First Century kitchen page 6

First Century kitchen page 6 by ric gustafson


Bread was the heart of a first century diet. It was made every day and eaten at every meal. It was the most important food of bible times. Every household had someone to make their daily bread. It was made every day except on the Sabbath. Most homes had bread ovens and it was community bread ovens. Before bread ovens, dough was placed on a flat rock and covered with hot coals. At one point, the bread was turned and the coals were replaced. Bread was used as an eating utensil and as a napkin.
Common folk ate bread made from barley. Wealthy farmers and merchants ate bread from wheat. Only the wealthiest families ate white bread from wheat flour. Bread was large and flat.  Bread was a symbol of life when Jesus said give us this day our daily bread. Bread was also a symbol of hospitality and was used at feasts and banquets. Sharing food with guests and strangers was an important part of first century life. Breaking bread with others was a sign of worship and hospitality.


research help: ' The Food and Feasts of Jesus' by Douglas Neel and Joel Pugh


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric