Topical Encyclopedia Fasting, a spiritual discipline involving abstention from food and sometimes drink, is a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition. Among the New Testament figures, the Apostles exemplify fasting as a means of seeking divine guidance, spiritual strength, and deeper communion with God. Their practice of fasting underscores its significance in the early Christian community and provides a model for believers.1. Fasting for Guidance and Decision-Making The Apostles often engaged in fasting when faced with significant decisions or when seeking God's direction. In Acts 13:2-3 , we read about the church at Antioch: "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.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off." This passage highlights how fasting was integral to discerning God's will and commissioning leaders for missionary work. 2. Fasting in Times of Crisis Fasting was also a response to crises or challenges faced by the early church. In Acts 14:23 , Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the churches they established, "and with prayer and fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed." This act of fasting and prayer was crucial in entrusting new leaders to God's care and guidance, especially in the face of potential persecution and hardship. 3. Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline The Apostles' practice of fasting was not limited to specific events but was part of their regular spiritual discipline. In 2 Corinthians 6:4-5 , Paul describes the hardships endured in his ministry, including "in beatings, in imprisonments, and in riots, in labor and sleepless nights, and in hunger." While this passage does not explicitly mention fasting, it implies a lifestyle of self-denial and reliance on God, which would have included fasting as a spiritual exercise. 4. Fasting and Spiritual Warfare Fasting is also associated with spiritual warfare and the struggle against evil. In Matthew 17:21 , Jesus tells His disciples, "But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." Although this verse is not directly about the Apostles' fasting, it reflects the understanding that fasting is a powerful tool in overcoming spiritual obstacles, a lesson the Apostles would have embraced in their ministry. 5. Fasting and the Example of Jesus The Apostles' practice of fasting is rooted in the example set by Jesus Himself. In Matthew 4:2 , Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. This period of fasting was a time of preparation and spiritual fortification against the temptations of Satan. The Apostles, following in the footsteps of their Master, would have seen fasting as essential to their own spiritual readiness and effectiveness in ministry. In summary, the Apostles' practice of fasting is a testament to its importance in the early church. Whether seeking guidance, facing crises, or engaging in spiritual warfare, fasting was a vital component of their spiritual lives, reflecting a deep dependence on God and a commitment to His purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 6:5In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The True Gnostic is Beneficent, Continent, and Despises Worldly ... Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. Acts IX The Letter of the Church of Rome Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Anti-Pelagian Writings St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles. Homilies on the Gospel of John. part ii Memoir of John Bunyan Resources Why did Jesus fast? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Ramadan? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Lent? | GotQuestions.org Fasting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fasting by Paul, at the Time of his Conversion Fasting for the Chastening of the Soul Fasting for the Humbling of the Soul Fasting in Babylon, With Prayer for Divine Deliverance and Guidance Fasting in Prayer for Himself and his Adversaries Fasting in Times of Bereavement of Abner's Death Fasting in Times of Bereavement of David, at the Time of Saul's Death Fasting in Times of Bereavement of the People of Jabesh-Gilead, for Saul and his Sons Fasting of Ahab, when Elijah Prophesied the Destruction of Himself and his House Fasting of Darius, when he Put Daniel in the Lions' Den Fasting of Ezra, on Account of the Idolatrous Marriages of the Jews Fasting of Hypocrites: Boasted of, Before God Fasting of Hypocrites: Described Fasting of Hypocrites: Ostentatious Fasting of Hypocrites: Rejected Fasting of Nehemiah, on Account of the Desolation of Jerusalem and the Temple Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Anna Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Apostles Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Christians Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Cornelius Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Daniel Fasting of Saints Exemplified: David Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Disciples of John Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Esther Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Nehemiah Fasting of Saints Exemplified: Paul Fasting of the Consecration of the Elders Fasting of the Disciples, at the Time of the Consecration of Barnabas and Saul Fasting of the Jews, when Jeremiah Prophesied Against Judea and Jerusalem Fasting of the Wicked: Elders of Jezreel Fasting of the Wicked: Pharisees Fasting: Accompanied by Confession of Sin Fasting: Accompanied by Humiliation Fasting: Accompanied by Mourning Fasting: Accompanied by Prayer Fasting: At the Time of his Vision Fasting: During Forty Days: Jesus Fasting: During Forty Days: Moses Fasting: During the Sickness of the Child Born to Him by Bath-Sheba Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Elijah Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Moses Fasting: Extraordinary Exemplified: Our Lord Fasting: Fasting in the Conflict Between the Other Tribes With the Tribe of Benjamin Fasting: Habitual by Cornelius Fasting: Habitual by John's Disciples Fasting: Habitual by Pharisees Fasting: National Exemplified: Israel Fasting: National Exemplified: Men of Jabesh-Gilead Fasting: National Exemplified: Ninevites Fasting: Ninevites, when Jonah Preached to Them Fasting: Not to be Made a Subject of Display Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Afflictions of Others Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Afflictions of the Church Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Approaching Danger Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Judgments of God Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Ordination of Ministers Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Private Afflictions Fasting: Observed on Occasions of Public Calamities Fasting: On Account of the Captivity of the People, With Prayer for Their Deliverance Fasting: Ordination of Ministers Fasting: Prolonged for Forty Days, by Moses Fasting: Prolonged for Three Weeks, by Daniel Fasting: Promises Connected With Fasting: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Fasting: Upon the Death of Saul Fasting: when They Went to Mizpeh for the Ark of the Covenant Fasting: While Interceding in Prayer for his Friends Related Terms |
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