Fasting in the new testament

Fasting is mentioned several times in the New Testament, and it played an important role in the lives of Jesus, his disciples, and early Christians. Here are some key passages and insights:

  1. Jesus' fasting (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 act of fasting demonstrated his dependence on God and his ability to resist temptation.
  2. Jesus' teaching on fasting (Matthew 6:16-18, Luke 18:9-14): Jesus taught his disciples that fasting should be done in secret, without drawing attention to oneself. He also warned against hypocrisy, saying that one should not fast to impress others or to gain a reputation as a righteous person.
  3. The disciples' fasting (Matthew 4:2, Mark 1:13): Jesus' disciples fasted with him during his 40-day fast in the wilderness.
  4. Fasting as a means of spiritual preparation (Luke 2:37, Acts 13:2-3): Fasting was seen as a way to prepare oneself for spiritual experiences, such as receiving guidance from God or participating in miraculous events.
  5. Fasting as a means of repentance (Acts 13:3, 14:23): Fasting was also seen as a way to express repentance and seek forgiveness from God.
  6. The early church's practice of fasting (Acts 13:2-3, 14:23, 27:9-10): The early Christian church continued the practice of fasting, often as a means of seeking guidance or expressing repentance.
  7. Paul's views on fasting (1 Corinthians 7:5, 2 Corinthians 11:27): Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, did not emphasize fasting as a means of spiritual growth or as a way to earn God's favor. Instead, he focused on the importance of living a life of love, humility, and service to others.

Some key principles that can be gleaned from the New Testament regarding fasting include:

  1. Fasting should be done in secret, without drawing attention to oneself (Matthew 6:16-18).
  2. Fasting should be done with a humble and repentant heart (Luke 18:9-14).
  3. Fasting can be a means of spiritual preparation and seeking guidance from God (Luke 2:37, Acts 13:2-3).
  4. Fasting can be a means of expressing repentance and seeking forgiveness from God (Acts 13:3, 14:23).
  5. Fasting is not a means of earning God's favor or as a way to gain spiritual merit (1 Corinthians 7:5, 2 Corinthians 11:27).

Overall, the New Testament presents fasting as a means of spiritual growth, preparation, and expression of repentance, but it also emphasizes the importance of living a life of love, humility, and service to others.