The Agape Feast
What Can the First Christians Teach Us About Doing Church?
Can’t stop using Porn?
Transform your life with the Victory in Christ course! Join our 10-week program for structured guidance, supportive community, and powerful spiritual tools to overcome addiction and embrace your true identity in Jesus. Start your free trial and claim victory today!
Start Free Trial →
A young believer stands among his brothers and sisters in the dimly lit room of a home in the Roman city of Ephesus. The aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted lamb fills the space, mingling with the scent of oil lamps burning softly. His voice trembles slightly as he begins to speak, recounting how he was once enslaved to idolatry, bowing before and eating food sacrificed to the idols of the city. But then, through the love and teachings of the followers of The Way, he encountered the risen Christ. As he shares his testimony, tears stream down his face, and those around him smile and nod in agreement, whispering prayers of encouragement. When he finishes speaking, the room erupts in joyful praises to God, and Aquila places a hand on the man’s shoulder, blessing him in the name of Yeshua. Together, they lift their hands in worship before breaking bread and partaking in the meal, sealing their bond as one body in Christ.
"So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:46-47)
In this essay, we will explore the significance of the Agape Feast, how it was practiced in the early church, and what lessons it offers for believers today. Additionally, we will discuss how the modern church can reclaim the spirit of this practice to deepen communal worship and fellowship. We will answer the questions: How did the earliest followers of Christ “do church”, and what role did communal meals, house gatherings, and shared resources play in their worship?
Start creating stunning images and videos with Imagine AI Art Generator
The Meaning and Purpose of the Agape Feast
The Agape Feast, or Love Feast, was a sacred meal shared among the early Christians as an expression of their love for one another and their devotion to Christ. The word “agape” refers to selfless, sacrificial love—the kind of love God has for His people and that believers are called to demonstrate toward one another. Unlike a mere social meal, the Agape Feast was a time of deep spiritual connection, worship, and encouragement.
Unlike many modern church services that emphasize structured programs, the first-century believers centered their worship around shared meals, testimonies, and a deep sense of community. This communal gathering, often called the Agape Feast, was the heart of their fellowship.
The early church gathered in homes, breaking bread together in remembrance of Jesus' Last Supper and His sacrifice on the cross. This communal meal was more than just physical nourishment; it was a tangible expression of the unity of the body of Christ. Paul references these gatherings in his letters, particularly in 1 Corinthians 11:20-22, where he addresses abuses that arose in the way the feast was conducted. The importance of these meals was not only in their sustenance but also in fostering unity, sharing testimonies, and preparing believers for partaking in the Lord’s Supper. These gatherings provided a unique space where believers could engage in heartfelt worship, spiritual growth, and mutual edification.
The Lord’s Day and the Gathering of Believers
As we discussed in a previous post, the early church met on the first day of the week (Sunday) to celebrate the Lord’s Day, marking Jesus’ resurrection. This was a departure from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) and signified the new covenant in Christ. Luke records in Acts 20:7:
“Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.”
This passage highlights the gathering of believers for worship, teaching, and the breaking of bread. It was during these meetings that the community came together in fellowship, listening to the apostles' teaching and sharing their faith journeys. Testimonies were a key part of these gatherings, reinforcing the reality of Christ’s transformative power in their lives. The Lord’s Day gatherings were not only opportunities to celebrate the risen Christ but also moments to build and strengthen the early Christian community, providing a spiritual foundation that emphasized mutual encouragement and accountability.
The Shift from Communal Gatherings to the Sermon Model
Over time, the early church’s communal gatherings began to change as Christianity spread and became more structured. The shift from house gatherings to formal church buildings and from shared meals to structured sermons happened gradually due to various social, political, and theological developments.
One major factor was the rise of persecution. During the early centuries, Christians faced severe persecution under the Roman Empire. This forced believers to meet in secret, often abandoning large communal meals in favor of smaller, less conspicuous gatherings centered around teaching and worship.
Another influence was institutionalization. As Christianity became more organized, leadership structures emerged, leading to the development of clergy roles such as bishops and priests. By the time Christianity was legalized under Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, large church buildings were constructed, and the model of communal house gatherings began to fade. Instead of an interactive gathering, church services became more hierarchical, with the congregation primarily listening to sermons rather than actively participating in shared meals and testimonies.
Finally, theological shifts also played a role. The increasing emphasis on formal doctrine and sacraments led to a more liturgical approach to worship. The Lord’s Supper was separated from the communal meal and became a structured sacrament administered by clergy, further distancing the average believer from the participatory worship of the early church.
The Benefits of the Agape Feast Over the Sermon Model
The shift to the sermon model has undeniably shaped the way modern Christians experience church, but revisiting the Agape Feast could offer significant benefits that enhance spiritual growth and fellowship.
Encourages Authentic Testimonies and Confession – In a communal setting, believers are more likely to share their testimonies and struggles openly. When testimonies are a regular part of worship, it fosters an environment where people feel comfortable confessing their sins and seeking prayer, rather than hiding their struggles due to fear of judgment. Without testimony-sharing, churches can sometimes become social clubs where congregants present a polished image instead of genuine spiritual transparency.
Strengthens Christian Fellowship – The communal meal naturally creates an atmosphere of fellowship and unity, making church gatherings more relational rather than merely instructional. Unlike a sermon-based service where interaction is minimal, an Agape Feast promotes deep relationships among believers.
Promotes Active Participation Over Passive Listening – The sermon model often places congregants in a passive role, where they listen rather than engage. In contrast, the Agape Feast involves discussion, mutual encouragement, and shared experiences, which strengthens individual faith.
Restores Biblical Hospitality – The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes hospitality as a Christian virtue (Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2). The Agape Feast embodies this principle by making meals an integral part of worship, teaching believers to care for one another practically and spiritually.
Encourages Generosity and Resource-Sharing – Early Christians shared their resources so that no one lacked. The Agape Feast provides an opportunity to revive this practice, encouraging believers to support one another in tangible ways.
Reviving the Spirit of the Agape Feast
While the Sermon model is very prevalent today and would be difficult to change due mostly to expectation, the spirit of the Agape Feast can still be revived in various ways. Churches can incorporate or replace elements of the early church’s communal practices by:
Encouraging Fellowship Over Meals – Churches can host meals that go beyond potlucks to intentionally foster spiritual conversations, testimonies, and prayer.
Promoting Testimonies as a Key Part of Worship – Creating space for believers to share how God is working in their lives can bring encouragement and strengthen faith.
Practicing Generosity and Shared Resources – Just as the early Christians cared for each other’s needs, the modern church can be more intentional about supporting its members through acts of generosity.
Building Smaller, Intimate Groups – Rather than relying solely on large congregational meetings, forming house churches or small groups can rekindle the deep fellowship found in the early church.
Reintroducing Communal Worship and Prayer Gatherings to Sunday Worship – Bringing back the tradition of worshiping in groups around meals can help create a more engaged and spiritually enriching experience.
By revisiting and reintroducing the essence of the Agape Feast, today’s church can reclaim the deep sense of love, fellowship, and authentic faith that characterized the earliest followers of Christ.
Conclusion
The Agape Feast was not merely about food; it was a sacred time of fellowship, testimony, and unity in Christ. The early church exemplified a model of worship that was personal, communal, and centered on love. While today’s church operates differently, there is much to learn from their example. By rediscovering the heart of the Agape Feast, we can cultivate a stronger sense of community, deepen our faith, and reflect the love of Christ more fully in our gatherings.
Moreover, the Agape Feast reminds us that Christianity is not an isolated journey but one of shared faith and collective support. When believers come together to break bread and share their testimonies, they reinforce the reality of Christ’s presence in their lives. This fosters a culture of transparency, where struggles and victories alike can be shared without fear of judgment. It is in this vulnerability that spiritual healing and accountability thrive, making the church a true sanctuary for the broken and a beacon of love in a world that desperately needs it.
Are you longing for a deeper sense of community in your faith journey? Have you found yourself disconnected from the kind of fellowship described in the early church? If so, I invite you to pray with me:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of fellowship and the example set by the early church in their love for one another. I confess that, at times, I have treated church as an event rather than a living, breathing family of faith. Lord, I desire to experience the kind of unity and love that Your early followers shared.
Help me to be more intentional in building relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Teach me to give selflessly, to open my home and heart to those in need, and to share my faith boldly. May my life be a reflection of Your agape love—a love that sacrifices, nurtures, and uplifts.
Revive in my heart the passion for true Christian fellowship. Lead me to a community where I can both receive and give encouragement, where I can be transparent in my faith, and where we can all grow together in the knowledge of You. I ask that You bless my church, that we may become a beacon of Your love, unity, and hospitality in a world that desperately needs it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Bibliography
Bruce, F.F. The Book of the Acts. Eerdmans, 1988.
Jeremias, Joachim. The Eucharistic Words of Jesus. Fortress Press, 1966.
Ferguson, Everett. Early Christians Speak: Faith and Life in the First Three Centuries. ACU Press, 1999.
González, Justo L. The Story of Christianity, Vol. 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation. HarperOne, 2010.
Hurtado, Larry W. At the Origins of Christian Worship: The Context and Character of Earliest Christian Devotion. Eerdmans, 2000.
Kelly, J.N.D. Early Christian Doctrines. HarperOne, 1978.
Schnabel, Eckhard J. Early Christian Mission. IVP Academic, 2004.
Stark, Rodney. The Rise of Christianity: How the Obscure, Marginal Jesus Movement Became the Dominant Religious Force. HarperOne, 1996.
Witherington, Ben. Making a Meal of It: Rethinking the Theology of the Lord’s Supper. Baylor University Press, 2007.
Wright, N.T. The New Testament and the People of God. Fortress Press, 1992.
Scripture References
Acts 2:46-47
1 Corinthians 11:20-22
Acts 20:7
Acts 4:32-35
Romans 12:13
Hebrews 13:2
1 Corinthians 11:20-22