Question 145: Why Do Anglicans Call The Eucharist “the Lord’s Supper”?

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 145: Why do Anglicans call the Eucharist “the Lord’s Supper”?

Anglicans call the Eucharist “the Lord’s Supper” because it was instituted by the Lord Jesus Himself on the night before He died, and it is His gift to the Church. In it we remember His once-for-all sacrifice, proclaim His death until He comes again, and receive His Body and Blood for our spiritual nourishment. It is His table, not ours, and He is both Host and Food. (1 Corinthians 11:23–26, Luke 22:19–20, Revelation 19:9)

Full Scripture References

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My body, which is 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; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” — 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (BSB)

“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 the supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.’” — Luke 22:19–20 (BSB)

“Then the angel said to me, ‘Write: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’” — Revelation 19:9 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

Anglicans call the Eucharist “the Lord’s Supper” because it was established by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and He invites us to His table. The name emphasizes that the sacrament belongs to Him—it is not the Church’s invention, but the Lord’s gift, command, and presence. The Apostle Paul begins his instruction by saying, “I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you,” grounding the Supper directly in Christ’s institution.

This title also recalls the historic moment of the Last Supper, when Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples before offering Himself on the cross. The meal was deeply personal and covenantal: “This is My body… this is My blood.” Bishop N.T. Wright (formerly of Durham) notes, “In the Lord’s Supper, Jesus gives Himself—His very life—to His people, as both the fulfillment of Passover and the beginning of the new covenant community” (The Meal Jesus Gave Us, 2014).

Canon Dr. Ashley Null (Church of England) explains, “We call it the Lord’s Supper because it is His hospitality. We are guests at His table, invited to remember, receive, and rejoice.” The name reminds us that the Supper is not about human performance or tradition, but divine provision.

Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) affirms, “At the Lord’s Supper, we are brought to the foot of the cross, where mercy flows and grace is served. The risen Christ is present to feed His Church.” It is not a re-sacrifice, but a living participation in the one sacrifice already accomplished.

Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has stated, “It is the Lord’s table. He sets the meal. He provides the feast. And He calls us to remember Him—not just mentally, but sacramentally, with faith that receives what He truly gives.”

Calling it “the Lord’s Supper” also echoes the eschatological promise. As we partake in the present, we look toward the future banquet—the marriage supper of the Lamb. This meal is both remembrance and anticipation, feeding us with Christ even as we await His return in glory.

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “We do not receive these things as common bread and drink. But just as Jesus Christ, our Savior, was made flesh… so also we have been taught that the food consecrated by the word of prayer is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh.” — First Apology, 66

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–200 AD): “The bread over which thanks has been given is the Body of the Lord, and the cup is His Blood. By participating in it, we proclaim the death of the Lord.” — Against Heresies, 5.2.3

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The Lord entrusted His Body and Blood to us in the elements of bread and wine. Whoever receives them must recognize Who is offered, and with reverence, receive Him.” — Sermons, 227

St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “As often as we do this, we show the Lord’s death. Therefore, the sacrifice which we offer is the Passion of the Lord.” — Epistle to Caecilius, 63.14

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.

DOWNLOAD A FREE EBOOK TODAY

An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)