Definition and Purpose
Fasting, in the biblical context, is the voluntary abstention from food, and sometimes drink, for a specified period. It is often accompanied by prayer and is intended as a means of humbling oneself before God, seeking His guidance, or expressing repentance. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that appears throughout the Bible, practiced by individuals and communities in times of need, crisis, or spiritual renewal.

Biblical Examples of Fasting
Fasting is a practice seen in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, Moses fasted for forty days and nights on Mount Sinai as he received the Law from God (Exodus 34:28). Similarly, Elijah fasted for forty days and nights as he journeyed to Horeb, the mountain of God (1 Kings 19:8). In the New Testament, Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:2).

Types of Fasting
The Bible describes various types of fasting. A complete fast involves abstaining from all food and drink, as seen in Esther 4:16, where Esther calls for a fast on behalf of the Jewish people. A partial fast, such as the one observed by Daniel, involves abstaining from certain foods (Daniel 10:3). The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is an example of a communal fast commanded by God, where the Israelites were to "afflict their souls" (Leviticus 16:29-31).

Spiritual Significance
Fasting is often associated with repentance and seeking God's favor. In Joel 2:12-13, God calls His people to return to Him with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Fasting is also a means of seeking divine intervention, as seen in the account of Jehoshaphat, who proclaimed a fast throughout Judah when faced with a vast army (2 Chronicles 20:3).

Jesus' Teaching on Fasting
Jesus addressed fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and humility. He instructed His followers not to fast like the hypocrites, who disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting, but to anoint their heads and wash their faces so that their fasting may be seen by God alone (Matthew 6:16-18). This teaching underscores the personal and private nature of fasting as an act of devotion to God.

Fasting in the Early Church
The early church continued the practice of fasting as a means of seeking God's guidance and preparing for ministry. In Acts 13:2-3, the church in Antioch fasted and prayed before sending out Barnabas and Saul (Paul) on their missionary journey. Similarly, in Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the churches, with prayer and fasting, committing them to the Lord.

Contemporary Practice
While the Bible does not prescribe specific rules for fasting, it remains a significant spiritual discipline for many Christians today. Fasting is often observed during specific liturgical seasons, such as Lent, or in response to personal or communal needs. It is seen as a way to draw closer to God, seek His will, and express dependence on Him.

Common Questions about Fasting
1. Is fasting required for Christians?
Fasting is not commanded as a requirement for Christians, but it is encouraged as a beneficial spiritual practice. Jesus' teachings suggest that fasting is expected, as He says, "When you fast," not "If you fast" (Matthew 6:16).

2. How should one prepare for a fast?
Preparation for fasting involves prayer, setting clear intentions, and understanding one's physical limitations. It is important to approach fasting with a heart of humility and a desire to seek God.

3. Can fasting be non-food related?
While traditional biblical fasting involves abstaining from food, some Christians choose to fast from other activities or habits, such as social media or entertainment, to focus more on spiritual growth.

4. What are the benefits of fasting?
Fasting can lead to spiritual renewal, increased sensitivity to God's voice, and a deeper sense of dependence on Him. It is a way to humble oneself and seek God's guidance and intervention in specific situations.