Did You Know Christians Were Once Thought to be Cannibals?
A "vain and senseless superstition" that "glories in crimes?"
Some in the ancient Roman world thought Christians engaged in some of the worst crimes - cannibalism being among the worst.
Interestingly, it was also in this environment that the Lord’s church grew like wildfire.
Why would someone think Christians were cannibals?
A simple misunderstanding of the Lord’s Supper.
The misunderstanding surrounded the Lord’s Supper - a memorial that Christians observe each first day of the week (Acts 20:7) in honor of Jesus’ sacrifice.
For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
It’s easy to see how misunderstandings could arise - “Those Christians eat the body and drink the blood of someone??”
Once a little investigation is done, it’s very easy to see that Christians are not cannibals. The Lord’s Supper is simply a memorial put in place by the Lord Himself for Christians to remember His sacrifice each week.
Unleavened bread is eaten in memory of the Lord’s body, and the grape juice is drunk in memory of the Lord’s blood which was shed.
Doing this each week proclaims the Lord’s death and that He lives and will return one day.
For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:26)
It was a simple misunderstanding that Christians were cannibals.
There are many other things taught in the Bible that the people of this world misunderstand as well.
Christians should be patient and willing to explain what we really believe, teach, and practice so the world can come to know Christ. After all, it was in a society where some thought Christians were cannibals that the gospel converted many to Christ.
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:15-17)