Fasting in the bible new testament

Fasting is mentioned several times in the New Testament of the Bible. Here are some examples:

  1. Jesus' 40-day fast in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13): Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan. This fast is often seen as a model for Christian fasting.
  2. The early church's fasting (Acts 13:2-3, 14:23): The early Christian church in Antioch fasted and prayed before sending out Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey.
  3. Paul's fasting (2 Corinthians 11:27): Paul mentions that he fasted while he was in the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan.
  4. The fast of Esther (Esther 4:16): Esther fasted for three days and nights before approaching King Ahasuerus to plead for the lives of the Jewish people.
  5. The fast of Daniel (Daniel 9:3, 10:2-3): Daniel fasted for 21 days and 21 nights, seeking God's guidance and wisdom.
  6. The fast of Jesus' disciples (Matthew 6:16-18, Luke 5:33-35): Jesus' disciples asked him why they and the Pharisees fasted, and Jesus replied that they should fast, but not to be seen by others.
  7. The fast of the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:27): Paul mentions that he fasted while he was in Corinth, where he was persecuted and suffered.
  8. The fast of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 13:2-3, 14:23): The church in Jerusalem fasted and prayed before sending out Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey.

Some of the reasons for fasting in the New Testament include:

  1. Seeking guidance and wisdom (Daniel 9:3, 10:2-3)
  2. Seeking forgiveness and cleansing (Acts 13:2-3, 14:23)
  3. Seeking spiritual renewal and revival (Matthew 6:16-18, Luke 5:33-35)
  4. Seeking to overcome temptation and sin (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13)
  5. Seeking to demonstrate devotion and commitment to God (Acts 13:2-3, 14:23)

Some of the principles of fasting in the New Testament include:

  1. Fasting should be done in secret, not to be seen by others (Matthew 6:16-18, Luke 5:33-35)
  2. Fasting should be done with a humble and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17, Daniel 9:3)
  3. Fasting should be done with a focus on seeking God's guidance and wisdom (Daniel 9:3, 10:2-3)
  4. Fasting should be done with a willingness to sacrifice and deny oneself (Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:23)
  5. Fasting should be done with a sense of urgency and desperation (Esther 4:16, Daniel 9:3)

It's worth noting that the New Testament does not provide a comprehensive or detailed teaching on fasting, but rather mentions it as a practice that was common in the early Christian church.