The observance of First Communion is a longstanding tradition in many Christian denominations, particularly Roman Catholicism. It marks a child’s first reception of the Eucharist, which is consuming bread and wine (or grape juice) that represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
While the practice of First Communion is widespread, some question whether it is actually supported or prescribed in the Bible. There are a few key considerations when evaluating the biblical basis for First Communion:
The institution of the Lord’s Supper
The practice of partaking in bread and wine is traced back to the Last Supper, Jesus’ final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. During this Passover meal, Jesus took bread and wine and shared them with his disciples, saying “This is my body” and “This is my blood” (Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20). He instructed them to “do this in remembrance of me.”
This established what is known as the Lord’s Supper or Communion, which became a regular ritual in the early church. The apostle Paul provided instructions for properly partaking in Communion (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). The synoptic gospels and Paul’s letters show that sharing bread and wine was a central practice in the first Christian communities.
Age requirements?
While the Bible shows that the Lord’s Supper was regularly observed, there are no specific age requirements given for partaking in it. Passages mentioning Communion, such as 1 Corinthians 11, do not indicate an age restriction.
Some argue that Christ welcomed and blessed children during his ministry, as shown in passages like Mark 10:13-16. The lack of age requirements suggests that Communion may be open to all followers of Christ.
However, others note that the Lord’s Supper was initiated specifically with Jesus’ disciples, who were adult men. Paul’s instructions were directed to the “brothers” in the Corinthian church, indicating he may have had baptized adult believers in mind (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Understanding the meaning
A core question regarding First Communion is whether young children can properly discern the meaning and significance of the ritual. Paul emphasized examining oneself and recognizing the body and blood of Christ prior to partaking in Communion (1 Corinthians 11:28-29). This requires a level of biblical understanding and maturity.
Advocates of First Communion argue that it offers a chance for children to encounter Christ in a tangible way. With proper catechesis, children can grasp the basics of Christ’s sacrifice. Opponents worry that children may view Communion merely as a special meal or tradition.
Baptism prerequisites?
Many churches that practice infant baptism allow First Communion following additional catechesis. However, churches that baptize only believing adults may argue that Communion should only follow a mature, conscious baptism. The New Testament shows conversion, baptism, and participation in the Lord’s Supper as a sequence (Acts 2:38-42).
But there is no absolute biblical requirement that Communion must only follow mature baptism. Passages mentioning Communion do not specify baptism as a prerequisite. The early church may have simply baptized converts quickly after conversion.
Family religious education
The setting of First Communion in families and children’s religious education can be examined. Most mentions of Communion are directed at the collective body of believers when “gathered” (1 Corinthians 11:17-18, 33-34). The ceremony is not prescribed solely within biological family units.
However, some find it significant that Paul addresses “fathers” about properly keeping the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:2). Fathers had a unique role in religiously educating children in Jewish and early Christian culture. So Paul may be acknowledging a family context to Communion.
Church authority and tradition
The timing and prerequisites for First Communion have largely been determined by church authorities and ecclesial tradition. The New Testament does not mandate specific age requirements or processes leading up to Communion.
Some argue that churches have the authority to govern the conditions for Communion. They cite verses on submission to governing authorities (Romans 13:1; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13-17) and Paul’s general instructions about orderly worship (1 Corinthians 14:40).
However, if church authorities create rigid regulations not directly established in Scripture, such as insisting on a certain age for First Communion against parental wishes, opponents may argue these rules go beyond biblical evidence.
Parental discretion
With no explicit biblical age requirements for the Lord’s Supper, parents may have discretion about when their child partakes in Communion for the first time. This allows consideration of the child’s spiritual maturity on an individual basis.
Scripture encourages parents to raise children in the “training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Parents could determine their child’s readiness to meaningfully experience Communion. But some worry this makes the timing of First Communion too subjective.
Symbolic or sacramental view
How First Communion is viewed theologically also impacts its practice. Those holding a symbolic memorial view of Communion require internal understanding and faith to properly partake. A sacramental perspective sees grace supernaturally imparted through taking Communion regardless of age.
But most sacramental groups still administer First Communion at an age when children can be instructed in its spiritual meaning, not only its physical consumption. The debate continues between memorial and sacramental positions.
Frequency of observance
The frequency of celebrating the Lord’s Supper may also influence views on First Communion. Groups that take Communion less often may want children to wait until older. More frequent Communion creates more opportunities for children to eventually participate.
But the Bible does not dictate exactly how often Communion should be observed. It only shows regular practice in the early church. So requirements about age at First Communion remain open to interpretation.
Waiting for understanding
Overall, while the Bible does not provide an explicit lower age limit for partaking in the Lord’s Supper, it places a high priority on observing Communion with sincerity and understanding. This has led many churches to establish an age of discretion for First Communion when children can grasp its significance.
Advocates of waiting for maturity argue that while Communion is a gift from God, it must be received with preparation and discernment. But others maintain that even young children can experience the mysterious presence of Christ in the sacrament when administered by parents and church authorities.
The debate over First Communion will likely continue. But parents can thoughtfully determine when their child is ready to partake. As long as Communion is administered within biblical guidelines, age is not necessarily the central factor.