy and schism, in the modern sense of the words, are sins of which scripture knows nothing; but they were invented only to deprive mankind of the benefit of private judgment and freedom of conscience.

Verse 19

God permits you, so that it may appear among you who is and who is not upright in heart

For there must also be heresies among you, so that those approved may be manifested among you.

Wesley's comments:

There must be heresies – divisions.

Among you - In the ordinary course of things; and God permits you, that there may appear among you who is and who is not upright in heart. [9]

Verse 20

And when ye come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper

Therefore when ye come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord's supper.

Wesley's comments:

Therefore - That is, in consequence of these schisms.

It is not eating the Lord's supper - That solemn memorial of his death; but something else.

Verse 21

each one takes his own supper before the other

For when he eats, each one eats his own supper before the other, and one is hungry, and another is drunk.

Wesley's comments:

For in eating what you call the Lord's Supper, instead of everyone partaking of one loaf, each person brings his own supper, and eats it without leaving it for the rest. And by this the poor, who cannot support themselves, have nothing; while the rich eat and drink to the utmost, just as the pagans are wont to do at the feasts of their sacrifices.

Verse 22

Have ye not houses to eat and drink?

What? Have ye not houses to eat and drink? or despise the church of God, and shame those who have it not. What shall I say to you? Shall I praise him in this? I do not praise you.

Wesley's comments:

Have ye not houses to eat and drink your common meals? or despise the church of God - Of which the poor are the greatest and best part. Do you act like this with contempt planned for them?

Verse 23

For I have received from the Lord what I also delivered to you

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night in which he was betrayed, took bread.

I received - By an immediate revelation, said Wesley.

Verse 24

when he had given thanks, he broke it

Take, eat; This is my body,

And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of me.

Wesley's comments:

This is my body, which is broken for you - That is, this broken bread is the sign of my body, which is even now to be pierced and wounded for its iniquities. Take then and eat of this bread, in a humble, thankful, obedient remembrance of my dying love; from the extremity of my sufferings on your behalf, from the blessings I have thus purchased for you, and from the obligations of love and duty which I have for all this laid upon you.

Verse 25

do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me

In the same way he also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new testament in my blood; do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me.

Wesley's comments:

After supper - Therefore you must not mistake this for an ordinary meal.

Do this in remembrance of me - The ancient sacrifices were in remembrance of sin: this sacrifice, once offered, is still represented in remembrance of the remission of sins.

Verse 26

you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes

For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Wesley's comments:

You show the death of the Lord - You proclaim, as it were, and confess openly to God and to the whole world.

Until he comes - In glory.

Verse 27

unworthily, he will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord

Therefore whoever eats this bread and drinks this cup of the Lord will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord in an unworthy manner.

Wesley's comments:

Whosoever eateth this bread unworthily - That is, in an unworthy and irreverent manner; without regard to Him that appointed him, or the design of his appointment. He will be guilty of profaning that which represents the body and blood of the Lord.

Verse 28

But let a man examine himself

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup.

But let a man examine himself - Whether he knows the nature and design of the institution, and whether it is his own desire and purpose to accomplish it, said Wesley.

Verse 29

For he who eats and drinks unworthily

For he who eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks condemnation to himself, not discerning the body of the Lord.

Wesley's comments:

For he that eateth and drinketh as unworthily as those Corinthians, eateth and drinketh judgment unto himself - Temporal judgments of various kinds, 1 Corinthians 11:30. Not distinguishing the sacred symbols of the Lord's body - From their common food.

Verse 30

That is why many are weak and infirm

Therefore many are weak and sick among you, and many are asleep.

Wesley's comments:

For this cause - Which they had not observed.

Many sleep - In death.

Verse 31

If we judged ourselves, we would not be judged

For if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged.

If we judge ourselves - As to our knowledge and the design with which we approach the Lord's table, said Wesley.

We are not to be judged thus—that is, punished by God, said Wesley.

Verse 32

when we are judged, we are corrected by the Lord

But when we are judged, we are corrected by the Lord, so that we will not be condemned with the world.

When we are thus judged, it is with this merciful design that we cannot be finally condemned with the world, said Wesley.

Verse 33

When you come together to eat, stay for one another

Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, stay for one another. 

The rest - The other circumstances connected with the Lord's supper,[10] said Wesley.

 

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[1] https://the-magpie.org/2019/09/01/wesley-on-the-importance-of-communion/;Dr. Tom Sweeney, a follower of Jesus and practitioner of spiritual formation ministry. He lives in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, and teaches at various seminaries in North America.

[2]https://johnwesleyfellows.org/ consider-wesley/consider-wesley-31/; Dr. Henry H. Knight III is the Donald and Pearl Wright Professor of Wesleyan Studies at Saint Paul School of Theology. His books include From Aldersgate to Azusa Street: Wesleyan Visions, Holinesses, and Pentecostals of the New Creation (Wipf and Stock, 2010) and A Future for Truth: Evangelical Theology in a Postmodern World (Abingdon, 1997).

[3] https://wesleyancovenant.org/2022/02/17/john-wesley-on-holy-communion/; Dr. Ryan Danker is the Director of the John Wesley Institute, Washington, D.C. He is the author ofWesley and the Anglicansand recently co-editedThe Next Methodism with Dr. Kenneth J. Collins.

[4] https://www.salvationlife.com/blog/2012/01/25/lords-supper

[5] https://www.salvationlife.com/ /blog/2012/01/25/lords-supper; Steve Harper is a retired seminary professor who has taught for over thirty years in the disciplines of Spiritual Formation and Wesleyan Studies. He has taught at colleges, universities, and seminaries in the United States and elsewhere in the world.

[6] BURTNER, R. - Chiles, R. Coleção da Teologia de João Wesley, S. P., Jugec - 1960, p.269

[7] BURTNER, R. - Chiles, R. Coletânea da Teologia de João Wesley, S. P., Jugec - 1960, p.270.

[8] https://www.studylight.org/comentários/eng/wen/matthew-26.html.

[9] https://www.studylight.org/comentários/eng/wen/1-corinthians-11.html.

[10] https://www.studylight.org/comentários/eng/wen/1-corinthians-11.html.

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