Last Supper and Lord's Supper

Marshall's study emerged from the scholarly debates of the 1970s surrounding the historical foundations and theological significance of Christian communion. Writing as both New Testament scholar and evangelical theologian, Marshall sought to bridge the gap between rigorous historical-critical research and pastoral concern for the church's sacramental life. The work addresses longstanding questions about the relationship between Jesus's final meal with his disciples and the ongoing practice of the Lord's Supper in Christian communities.

Marshall argues that the Last Supper must be understood within its Jewish Passover context while recognizing the distinctive elements Jesus introduced that would shape Christian eucharistic practice. He examines the Gospel accounts and Paul's treatment in 1 Corinthians 11, demonstrating how the historical event of the Last Supper became the foundation for the church's liturgical remembrance. The study traces how early Christian communities understood the meal as both memorial and anticipation, connecting Jesus's death to the eschatological banquet. Marshall particularly emphasizes the covenantal significance of the cup saying and explores how different New Testament writers developed eucharistic theology. He argues that the diversity in New Testament accounts reflects not contradiction but the richness of early Christian reflection on this central act of worship.

The work has remained valuable for its careful balance of historical inquiry and theological reflection, avoiding both skeptical reductionism and uncritical harmonization. Marshall's approach influenced subsequent evangelical engagement with sacramental theology and demonstrated how serious biblical scholarship could serve the church's worship life. His treatment of the Jewish background became particularly important as Christian-Jewish dialogue developed.

Who should read this: Pastors preparing to teach on communion and biblical scholars interested in New Testament sacramental theology will find Marshall's careful exegesis most helpful. This is not primarily for those seeking devotional reflections on the Lord's Supper, but rather for readers wanting rigorous biblical foundations for eucharistic practice and theology.