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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Aug 54 min read

What Does the Bible Say About Christians Fasting?

The Bible’s Perspective on Fasting


Fasting in Bible times was considered acceptable to God when done with the right motives. However, fasting done for the wrong reasons did not find favor with God. The Bible neither commands nor forbids fasting for people today, leaving it to personal choice.



Circumstances of Fasting in the Bible


Seeking Help and Guidance from God


People fasted when seeking help and guidance from God. For instance, those traveling to Jerusalem fasted to show their sincerity in asking for God’s help (Ezra 8:21-23). Similarly, Paul and Barnabas chose to fast when appointing congregation elders (Acts 14:23).


Focusing on God’s Purpose


Jesus fasted for 40 days after his baptism to prepare for his ministry, demonstrating fasting as a way to focus on God’s purpose (Luke 4:1-2).


Demonstrating Repentance Over Past Sins


Through the prophet Joel, God instructed the unfaithful Israelites to return to Him with fasting, weeping, and mourning, highlighting fasting as a form of repentance (Joel 2:12-15).


Observing the Day of Atonement


Under the Law given to Israel, fasting was commanded on the annual Day of Atonement. This act of fasting reminded the Israelites of their imperfection and their need for God’s forgiveness (Leviticus 16:29-31).



Improper Motives for Fasting


To Impress Others


Jesus taught that fasting should be a personal and private matter between an individual and God, not a show to impress others (Matthew 6:16-18).


To Prove Oneself Righteous


Fasting does not make one morally or spiritually superior. Jesus condemned the Pharisee who fasted to boast of his righteousness (Luke 18:9-14).


To Compensate for Sin


Fasting as a way to compensate for a deliberate practice of sin is unacceptable to God. God desires obedience and heartfelt repentance, not just the act of fasting (Isaiah 58:3-4).


To Fulfill a Religious Formality


God is displeased when fasting is done merely as a religious formality without genuine devotion (Isaiah 58:5-7).



Is Fasting Required for Christians?


Fasting is not required for Christians. While God commanded the Israelites to fast on the Day of Atonement, this observance was eliminated after Jesus atoned for the sins of repentant people (Hebrews 9:24-26; 1 Peter 3:18). Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, and thus, fasting is a personal choice (Romans 10:4; Colossians 2:13-14).


Focus of Christian Worship


Fasting is not the focus of Christian worship. True Christian worship is marked by joy, reflecting the personality of Jehovah, “the happy God” (1 Timothy 1:11; Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; Galatians 5:22).



Misconceptions About Fasting in the Bible


Misconception: Paul Recommended Fasting to Married Couples


The oldest Bible manuscripts do not mention fasting in 1 Corinthians 7:5. It appears that later copyists added references to fasting (A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, Bruce M. Metzger).


Misconception: Christians Should Fast to Commemorate Jesus’ 40-Day Fast


Jesus never commanded such a fast, nor are there Scriptural indications that early Christians observed it. Historical evidence shows that early fasting practices were brief (New Catholic Encyclopedia).


Misconception: Christians Should Fast When Commemorating Jesus’ Death


Jesus did not command his disciples to fast when commemorating his death. He mentioned that his disciples would fast when he died, but this was a statement of fact, not a command (Luke 22:14-18; Matthew 9:15). The Bible instructs Christians to eat at home if they are hungry before observing the Memorial of Jesus’ death (1 Corinthians 11:33-34).



Historical Context and Additional Insights


Biblical References to Fasting


Fasting is mentioned multiple times in the Bible, each time highlighting different purposes and outcomes. For instance, David fasted and prayed for his child’s life (2 Samuel 12:16), and the people of Nineveh fasted and repented at Jonah’s proclamation (Jonah 3:5-10).


The Spiritual Significance of Fasting


Fasting in the Bible often accompanies prayer, indicating a period of deep spiritual focus and seeking God’s will. Daniel’s fasting is an example of this, where he fasted and prayed for understanding and insight (Daniel 9:3).


New Testament Perspective


In the New Testament, fasting continues to be a practice among believers, but it is not mandated. Jesus fasted, and the early church fasted, showing that it can be part of Christian devotion but is not a requirement (Acts 13:2-3).


Fasting and Personal Devotion


Fasting can be a personal expression of devotion, a way to draw closer to God and seek His guidance. It is a voluntary act that should be done with the right heart and intentions.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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