Fasting
From Textus Receptus
Scriptures related to Fasting
Old Testament
The importance of fasting is seen in the number of positive references in the Old and New Testaments. There are over 30 positive examples, commands, and instructions in Scripture about fasting.
• Judges 20:26--Israel fasted for victory in war. • 1 Sam. 1:6-7--Hannah fasted for a son • 1 Sam. 7:6--Israel fasted in repentance • 1 Sam. 31:13--Men of Jabeshgilead fasted in mourning for Saul • 2 Sam. 1:12--David and his men fasted in mourning for Saul, Jonathan, and the fallen of Israel • 2 Sam. 12--David fasted for mercy upon his child • 1 Kings 21:27--Ahab fasted for mercy • 2 Chron. 20:3--Jehoshaphat and Israel fasted for help and protection • Ezra 8:21-23--Ezra and the Jews fasted for help and protection • Nehemiah 1:4--Nehemiah fasted in mourning and for help • Nehemiah 9:1-2--Israel fasting in mourning and repentance • Esther 4:16--Esther and friends fasted for victory • Esther 9:3--Fasting is mentioned as having had a role in the victory • Psalm 35:13-14--Fasting in prayer and mourning • Psalm 69: 10-11--Fasting in prayer and mourning • Isaiah 58:6-8--The fast which pleases God • Jeremiah 36:9--Israel fasted for mercy • Joel 1:14; 2:12, 15--God commanded fasting and repentance • Jonah 3:5--The Ninevites fasted in repentance for mercy • Daniel 9:3--Daniel fasted for wisdom
New Testament
• Matthew 4:2--Jesus fasted when tempted in the wilderness • Matthew 6:17-18--Jesus promised that the Father would bless fasting • Matthew 9:14-15--Jesus said his disciples would fast • Matthew 17:21--Fasting is necessary for overcoming some demonic strongholds • Mark 9:29--Fasting is necessary for overcoming demonic powers • Luke 2:37--Fasting was part of Anna’s service to God • Acts 13:2--Fasting was part of the ministry of the workers at Antioch • Acts 13:3--Ordination was accompanied by fasting Acts 14:23-- Ordination was accompanied by fasting • 1 Corinthians 7:5--Fasting and prayer is the only proper reason for abstinence from the marital relationship • 2 Corinthians 6:5--Fasting was one way Paul approved himself as a minister of Jesus Christ • 2 Corinthians 11:27--Paul fasted often
