50 14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples
congregation and brings unity of heart and purpose. “Worshiping the
Lord and fasting” breaks down barriers that separate us from God and
one another.
The “sending out” of Barnabas and Saul occurred after they returned
from a trip to Jerusalem with an offering for famine relief (Acts 11:27–
30). Perhaps because the Christians in Antioch practiced fasting they
were able to give what was not spent on themselves to help others in a
time of need.
13:3. The church continued to fast and pray after the Holy Spirit had
spoken, for Barnabas and Saul would need strength and wisdom beyond
themselves. The church prayed and fasted on their behalf. The laying on
of hands was not an ordination to the gospel, but a prayerful blessing
upon the missionaries. The entire church was involved in their “calling”
as well as their “sending.” Barnabas and Saul reported to the entire con-
gregation upon the completion of their missionary journey (14:26–28).
The early chapters of Acts focus on the ministry of Simon Peter.
However, beginning with Chapter 13, the emphasis is on the ministry of
Paul (Saul) and his missionary efforts to bring the gospel to the Gentiles
of Asia Minor and Europe. This new direction from the Holy Spirit is
illustrated in Paul’s vision of a man from Macedonia (16:6–10). On Paul’s
second missionary journey the gospel was preached in Europe, which
changed the course of history. The church in Antioch became an inter-
national mission sending agency and changed the world because her
members knew to pray and fast.
Focusing on the Meaning
Highly effective disciples practice the Christian discipline of fasting.
How should we fast?
Christian fasting can follow the Jewish model of abstaining from
food and liquids from sunrise to sunset as we seek God. We can choose to
follow the less restrictive fast of drinking juice, only, for twelve hours or
less. In a time of great difficulty or temptation our fast may be prolonged
(with a doctor’s permission.) Our “fast” could be giving up television
time or hobbies in order to worship, pray, or meditate. However, the
manner of fasting is not as significant as the motive for fasting.