Laying On of Hands
In Hebrews 6:1-2, we are told that ‘the laying on of hands’ should be included in basic, elementary teachings about Christ.
The laying on of hands is where a person places their hand(s) upon the body of another person with the intention of imparting or declaring something to that person via spiritual means.
Old Testament Examples
Jacob imparts a blessing to Ephraim & Manasseh – Genesis 48:14
Moses appointed Joshua as the new leader over Israel – Numbers 27:18-20
Joshua received a spirit of wisdom from Moses – Deuteronomy 34:9
The Levites were formally set apart for service – Numbers 8:10
It wasn’t always to impart a blessing! – see Leviticus 24:14
New Testament Examples
Jesus took children in His arms and blessed them – Mark 10:16, Matthew 19:15
Jesus healed the sick by laying His hands on them – Luke 4:40, Luke 13:13, Mark 6:5
We are commissioned to lay hands on the sick to heal them – Mark 16:18
To affirm, commission and pray for newly appointed deacons – Acts 6:6
To receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit – Acts 8:17-18, Acts 19:6
For healing and to receive the in-filling of the Holy Spirit – Acts 9:17
To confirm & commission the setting apart of Paul & Barnabas for service – Acts 13:3
For healing – Acts 28:8
Timothy received a spiritual gift by way of laying on of hands and prophecy – 1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6
Healing
The inference from the New Testament is that the laying on of hands for healing is primarily in the context of outreach and evangelism. In Mark 16:18 the context is that the healings are a sign accompanying those that believe as they go out and preach the gospel.
The main provision for healing for the believer is found in James 5:14 where they are required to call upon the elders who will anoint them with oil and pray for them to get well. One could argue that the anointing with oil and prayer could involve the laying on of hands too.
Imparting Spiritual Gifts
Paul said in Romans 1:11 that he longed to see them to impart some spiritual gifts to make them strong. We see this being outworked with Timothy when Paul and some elders imparted a spiritual gift to him and some sort of prophetic word (1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6)
Commissioning for Acts of Service
We have also seen how the laying on of hands can be used to appoint positions of leadership and to confirm that the Lord has separated a person or persons to the work to which they have been called.
Words of Warning
Paul warned Timothy not to be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others and to keep himself pure. (1 Timothy 5:22).
The laying on of hands is not like putting a hand on the shoulder of someone to comfort or greet them. It involves the impartation of something spiritual. Therefore, the verse seems to imply a two way thing. The person who does the laying on of hands should be a clean vessel through which the Holy Spirit can move. That person should not be a vessel for any unclean spirits. If the person receiving an impartation is not a clean an open vessel themselves, the person laying on hands should be on guard against anything that might seek to undermine their purity. Some could also argue that Paul is warning not to lay hands on a person for a leadership role to prematurely and subsequently it turns out that a person was not ready or qualified.
Final Encouragement
To conclude on a more positive note; the laying on of hands shows, yet again, how God has chosen to work with and through men and women to accomplish His will and plans here on earth. Because it is such a privilege and honour, we should all be keenly aware of the importance of personal purity and holiness, especially in the way that we offer up our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing unto the Lord.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have some marvellous testimonies of how the Lord has used us through this ministry of the laying on of hands?
