Lesson 4: Fasting 49
understood (Ephesians 2:8–9). Revelation 22:12 reminds us that Jesus
distributes “rewards” as he, alone, determines.
Fasting was practiced by the Pharisees (Luke 18:12), by the disciples
of John the Baptist (Matt. 9:14), by Jesus (Matt. 4:1–2), and by his fol-
lowers after his ascension (Matt. 9:15). Today, believers fast in order to
feast on God’s word (John 4:32). When Jesus hungered in the wilderness,
he reminded Satan that life was sustained by more than physical food
(Matt. 4:4).
Scriptural fasting is not the same as dieting or purging for physical
results. The benefits of Christian fasting are primarily spiritual. Fasting
can help believers repent of sin, acknowledge dependency upon God,
and have a private devotional life that encourages a deeper fellowship
with Christ and other Christians.
Fasting to Discern the Will of God (Acts 13:1–3)
13:1. Antioch was the Roman headquarters of Syria and Cilicia (See
maps of Paul’s journeys.) The city was also the location of an Imperial
mint. The beginnings of the Gentile church and the first missionary
efforts occurred in Antioch, one of the great cities of that day.
Barnabas was instrumental in bringing Saul (Paul) to Antioch (Acts
11:25–26), perhaps because he recognized God had ordained Saul to
reach the Gentiles for Christ (9:15, 13:46, 15:12). Their work in Antioch
was productive and the church grew in numbers and in maturity. The
leadership of the church was strong, though we know little of the three
additional leaders named here. Manaen may have been the half-brother
of Herod Antipas or simply one of many young men brought up with the
royal prince. Simeon may have been the “Simon” who carried the cross
of Jesus (Matthew 27:32), but this is only conjecture. The point is that
these were all solid leaders.
13:2. Fasting was part of their regular worship, but a need to discern
God’s will for an unusual matter seems to be implied in this verse.
Perhaps the church was seeking God’s direction in their next step of
evangelism and ministry, recognizing the consequences of an unwise
decision. We are not told how the Holy Spirit “spoke”, only that his
message was authoritative and well-received by the entire congrega-
tion. When we worship and fast together, the Holy Spirit energizes the