Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord's Supper (Hardcover)

by Ben Witherington III (Author)
Key Phrases: fellowship meal, Lord's Supper, Last Supper, Beloved Disciple (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
In Making a Meal of It, Ben Witherington provides a competent guide to the numerous complexities surrounding the Lord's Supper, one that, in the end, helps the reader to understand this central Christian ceremony as something much more than either magic or mere symbolism. From socio-cultural background information to incisive exegetical observations, from careful historical survey to very practical application; this book will benefit anyone who desires to better understand-and more fully experience-the true kingdom mystery of the Lord's Supper. --Paul Rhodes Eddy, Professor of Biblical & Systematic Theology, Bethel University

This is the finest book on the Lord's Supper that I have read. Witherington not only provides a helpful discussion of the key passages in their respective historical contexts (something he does so well), but also provides compelling answers to many of the crucial issues. --Clinton E. Arnold, Professor and Chairman, Department of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

Product Description
Making a Meal of It explores the background and implication of the Lord's Supper. Delving into its historical and Scriptural origins, Witherington argues that the Lord's Supper is a sacramental celebration of the community of God, designed to incorporate people of varying backgrounds. Excavating the diverse ways in which Scripture and early Christian tradition speak about the Lord's Supper, Witherington advocates that the meal is primarily about who the people of God are and how they should thus live together.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 135 pages
• Publisher: Baylor University Press (November 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602580154
• ISBN-13: 978-1602580152
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #466,631 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Little Book, November 29, 2007

By	Jeffrey N. Lemke "Canadian Kangaroo" (Courtenay, BC, Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a wonderful little book on the history, meaning, and current theological importance of The Lord's Supper. As someone who owns about 20 of Witherington's books I would rate this one quite highly ... O.K. who am I kidding, I'd rate nearly all of them highly.

Witherington's understanding of social setting and of discourse material are beautifully displayed in his chapter, "The Long Farewell," which explores the relationship of John (or should we say "Lazarus") chapter 13 ff. to the Last Supper and to Holy Week. ... Also notable is his chapter "The Table of the Entitled and the Table of the Lord" - an eyeopening explanation of the church at Corinth's situation around the meal.

"The Mystery of the Meal" is the closing chapter of this book and I found it both a challenging and a beautiful piece to read. It's discussions around "discerning the body" are pastorally helpful and theologically rooted in Ben's knowledge and wisdom displayed earlier in the book. Also, he uses two very moving stories near the end of this chapter (from his own experience), and the names Meltem and Georgio arose in one of my sermons almost as soon as I had finished this wonderful little offering.

This book will not appeal to most Roman Catholic readers - at least that is my impression as a (possibly very ignorant) protestant. But it will appeal to most Christians who want to be challenged and deepened in their appreciation of this central celebration of our faith.

Thank you Ben, for yet another gift to the church of Jesus.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Study of This Topic, December 12, 2008

By	Matthew Morine (Castle Rock, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Coming from a church of Christ background, this book was highly interesting. It does an excellent job of looking at the Biblical text as well as some of the early expressions of the Lord's Supper. This was one of the riches and best books of the year for me. Your mind will be expanded and your heart will be enriched.