Fasting is not restricted to the Old Testament only, but it is also intended to be doctrine in the New Testament. To fast means to go without food for a period of time (a meal, a day, or several days). It appears to always be coupled with prayer.

The early church practiced fasting as indicated in the following passages:
Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
(Acts 13:1-3)

Defraud ye not one the other (husband and wife), except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your self-control.
(1 Cor. 7:5)

In weariness (the Apostle Paul) and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
(2 Cor. 11:27)
The early church fasted. They practiced fasting consistently. Paul took time to encourage husbands and wives to fast and pray. Fasting is a Bible subject that would benefit us to study and practice.


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