Agape feast

Agape feast 03

Agape Feast

The Agape Feast or Love Feast is an early Christian ritual that traces back to the early Christian communities. It was a time of fellowship, breaking of bread, and sharing of food, often connected with the celebration of the Eucharist. The practice reflects the communal and egalitarian spirit that characterized the first followers of Jesus Christ.

Origins

The origins of the Agape Feast can be found in the New Testament, particularly in the Acts and the Epistles of Paul. It was inspired by the meals Jesus shared with his disciples, most notably the Last Supper, which is considered the first Eucharist. Early Christians gathered in private homes to share a communal meal, which served both as a remembrance of Jesus' meals with his followers and as a practical expression of their communal life.

Practice

The Agape Feast typically involved a shared meal among believers, regardless of their social status. This act of sharing was meant to symbolize unity and love among the members of the Christian community. The feast might include prayers, hymns, readings from scripture, and discussions on the teachings of Jesus. Over time, the Agape Feast and the Eucharist began to diverge, with the Eucharist becoming a more formalized ritual focused on the sacrament, while the Agape Feast retained its character as a communal meal.

Evolution and Decline

By the 4th century, the practice of the Agape Feast began to decline. This was due to several factors, including the formalization of Christian worship, the separation of the Eucharist from the communal meal, and concerns over abuses and excesses that occurred during some of these feasts. The Council of Laodicea (circa 363 AD) discouraged the holding of Agape Feasts in churches, marking the beginning of the end of the practice in its original form.

Modern Times

In modern times, the spirit of the Agape Feast lives on in various Christian traditions. Some communities, especially within the Protestant and Anabaptist traditions, have revived the practice as a way to foster community and remembrance of the early church's practices. These contemporary versions of the Agape Feast vary in form and frequency but aim to capture the essence of early Christian fellowship and love.

Theological Significance

The Agape Feast holds significant theological implications. It represents the inclusivity and equality that were foundational to early Christian identity. By breaking bread together, early Christians enacted a form of worship that transcended social boundaries, emphasizing the unity of the body of Christ. The feast also served as a tangible expression of the Christian commandment to love one another, as taught by Jesus.

See Also

• Eucharist
• Early Christianity
• Last Supper
• Christian worship