What if I told you that an ancient Christian document—written almost 2,000 years ago by early believers—contains insight about fasting and prayer that most modern Christians have never heard?

This isn’t a lost gospel or secret scroll—it’s a real, first-century discipleship manual known as the Didache (pronounced Did-ah-kay), and it gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the early church fasted, prayed, and prepared for powerful spiritual encounters with God.

Stick with me, because what the apostles taught just might revolutionize your understanding of fasting.

What Is the Didache?

The Didache, or The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is one of the earliest Christian writings outside the Bible, believed to be written between AD 50–100. It was widely respected by the early church and used as a training guide for new believers. Think of it as the first Christian handbook on how to live for Jesus daily.

While it’s not part of the New Testament canon, it’s filled with insights that line up with biblical truths—and sheds light on how the first-century church viewed prayer, fasting, baptism, and spiritual discipline.

Fasting Was an Act of Love

One of the most powerful things the Didache teaches is that fasting wasn’t just for personal breakthrough—it was a demonstration of love.

Here’s what it says:

“Bless those who speak evil of you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you.”

Read that again. The early church didn’t just pray for their enemies—they fasted for them. That’s a level of spiritual maturity most believers don’t talk about.

Jesus said in Luke 6:32–33, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?… Even sinners do that.” The early Christians understood that fasting isn’t just about receiving—it’s about becoming more like Christ.

So when you fast, don’t do it just to get something—do it to be transformed by the presence of God.

Fasting Before Baptism?

Here’s another powerful insight: according to the Didache, fasting was a requirement before water baptism—and not just for the one being baptized.

“Before baptism, both the person being baptized and the one performing the baptism should fast. If others in the church are able, they should fast as well.”

That means the early church saw baptism as such a sacred covenant that it required preparation—not just celebration.

Today, many people get baptized without a second thought. But the early believers fasted and consecrated themselves before stepping into new life in Christ. They knew baptism wasn’t just a moment—it was a life-altering declaration of faith.

Weekly Fasting Was the Norm

Now here’s the insight that really blew my mind—and might challenge your routine too.

The Didache reveals that early Christians fasted twice a week, every week. But they intentionally chose different days than the Pharisees.

The Pharisees fasted on Mondays and Thursdays. So the early church fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays to set themselves apart. They didn’t want even the appearance of religious hypocrisy. They fasted not out of tradition, but out of devotion.

Let that sink in. Fasting wasn’t an annual church event—it was a weekly rhythm of humility, focus, and spiritual pursuit.

Fasting Is a Lifestyle, Not a Religious Event

The early church understood something many modern believers miss: fasting is not an occasional religious obligation—it’s a lifestyle of surrender and consecration.

They weren’t fasting to impress anyone. They weren’t checking a box. They were intentionally pursuing God, week in and week out. Their hearts were locked in, and their lives were marked by hunger for more of Him.

So the next time you fast, don’t just fast for breakthrough—fast from a place of love, humility, and spiritual hunger. Position yourself for encounters with God, just like the first Christians did.

Want to Fast Like the Early Church?

To help you start and sustain a powerful fasting life, I’ve put together a FREE Fasting Starter Kit—packed with tips, scriptures, and even recommended supplements to support your fast.

If you want to go even deeper, check out my book, The Complete Guide to Biblical Fasting, where I teach you everything you need to know to fast effectively—and biblically.

Now is the time—not just to talk about fasting, but to live it like the early church did. Let’s not settle for surface-level Christianity. Let’s press in, fast with purpose, and pursue God with everything we’ve got.