Jaume Serra, "The Last Supper" (1370-1400), Tempera on wood, Museo Nazionale, PalermoLarger image.What does it mean when we eat the bread and drink the cup at the Lord's Supper? How should we think about it when we partake? The Apostle Paul wrote:
One word stands out because it is repeated again and again — the Greek wordkoinonia, "participation" (NIV) also translated as "communion" (KJV) or "sharing" (NRSV). It means sharing something in common with others, common participation in something with other people.
The Lord's Supper is a remembrance. It is also a participation with Christ himself and with all others who follow him.
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Note: The root word ofkoinonia, "participation, sharing" iskoine, which means common in contrast to private or sacred — common ground, common pastureland, communal property, a couple's community property. When it refers to people it means "participants, fellows." The idea is that which is shared in common with others. (Friedrich Hauck, "koinonos, ktl.," TDNT 3:789-809)