What Are You Hungry For? | Jentezen Franklin

What Are You Hungry For? | Jentezen Franklin

The Power of Fasting in Acts 10

If you have your Bible, open it with me—I want to show you one of the most powerful chapters in the Bible about fasting. This chapter emphasizes two key figures, and we see in Acts 10:1 that it begins with a man named Cornelius, who lived in Caesarea.

Verse 2 describes Cornelius as a devout man who feared God along with his entire household. However, he didn’t yet know who God truly was—he wasn’t aware that Jesus had died and risen again. That message would later be preached to him by Peter, who would also share it with the Gentiles gathered in his home.

There are many people today who are seeking God. They have partial truth. They pray—Muslims pray more frequently than many Christians, and Buddhists do too. People around the world are searching for God, even if they don’t fully know who He is.

The Bible tells us that Cornelius not only feared God but also gave generously to those in need and prayed constantly. One day, while he was praying, he received a vision. Meanwhile, Peter was also praying—Acts 10:9 says that Peter went up to the rooftop to pray around the sixth hour.

Now, listen to what happens in verse 10: Peter became very hungry and wanted to eat. While the meal was being prepared, something unexpected happened—he fell into a trance. This is what happens when people fast and pray—God moves in powerful, unexpected ways.

Peter then saw a vision of a sheet descending from heaven, filled with animals that were considered unclean according to Leviticus 11. He heard a voice saying, “What God has made clean, do not call common” (Acts 10:15). This happened three times, and Peter was left wondering about the meaning of the vision.

Then, in verse 19, the Holy Spirit spoke to Peter, saying, “Three men are looking for you.” Meanwhile, Cornelius had also been fasting. In verse 30, he tells Peter, “Four days ago, I was fasting and praying in my house at the ninth hour, and suddenly, a man in bright clothing stood before me.” The angel told Cornelius, “Your prayers and your generosity have come up as a memorial before God” (Acts 10:4).

Now, look at verse 44—while Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The people were amazed that even the Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit. As Peter preached about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit moved powerfully.

Verse 46 tells us they were filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues and magnifying God. Peter then asked, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Acts 10:47). He then commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord, and they invited him to stay for a few days.

The Devotion of Cornelius

To summarize, Cornelius was a Gentile, an Italian, yet he was deeply devoted to seeking God. The Bible highlights his commitment—he prayed, he gave generously, and he fasted. He observed the Jewish people and saw that they lived differently. There was something unique about them—something beyond mere religion.

He felt something powerful in their presence, though he couldn’t explain it. This stirred him and led him to seek God wholeheartedly. In response to his devotion, God gave him a vision, sent Peter to him, and ultimately poured out His Spirit upon him and all who were gathered.

This passage shows us the incredible power of prayer, fasting, and generosity. When we seek God sincerely, He moves in ways we never expect.