ANSWER: The last part of the first question says that we only read of one cup (container) being used for communion in the New Testament. The first part of the second question says that there is no scripture telling us how many cups (containers) to use. The second question is accurate! There is no passage that tells us how many containers to use! The cup referred to by Matthew in Matthew 26:27 does not refer to the container, but rather to the contents of the container (cup). Notice that Jesus in this passage “took the cup and gave thanks.” Did He gave thanks for the container or for the fruit of the vine that was in the container? He told them (His disciples) to “drink ye all of it.” Was He telling them to drink the container or the fruit of the vine that was in the container? If one says that Matthew was referring to the container when he says “the cup.” Then, to be consistent, one would also have to say that Jesus gave thanks for the container, and that He told His disciples to drink the container. Such is foolishness! If a friend asks if you and your wife want a cup of tea and you respond, “Yes, we want a cup,” does this mean you want one cup or does it mean that you and your wife want tea? Obviously, your interest is in the contents of the cup or cups; the tea!

Since the New Testament does not tell us how many containers to use, the option of “how many containers” is left up to each congregation. None has the authority to bind upon another the number of cups to be used, whether one or many! To do so is to bind where God has not bound, and to sin thereby (Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18-19).