Topical Bible: Fasting of the Consecration of the Elders

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The practice of fasting in the context of consecrating elders is a significant aspect of early Christian tradition, rooted in the biblical narrative and the practices of the early church. This entry explores the biblical basis, historical context, and theological significance of fasting during the consecration of elders.

Biblical Basis

The New Testament provides a foundation for the practice of fasting in the context of appointing church leaders. In Acts 14:23, we read, "Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, and with prayer and fasting, they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed" . This passage highlights the integral role of fasting and prayer in the process of ordaining elders, underscoring the solemnity and spiritual discernment required for such appointments.

Fasting, in this context, serves as an expression of dependence on God, seeking His guidance and blessing upon those chosen to lead. It reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that the selection of elders aligns with God's will, acknowledging the gravity of the responsibility entrusted to these leaders.

Historical Context

The early church, as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles, was characterized by a strong sense of community and shared leadership. The appointment of elders was a critical aspect of maintaining order and spiritual oversight within the fledgling Christian communities. Fasting, coupled with prayer, was a common practice among early Christians, serving as a means of seeking divine direction and empowerment.

The practice of fasting during the consecration of elders can be seen as part of a broader tradition of fasting in the Bible, where it is often associated with repentance, seeking God's favor, and preparing for significant spiritual undertakings. In the Old Testament, fasting was a common practice among the Israelites during times of national crisis or when seeking God's intervention (e.g., Esther 4:16, Joel 2:12).

Theological Significance

Fasting during the consecration of elders carries profound theological implications. It is an acknowledgment of human insufficiency and a declaration of reliance on God's wisdom and strength. By abstaining from food, believers express their earnest desire for God's presence and guidance in the selection and empowerment of church leaders.

This practice also serves as a reminder of the spiritual nature of church leadership. Elders are not merely administrative figures but are called to shepherd the flock of God, as emphasized in 1 Peter 5:2-3: "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" .

Furthermore, fasting during the consecration of elders underscores the communal aspect of church leadership. It involves the entire congregation in the process, inviting them to participate in prayer and fasting as a collective act of faith and unity. This communal involvement reflects the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and the shared responsibility of nurturing and supporting those called to lead.

In summary, the fasting of the consecration of the elders is a biblically rooted practice that emphasizes the spiritual gravity of church leadership, the necessity of divine guidance, and the communal nature of the Christian faith. Through fasting and prayer, the early church sought to align itself with God's purposes, ensuring that those appointed as elders were equipped and empowered to fulfill their sacred calling.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 14:23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How Coinred, King of the Mercians, and Offa, King of the East ...
... to his last hour in prayer and fasting and alms ... which reason he was justly loved
by his elders and his ... Eleven other bishops met at the consecration of the new ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xix how coinred king.htm

Relation of the Pharisees to the Sadducees and Essenes, and to the ...
... victories are made days when fasting, and sometimes ... handed him, also another dish;
the elders being allowed ... back to the original Paschal consecration of Israel ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 15 relation of the.htm

An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ...
... On Friday the 26th, Mr. Asbury says, "I observed this day as a day of fasting and
prayer, that ... One of the elders who assisted at the consecration of Mr ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of.htm

A Spiritual Revival
... the record of his life of consecration has inspired ... sanctify the congregation, assemble
the elders, gather the ... with all your hearts, and with fasting, and with ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 51 a spiritual revival.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... should be ordained of the elders by public ... on our part for our consecration to him ...
True Christian fasting consists in temperance, abstinence, watchfulness, self ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

Introduction.
... in which he simply announces his consecration without asking ... adoration of the four
and twenty elders: we are ... prominence that he gives to fasting and almsgiving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/introduction.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... city was under siege, begged of the elders to be ... For by her fasting and humiliation
she implored the all ... for creation, which opened the consecration prayer of ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

The Society of Friends, or Quakers.
... He spent much time in fasting and prayer, he wrestled ... adopted this view, and call
it entire consecration or perfect ... let him call for the elders of the church ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 107 the society of.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... The Jews also, in time past, had their traditions of elders; but these traditions
were severely confuted by the Lord, showing that the keeping of them hinders ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

Introduction.
... Fasting, therefore, and the state of celibacy, are the one a ... Do this," referring,
not to any consecration, of which ... 7: The command, "to appoint elders in every ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/introduction.htm