Why Should Christians Fast — In Biblical Context
Biblical fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer, seek God's will, express repentance, or prepare for spiritual battle.
Biblical fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer, seek God's will, express repentance, or prepare for spiritual battle.
"But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret." — Matthew 6:17-18 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Fasting is practiced throughout Scripture. Moses fasted 40 days on Sinai (Exodus 34:28). David fasted in repentance (2 Samuel 12:16) and intercession (Psalm 35:13). Esther called for a three-day fast before approaching the king (Esther 4:16). Daniel fasted for understanding (Daniel 9:3). Jesus fasted 40 days before His ministry began (Matthew 4:2) and taught, 'When ye fast' — not 'if' — implying it was expected (Matthew 6:16-18). He instructed fasting without hypocrisy: 'Anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret' (Matthew 6:17-18). The early church fasted when making important decisions (Acts 13:2-3, 14:23). Fasting expresses dependence on God above physical needs. Isaiah 58:6-7 describes the fast God chooses: loosing the bonds of wickedness, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked. True fasting combines spiritual devotion with practical righteousness.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 6:17-18, sits inside Matthew 6. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret."
Supporting Passages
"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free."
"As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work."
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