Topical Bible: Fasting by Paul, at the Time of his Conversion

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Context and Background

The account of Paul's fasting during his conversion is a significant event in the New Testament, illustrating a profound moment of spiritual transformation and submission to God's will. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 9:1-19. Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, was a zealous Pharisee and a fierce persecutor of the early Christian church. His encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus marked a pivotal turning point in his life and in the history of Christianity.

The Damascus Road Experience

As Saul journeyed to Damascus with the intent to arrest followers of "the Way," he was suddenly enveloped by a heavenly light. Falling to the ground, he heard the voice of Jesus saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" (Acts 9:4). This divine encounter left Saul blinded, both physically and spiritually, as he grappled with the reality of Jesus as the Messiah.

The Fast

Following this encounter, Saul was led into Damascus, where he remained blind for three days. During this period, he neither ate nor drank, as described in Acts 9:9: "For three days he was without sight, and he did not eat or drink." This fast was not merely a physical abstention from food and drink but a profound expression of repentance, humility, and a search for divine guidance. It symbolized Saul's complete surrender to God and his readiness to receive new spiritual insight.

Spiritual Significance

Fasting, in the biblical context, often accompanies prayer and is a means of seeking God's presence and favor. Saul's fast can be seen as an act of penitence and preparation for the new mission God was about to entrust to him. It reflects a period of introspection and transformation, as Saul awaited further instructions from the Lord.

Ananias' Visit and Saul's Baptism

During Saul's fast, the Lord spoke to a disciple named Ananias, instructing him to visit Saul. Despite initial hesitation due to Saul's reputation, Ananias obeyed. Upon laying hands on Saul, Ananias said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 9:17). Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he regained his sight. He arose and was baptized, breaking his fast by taking food to regain his strength (Acts 9:18-19).

Implications for Christian Practice

Paul's fasting during his conversion underscores the importance of fasting as a spiritual discipline in the Christian life. It serves as a model for believers seeking to draw closer to God, repent of sin, and prepare for His calling. This event highlights the transformative power of encountering Christ and the role of fasting in facilitating spiritual renewal and clarity of purpose.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 9:9
And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Paul and his Praying
... He thought it likely at the time that the Booths had ... every Church by the very same
means, by fasting and prayer ... Paul made praying a habit, a business and a life ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xiii paul and his praying.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... Paul, in his epistle to the Corinthians, speaks of their ... in the habit of observing
frequent seasons of fasting and prayer ... The length of time it gives us in our ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

The Work of Paul.
... the three days and nights of prayer and fasting, when he ... "Paul was a unique man for
a unique task." [405] His task ... At the same time he built up the church from ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 32 the work of.htm

St. Paul
... at all, but passed their whole lives in fasting, poverty, and ... Paul had, hope for
them all; hope that God who ... will raise them up likewise, in his own good time. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xvi st paul.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... by the dazzling light, he was led to Damascus, and after three days of blindness
and fasting he was ... Paul's conversion was at the same time his call to the ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 31 the conversion of.htm

In the Country He Gives his Attention to Literature, and Explains ...
... if only they were wearied out with their fasting, and said ... after His baptism (Matthew
4:1), and Paul into Arabia ... He tells us of this time of his life (De Ordin. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter iv in the country he.htm

The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ...
... 5] and when they had prayed with fasting, they laid ... The meeting was held AD51, and
Paul, exactly fourteen ... 1] had visited Jerusalem for the first time after his ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the ordination of.htm

Acts xiii. 4, 5
... Here for the first time we have Paul preaching ... Observe how wisely it is ordered that
Paul should not preach at ... is of man: for this mars both fasting and prayer ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxviii acts xiii 4.htm

Conversion of the Iberians .
... a sack spread upon the ground, and accounted fasting her highest ... A short time after
he went out hunting, and the loving ... a prey of him as He did of Paul; for a ...
/.../chapter xxiii conversion of the iberians.htm

Separated unto the Holy Ghost
... They set apart Paul and Barnabas, and then it is ... see how this partnership calls to
new prayer and fasting. They had for a certain time been ministering to the ...
/.../murray/absolute surrender/separated unto the holy ghost.htm