Should Christians Fast

Fasting in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, fasting is sometimes done, but never commanded.
- The only command to fast comes from Esther the queen, who asks her people to fast for three days and night -- Esther 4:16.
Examples of Old Testament Fasting:
- Judges 20:26 gives the first example of fasting in the Bible. It took place in the midst of“civil war" among the tribes, who were seeking wisdom from God.
- 1 Samuel 7:6 -- the people of Israel repent and fast before the Lord for their disobedience, begging the Lord for the return of the ark of the covenant.
- 1 Samuel 31:13, 2 Samuel 1:12 -- Israel fasts at the death of King Saul.
- 2 Samuel 12:16-23 -- David fasts for the life of his son by Bathsheba.
- 1 Kings 21:27 -- Wicked King Ahab fasts when judgment is pronounced.
- Ezra 8:21-23 -- Ezra proclaims a fast for the rebuilding of the Temple.
- Nehemiah 1:4 -- Nehemiah fasts over the fallen state of Jerusalem.
- Isaiah 58:1-8 -- The fasting of Israel is condemned by the Lord for a different kind of fasting.
- Jeremiah 14:12 -- The Lord refuses to respond to sinful Israel's fasting.
One particularly insightful example:
- Zechariah 7:5 --
  - The people were fasting in the fifth and seventh months.
  - The fifth month was likely the fasting in the month of Ab to remember the destruction of the Temple.
  - The seventh month was likely the Day of Atonement.
  - The Lord condemned their selfish fasting. Note the words when ye fasted for a New Testament connection.
Does the Torah prescribe any fasts?
- Leviticus 16:29 interpreted by Ezra 8:21 and Isaiah 58:5 is the closest there is to a prescribed fast, on the Day of Atonement.

Fasting in the Gospels

Matthew 4:3 -- Jesus fasted 40 days and night at the beginning of His ministry.
Matthew 6:16-18 -- Jesus taught that the Israelites should fast secretly.
- The words when ye fast (v. 16) are likely the beginning of an allusion to Zechariah 7:5, and thus the traditional fasting of the fifth and seventh months.
Matthew 9:14-15 -- the disciples of Jesus were accused of not fasting. Jesus confirmed the accusation but said there would come a day when they would.
Matthew 17:21 -- The disciples were told that a particular kind of demon does not leave but by prayer and fasting.
Luke 2:37 -- Anna, the widow in the Temple, **served *****God *****with **fastings.
Luke 18:12 -- Jesus told a parable of a self-righteous Pharisee who fasted twice a week. It is difficult to know if there was intentional exaggeration or if the Pharisees had literally exaggerated fasting to twice weekly.

Fasting in the Book of Acts

Acts 10:30 -- Cornelius was fasting when he received his vision concerning Peter.
Acts 13:2 -- The church at Antioch was fasting when the Lord separated Paul and Barnabas for ministry. See also Acts 14:23 for a similar event.
Acts 27:9 -- The fast is used as a term for the Day of Atonement.

Fasting In the Epistles

1 Corinthians 7:5 -- The only time Paul mentions fasting (save 2 Cor. 11:27, out of our context). In this singular mention it is not prohibited, not promoted, and not described in detail.

Fasting In Contemporary Christian Discussion

Fasting is seen as a normative Christian discipline for many Christians today. It is presented as something that brings spiritual power, insight, and growth.
Fasting is often worked into a formula that is artificial.
- Sometimes event based -- days of fasting before an event.
- Sometimes calendar based -- days of fasting during lent.
- Sometimes behaviorally based -- fasting for repentance over certain sins.

Should christians Fast?

A Christian should never fast because they feel that the Bible requires it. There is no such requirement.
A Christian should not fast because their pastor or church demands it. Such a demand (whether direct or by implication) is not within their authority.
If a Christian fasts, it should be a highly personal time of enhanced spiritual journey. Few, if any, should know about it.
If a Christian fasts, it should be for:
- The joy of spending time with God.
- The joy of learning from His Word.
- The heartfelt search for Biblical counsel.

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