Did Jesus’ Disciples Fast? -- By: George C. Gianoulis
Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 168:672 (Oct 2011)
Article: Did Jesus’ Disciples Fast?
Author: George C. Gianoulis
BSac 168:672 (October-December 2011) p. 413
Did Jesus’ Disciples Fast?
George C. Gianoulis is Professor of Greek and New Testament, Crown College, St. Bonifacius, Minnesota.
In Matthew 6:16-18 Jesus told how His disciples should fast, whereas in Mark 2:18-22 He taught that there was no need to fast while He, the bridegroom, was present. This study examines the relationship of these two passages on fasting, in an effort to determine whether Jesus’ disciples fasted.
The Literary Context Of Matthew 6:16-18
Matthew 6:16-18, part of the Sermon on the Mount, is one of three parallel sections: almsgiving (vv. 2-4), prayer (vv. 5-15), and fasting (vv. 16-18).1 Verse 1 states the general principle that those who do acts of piety should not practice their righteousness before people.2 The three acts of piety that follow illustrate how to implement the principle.3 This literary form is found in the Old Testament4 as well as in rabbinic literature.5 The acts of piety described
BSac 168:672 (October-December 2011) p. 414
in Matthew 6 have no precise parallels in the New Testament, although a number of noncanonical writings attest to the antiquity of the tradition itself.6 Matthew 6 describes the righteousness Jesus demanded, a righteousness that must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees (5:20).
Matthew 6:16-18
Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
General Overview
Verse 1 sounds the alarm for the hearers to watch out or be careful (προσέχετε) for their righteousness. The righteousness sought and guarded is illustrated by the improper and proper perform...
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