In the early church, gathering at the table wasn’t just about sharing food—it was a statement of inclusion, unity, and shared identity in Christ. One of the most pivotal moments involving this sacred space was when Paul confronted Peter over excluding Gentile believers from the table, highlighting the deep tensions between law, grace, and true fellowship.
The phrase Paul and the table of fellowship brings us into that powerful story in Galatians 2, but the lessons go far beyond one confrontation. The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, reveals God’s heart for reconciliation, inclusion, and breaking down barriers between people.
In this post, we’ll look at 35 Bible verses that echo these themes and help us understand why who we eat with—and how we treat them—matters deeply in God’s kingdom.
1. Galatians 2:11
When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
Explanation:
Paul rebuked Peter for withdrawing from Gentile believers. This highlights how the table of fellowship should be open and inclusive, not divided by fear or favoritism.
2. Galatians 2:12
For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself…
Explanation:
Peter’s actions showed how easily fear of people can break unity. Paul saw it as a gospel issue.
3. Galatians 2:14
When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas…
Explanation:
True fellowship is rooted in the gospel. Any act that divides the body of Christ misrepresents God’s grace.
4. Acts 10:28
But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.
Explanation:
Peter’s own vision affirmed that all people are welcome. The table is for everyone who follows Christ.
5. Acts 10:34-35
God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him…
Explanation:
This truth grounds the fellowship table in equality. God welcomes all who seek Him.
6. Romans 14:1
Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.
Explanation:
True Christian fellowship means accepting others—even when opinions differ.
7. Romans 14:3
The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not…
Explanation:
What we eat—or who we eat with—should never divide us. Love must lead the way.
8. Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Explanation:
Jesus’ acceptance is our model. When we welcome others, we reflect His heart.
9. Acts 2:46
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
Explanation:
The early church thrived on fellowship. Meals were sacred moments of connection.
10. Luke 15:2
This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.
Explanation:
Jesus shared meals with outcasts, showing us that the table is a place of grace, not judgment.
11. 1 Corinthians 11:20-21
When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for… one person remains hungry and another gets drunk.
Explanation:
Paul corrects abuses at the fellowship table, reminding us that it’s a place of respect and equality.
12. 1 Corinthians 11:33
So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together.
Explanation:
No one should be left out or pushed aside. The table is for everyone in the family of God.
13. Acts 11:3
You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.
Explanation:
This accusation against Peter reveals how radical table fellowship was—and still is.
14. Acts 11:17
So if God gave them the same gift he gave us… who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?
Explanation:
Peter realized God’s grace wasn’t limited by ethnicity or tradition. Neither should ours be.
15. Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Explanation:
Fellowship ignores social and ethnic barriers. In Christ, we are equal at the table.
16. Ephesians 2:14
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one…
Explanation:
Jesus broke down walls of division, making real unity possible.
17. Ephesians 2:19
You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people…
Explanation:
The gospel makes us family. Fellowship isn’t optional—it’s our new identity.
18. Matthew 9:10
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came…
Explanation:
Jesus didn’t just preach to the outcasts—He dined with them.
19. Revelation 3:20
I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Explanation:
Jesus longs for intimate fellowship with every heart that opens to Him.
20. Luke 14:13
Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…
Explanation:
Jesus taught us to include those who are overlooked, especially at the table.
21. Luke 14:23
Go out to the roads… and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.
Explanation:
God wants His table full—with people from every walk of life.
22. John 13:14
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.
Explanation:
Fellowship is rooted in service and humility—not status.
23. Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Explanation:
Love and honor are the foundations of true Christian fellowship.
24. Philippians 2:1-2
If you have any encouragement… then make my joy complete by being like-minded…
Explanation:
Unity comes from a shared mind and heart rooted in Christ.
25. Colossians 3:11
Here there is no Gentile or Jew… but Christ is all, and is in all.
Explanation:
In God’s eyes, earthly divisions don’t matter. Christ unites us all.
26. 1 John 1:7
If we walk in the light… we have fellowship with one another…
Explanation:
Real fellowship flows from walking with God—and brings people together.
27. 1 Peter 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Explanation:
True hospitality reflects God’s love, especially around the table.
28. Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers…
Explanation:
God calls us to include even those we don’t know well.
29. Acts 4:32
All the believers were one in heart and mind…
Explanation:
The early church shared everything—including their tables and lives.
30. James 2:1
Believers… must not show favoritism.
Explanation:
Partiality breaks fellowship. God calls us to love without bias.
31. 1 Corinthians 10:17
Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body…
Explanation:
Sharing bread reflects our unity in Christ. We’re all connected.
32. 1 Corinthians 10:21
You cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.
Explanation:
Our table fellowship should reflect our loyalty to Christ alone.
33. Mark 2:16
Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?
Explanation:
Jesus’ critics didn’t understand that grace includes everyone.
34. Genesis 18:8
He then brought some curds and milk… while they ate, he stood near them…
Explanation:
From the beginning, meals have been sacred in God’s story—spaces of revelation and relationship.
35. Revelation 19:9
Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!
Explanation:
The ultimate table of fellowship awaits us in heaven, where all believers will be gathered together with Christ.
Final Thoughts: The Table Is Wide Enough for All
The story of Paul and the table of fellowship is more than a confrontation in Galatians—it’s a powerful reminder of how deeply God values unity, inclusion, and grace. From Genesis to Revelation, the table has always been a place where heaven meets earth, where barriers are broken, and where love is shared.
Now it’s your turn.
What does fellowship look like in your life? Have you ever experienced the beauty of breaking bread with someone different from you? Share your thoughts, favorite verses, or personal experiences in the comments.
Let’s grow together in grace and unity.