Altars in the new testament church

In the New Testament, the concept of an "altar" is not as prominent as it is in the Old Testament. However, there are several instances where the idea of an altar or a place of sacrifice is mentioned. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Cross of Christ: The cross of Christ is often referred to as an altar, where Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity (John 1:29, Hebrews 9:11-14).
  2. The Table of the Lord: In the New Testament, the table of the Lord is often referred to as an altar, where believers come to partake in the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25).
  3. The Temple in Jerusalem: Although the Temple in Jerusalem was not an altar in the classical sense, it was a place where sacrifices were offered to God (Hebrews 9:1-14, 10:1-18).
  4. The Heart: In the New Testament, the heart is often referred to as an altar, where believers offer their lives and worship to God (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Peter 3:4).

In terms of the structure of the New Testament church, there is no clear evidence of a physical altar being used in worship services. Instead, the focus is on the person of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

However, there are some examples of early Christian worship practices that may have involved the use of altars or similar structures. For example:

  1. The Didache: This early Christian text, written around 100-150 AD, describes a worship service that includes the breaking of bread and the offering of prayers. It is possible that this service involved the use of an altar or a similar structure.
  2. The Catacombs: The early Christian catacombs in Rome and other parts of the Mediterranean feature elaborate frescoes and mosaics that depict scenes from the Bible and early Christian worship practices. Some of these scenes may have been used as altars or shrines for worship.
  3. The Apocrypha: Some apocryphal texts, such as the Shepherd of Hermas, describe early Christian worship practices that involve the use of altars or similar structures.

In summary, while the concept of an altar is not as prominent in the New Testament as it is in the Old Testament, there are still examples of early Christian worship practices that may have involved the use of altars or similar structures. However, the focus of the New Testament church is on the person of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, rather than on physical structures or rituals.