This study provides a refreshing new view of the spirit of the eucharist in the first-century church and its significance for liturgical renewal today. Combining recent historical research, current ritual theory, and actual examples in contemporary worship, the authors articulate bold vision of the first-century situation and a creative application for today's churches.

In summarizing recent historical research and re-examining the table texts of the New Testament, they demonstrate that the New Testament era did not know one standard liturgy or one single origin for the Lord's Supper. Instead there were many tables and a number of surprisingly different eucharistic practices and interpretations in the first century. Rather than regret this diversity at the beginning of eucharistic history, Smith and Taussig show how the many different tables of the New Testament era can unliven liturgical practices for today.

This unique and innovative study will be of particular interest to students of the New Testament and liturgy, and to clergy and worship leaders.

Dennis E. Smith is Associate Professor of New Testament at Phillips Graduate Seminary, Enid, Oklahoma, and a member of the Disciples of Christ clergy. Hal E. Taussig is Adjunct Faculty in Theology at St Joseph's University, Philidelphia, and a member of the United Methodist clergy.