10 New Testament Scriptures on Fasting
You may have wondered what the Bible says about fasting. In fact, the Bible has several New Testament fasting scriptures you need to know.
Christian fasting is the ancient discipline of abstaining from food and seeking the Lord, and it's always accompanied by prayer.
You may have heard the saying, "It's not if you fast, but when you do." This is often a reflection of the scripture passage in Matthew 6:16-18, where Jesus was teaching His disciples about prayer, giving, and fasting.
The implication is this: Christians should be prepared to fast.
Jesus' life and teachings are foundational for our faith! So while biblical fasting might seem old-fashioned or only for ascetics or extreme religious folks, it's worth pausing to see what Jesus had to say on the subject.
Thankfully, we have clear examples of fasting in the New Testament, and Jesus spoke specifically about this topic. Read on to learn more.
Check out this post on 10 biblical examples of Old Testament fasting.
Bible Verses on Fasting in the New Testament
This post will discuss ten biblical examples of fasting in the New Testament and their context in the Bible. Fasting was common in the early church among Jesus’ disciples. It continues to be part of a vibrant Christian life and can be used to worship the Lord God and grow in a more intimate relationship with Him.
A regular practice of fasting is also important in seeking God’s will for your life, and learning to separate from the world to focus on God’s kingdom.
1.Matthew 4:2
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”
Jesus fasted. When people ask about if and why we should fast, indeed the fact that Jesus fasted Himself is reason to consider making fasting and prayer a regular practice.
The first scripture on fasting in the New Testament is in Matthew 4:2. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days and forty nights. Then, the Bible says Jesus became hungry, and the tempter came and tempted Him three times.
Although the enemy quoted scripture, each time, Jesus responded with the Word of God in context to refute his attack. This is why it's so important to have the Word stored in your heart and study it in context.
Jesus was about to enter full-time ministry to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, heal, and cast out demons. This period of fasting was an act of consecration to God and preparation for His ministry.
As you fast, you can be encouraged that Jesus experienced hunger and temptations from the enemy but was victorious. Likewise, you may experience the same things but, with God's help, you can be strong in your spirit and persevere.
You can also follow Jesus' example in fasting before big and significant moments. A dedicated time of fasting is an opportunity to consecrate ourselves for the work God has for us, whatever it may be.
2. Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
The next fasting scripture is in Matthew 6:16-18. Jesus talks about giving, praying, and fasting in chapter six. He says that when you give to the needy, you should do it in secret, and your heavenly Father will reward you. And when you fast, we should do the same and not be like the hypocrites who parade around and look pious.
When you fast, it's essential to do so in a way that's sincere and ultimately between you and the Lord. We should not brag about our fasting or try to get attention. Instead, stay humble.
Fasting can be a very personal time between you and God. Although there are times of corporate fasting (for example, with your church or small group), you might also make it a practice to fast privately, just as Jesus instructed. The benefits of fasting don't come from getting attention or appearing holy; our reward is from the Lord.
3. Mark 9:29
So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” (NKJV)
Mark chapter nine records a conversation about fasting and prayer between Jesus and His disciples. Jesus had just cast out an unclean spirit from a boy, and the disciples were asking why they hadn't been able to do so.
Jesus replies by saying that this kind cannot come out by prayer. Some manuscripts say "prayer and fasting," and some just say "prayer." Either way, we know that spiritual battles must be fought with spiritual weapons, as Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.
When it comes to healing, deliverance, and winning spiritual battles, prayer accompanied by faith and fasting are certainly mighty weapons!
If you've been praying for a breakthrough and feel stuck, see what happens when you fast. Sometimes the Lord answers your prayer in unexpected ways, gives you the tools and strategies you need, or simply gives you peace.
4. Luke 5:33-35
Then they said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?” And He said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days.”
Luke chapter five records a conversation between Jesus and some religious leaders who were amazed that His disciples didn't fast. They were comparing their practices with John’s disciples and the Pharisees. They often fasted and prayed according to tradition.
Jesus answered that you cannot make the bridegroom's attendants fast while the bridegroom is still with them (referring to Himself). But, when the bridegroom is taken away, those will be the days for the attendants to fast.
While Jesus walked the earth, His disciples were in community with Him. But now that He is physically absent, Jesus' disciples have the opportunity to connect to Him in greater intimacy through fasting. This is for us and applies to our day and age. Now is the time for fasting!
