QUESTION:
Did Paul teach fasting? We see it in the 4-Gospels and the book of Acts but not in Paul's writing. Can you show me what I don't see or explain somehow? Is the fast also part of the Church actions or just for Jews?
REPLY:
What I am about to write is my view and standing in regard to fasting. Judge it according to your faith and conviction.
Paul’s ministry focus is primarily on faith in Christ, the gospel, and living by the Spirit. Fasting is not a central theme in his teachings; thus, I believe the specifics of fasting are left to an individual's conviction and context.
If you look at Paul's writings, the only time he mentions fasting is in these 3-verses,
1Cor 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
2Cor 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
2Cor 11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
As you can see, the last two verses are not in reference to actual fasting, but more to do with the sufferings he endured for the sake of the gospel. In other words, he's going with a lack of food was not his choice, but more to do with circumstance.
The first scripture however is indeed a reference to actual fasting, but we need to understand that he's writing here was early in his ministry and to a Corinthian church that was as much Jewish as it was Gentile. Thus, the advice here is applicable, but was probably aimed more to the Jews who still practiced fasting as per the Mosaic laws.
My only advice is that if you choose to fast, or not, do it with conviction between you and the Lord. Remember what Paul says in Romans 14,
Rom 14:5 ... Let every man be FULLY PERSUADED in his own mind.
Rom 14:22-23 Hast thou faith? have it to THYSELF BEFORE GOD. Happy is he that CONDEMNETH NOT himself in that thing which he alloweth.
It's really between you and God. Fasting will not twist God's arm. It will not get you any closer to God than you are already in Christ. If you have reason to fast, obey that working and do it with conviction and sincerity, else sit back, enjoy your food, and praise God for his many blessings.
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