What was the purpose of fasting in Acts 13:1-3?

What was the purpose of fasting in Acts 13:1-3?

Acts 13:1-3 (ESV):

1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

What were they fasting for? How did the fasting help?


Related: What’s the purpose of fasting and prayer in Acts 14:23?

Sabbath, Sabbaths or week? Matthew 28:1

Sabbath, Sabbaths or week? Matthew 28:1

Reading in Matthew 28:1 (ESV):

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
ὀψὲ δὲ σαββάτων τῇ ἐπιφωσκούσῃ εἰς μίαν σαββάτων ἦλθεν Μαριὰμ ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ καὶ ἡ ἄλ…