5. Luke 18:10-14
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
The story in Luke 18:11-12 offers more insight into the heart of fasting. The Pharisee who prayed in the temple boasted how he fasted twice a week and gave tithes of all he possessed. Next to him is a tax collector who simply cried out to God, "Be merciful to me, the sinner." (Luke 18:13)
Jesus said this religious leader was not justified before God but rather the tax collector who repented and humbled himself. The Pharisee's religious fasting, tithing, and boasting were all for show in this biblical story. But, on the other hand, the tax collector humbled himself before God. He knew that he had no power or righteousness on his own and needed God's mercy.
Fasting is not about being self-sufficient or completing a perfect performance. It's about coming before God with a humble, open heart and ready to receive from Him.
6. Luke 2:37
“and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.”
The fasting scripture in Luke chapter two tells the story of Anna, a prophetess who recognized Jesus as a baby.
We don't know much about Anna, but we do see that she was devoted to fasting and prayer. Her husband passed away seven years into their marriage, and then she lived as a widow for 84 years, serving in the temple day and night.
When she saw the baby Jesus, she recognized Him as the long-awaited Messiah and praised God. Her life of fasting and prayer sharpened her spiritual discernment and gave her "eyes to see."
What if we made fasting and prayer our lifestyle too? We see that Anna was not inconvenienced by fasting. It wasn't a time of mourning and deprivation but an act of worship. We could see amazing things happen in our lives if we connect with God in this way and approach Christian fasting with a heart of worship.
7. Acts 9:9
“For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.”
Acts chapter nine tells the story of Saul, who was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians.
Suddenly, he is knocked off his horse and hears the voice of Jesus, who tells him to go to Damascus. After this encounter, Saul is blinded and doesn't eat or drink for three days.
At the same time, the Lord spoke to a disciple named Ananais and instructed him to go to Saul (even though he was afraid based on Saul's reputation). When Ananias laid hands on Saul and prayed for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit, he regained his sight, got up, and was water baptized.
Although this story doesn't specifically reference fasting (and it certainly wasn't premeditated on Saul's part), it's still a New Testament scripture passage highlighting the miraculous and supernatural. Through fasting and prayer, both Saul and Ananias received visions and instructions from the Lord that caused their paths to cross at the exact right time to fulfill God's purpose.
And Saul went on to become the apostle Paul!
8. Acts 13:2-3
'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 placed their hands on them and sent them off.’
In Acts 13, we see an example of fasting among Jesus' disciples at the church in Antioch. They heard a word from the Lord and got a directive for their future course of action.
After fasting and ministering to the Lord, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
This New Testament fasting scripture passage is significant because it marks the beginning of Paul's (formerly known as Saul) first missionary journey. If not for their time of fasting and prayer, the disciples might not have received such a clear word from God about what He wanted them to do.
You can learn a lot from the New Testament fasting scriptures about how to pray and seek God's will for your life. Know that he is more than willing to speak to you and give you direction for your future.
9. Acts 14:23
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”
In Acts chapter fourteen, we see Paul and Barnabas again. This time they are in preaching to the Gentiles in Lystra, Derbe, Iconium, and Antioch.
They taught, ministered, and moved from city to city, making disciples. The Bible says appointed elders in the churches after praying and fasting.
When you have decisions to make or need the Lord's direction, fasting and prayer are the best ways to get clarity. The next time you have a big decision before you, be sure to spend time in prayer and fasting, seeking God for direction.
10. Acts 27:9
“Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them…”
In Acts 27:9, Paul is a prisoner on a ship bound for Italy. Some translations reference "the fast" in verse nine. This fast would be the Day of Atonement, which occurred in late fall.
The Day of Atonement was a fast that Jews observed to atone for their sins. Also known as Yom Kippur, this is the most important holiday in Judaism.
When it's referenced in the book of Acts, it's mainly related to the time of year and the impact that weather would have on navigation for the ship's voyage. However, it's essential to see that fasting has been a theme throughout the Bible. Both Old Testament and New Testament scriptures remind us of the importance of fasting and setting apart time for the Lord.
What Does the New Testament Say About Fasting?
Fasting and praying are integral parts of our faith. When we fast, we open ourselves up to God's work in our lives. As a result, we become more sensitive to His voice and expect Him to do amazing things in and through us.
It's a way for us to consecrate ourselves to the Lord, prepare for ministry, and hear His voice for clarity and direction. New Testament fasting scriptures also remind us of the heart of Christian fasting. It's not for show, and it's not about perfect performance. When we fast, we humble ourselves before God, open our hearts to Him, and receive His grace and mercy.
Fasting is a powerful way to connect with God. These New Testament Bible verses offer encouragement and insight into this spiritual discipline.
These are just a few of the New Testament fasting scriptures. As you can see, fasting is about much more than just denying ourselves food. It's about giving ourselves entirely to our great and awesome God and serving Him with our whole hearts. As we fast and pray together, we can come to understand this even better!
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