Why It Matters//
There are many reasons why we fast as believers. There are spiritual and physical benefits. Throughout scripture, in both the Old and New Testament, we see the people of God fast in repentance, when faced with big decisions, and when desiring breakthrough.
What It’s Talking About//
The two passages in Acts are giving examples of when the early church were making decisions and establishing leadership. Fasting was a way for them to focus on God’s will and the work He was calling them to.
One of the most famous passages that mentions fasting in the Bible is Jesus’ temptation in the desert, which is mentioned in all 4 of the gospels. This event takes place just before Jesus begins His public ministry, which seems to imply preparation and shows the discipline and self denial that Jesus walked in. Though it weakened Him physically, He was built up spiritually.
The passage in Luke is one of many passages highlighting a faithful servant of God and referencing fasting as being part of their regular worship and devotion to the Lord.
Acts 13:1-3 ESV
1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Acts 14:23 ESV
23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Matthew 4:1-4 ESV
1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.”
4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”