FASTING

I. Old Testament

A. The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-31; 23:26-32; Numbers 29:7)
B. Other reasons for fasting can be observed
1. War (Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6)
2. Danger (Ezra 8:21-23; Esther 4:16)
3. Illness (2 Samuel 12:16-23)
4. Death (1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:12)
5. Forgiveness (1 Kings 21:17-29; Jonah 3:4-10; Nehemiah 9:1-3)

C. Lengths (Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 31:13)

II. New Testament

A. Improper reasons (Luke 18:12; Matthew 6:16)
B. Reasons for proper fasts in the New Testament
1. Ministry (Matt. 4:1-11; 2 Corinthians 6:4-10; 11:23-28)
2. Sending out missionaries (Acts 13:1-3)
3. Appointment of elders (Acts 14:21-23)

III. What about today?

A. Jesus’ expectation (Matthew 6:16-17)
B. First century examples (Acts 13:1-3; 14:21-23; 2 Cor. 6:4-10; 11:23-28)