"In this fine New Testament study, John Koenig shows from the gospels that the Lord's Supper has a more solid foundation in the ministry of Jesus than some recent scholars have allowed, and from the epistles that it occupies a more prominent place in the life of the apostolic Church than many have noticed. From the start, the eucharistic meal has shaped the identity of a eucharistic church and empowered it for a eucharistic mission. On this scriptural basis, Koenig offers many stimulating suggestions for ways in which current liturgical practice could better embody Christ's invitation to share in his redeeming work and equip Christians to extend it in the world." Professor Geoffrey Wainright, Cushman Professor of Christian Theology, Duke University and author of Eucharist and Eschatology--Sanford Lakoff
"In a time when 'scholars' are denying that Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, and when Christians often regard liturgical devotion and missionary outreach as mutually exclusive alternatives, Koenig uses sound critical methods to show that the Church's eucharistic celebrations are rooted in the praxis of the historical Jesus. Both for Jesus and for the post-Easter community, meal and mission were inseparably integrated. This book is a must for Jesus scholars, liturgical practitioners, and all who are committed to the Church's global mission." Reginald H. Fuller, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Theological Seminary--Sanford Lakoff
."..indispensable contribution to Eucharistic revival...What is especially wonderful about Koenig s book is his refusal to pit the "spiritual" against the "practical." When the Church functions as it should, the two are inseparable."--Sanford Lakoff "Beliefnet.Com "
Koenig writes from the vantage point of a leading authority in New Testament studies, and he does so with quiet confidence...his work will prove useful for the specialist and informative for the layperson...It is a thoroughly scholarly yet thoroughly readable study of the Lord's Supper that insists on its historical reliability and focuses on its mission power. It should be welcomed as a blessing... we have a superb new book to help us better to experience [the Eucharist], better to be nourished by it." The Rev. C. W. McPherson, reviewing for The Episcopal New Yorker, newspaper for the Episcopal Diocese of New York--Sanford Lakoff "Episcopal New Yorker - Diocese of NY "
"John Koenig s effort is commendable on several fronts. First, as an exercise in creative, perhaps imaginative appropriation of biblical texts in service of the Church s mission to embody the eschatological promises of God, this title certainly deserves attention. Second, to the extent that this text is suggestive in its recognition of references to the 'eucharistic meal' of the early Christians, replete throughout the New Testament, it serves well toward a reclamation of a potentiality biblically based that constitutes a vital part of the Church s proclaimed self-identify...an important and engaging..." John W. Daniels, Jr.--Sanford Lakoff "Review of Biblical Literature "
"The book is a thorough, well-researched, scholarly work in the area of New Testament studies. It is intended for both students and scholars alike. With a centripetal pull, it brings together those involved in biblical-the-ological studies with missiology and church ministry for a thought-provoking "trialogue," highlighting at the converging point how eucharistic meals are "central to the worship life and mission of the New Testament believers."" Santos Yao, Missiology, Vol. Xxx no.2, April 2002--Sanford Lakoff "Missiology: An International Review "
"Koenig makes good use of his thesis by providing a fine set of perspectives for eucharistic renewal today...the call to recognize missions as a primary component of early Christian meals is a helpful contribution to scholarship on eucharistic origins." Denis E.--Sanford Lakoff "Catholic Biblical Quarterly "
"The Feast of the World's Redemption is scholarly in foundation, but clearly intended for the general reader rather than any one academic guild, liturgical or historical..We might say that Koenig models what he seeks to convey, the transcendence of boundaries or their revitalization for movement outwards. Readers seeking to make connections between liturgy and mission will find the book rewarding."--Sanford Lakoff