Instruction about the Laying on of Hands
The Fourth of Six
“Elementary Teachings about Christ”
from Hebrews 6:1,2
We are studying Hebrews 6:1-2:
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings
about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again
the foundation
of repentance from acts that lead to death, and
of faith in God,
instruction about
baptisms,
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS,
the resurrection of the dead, and
eternal judgment.
Topic Headings:
- The Laying on of Hands and the Imparting of a Blessing
- The Laying on of Hands and the Gift of the Holy Spirit
- The Laying on of Hands and the Commissioning of a Person for Some Special Service
- The Laying on of Hands and the Healing of the Sick
- The Laying on of Hands and a Couple More Considerations
- What Shall I Do?
The Laying on of Hands and the Imparting of a Blessing
The laying on of hands was sometimes used by one person or group of people to impart a blessing from God to someone.
And He (Jesus) took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10:16)
Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. (1 Timothy 4:14)
The Laying on of Hands and the Gift of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit can be received at the laying on of hands.
Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, . . . ” (Acts 8:17-18a)
The laying on of hands seems to have been the normal situation in which the early believers received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
However, there were exceptions. The believers received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost without it (Acts 2:4). Cornelius, his family, and his friends received the Holy Spirit without it (Acts 10:44-48). So, obviously it’s not absolutely necessary; God can and does do things otherwise when and where He wants to do so.
The Laying on of Hands and the Commissioning of a Person for Some Special Service
The laying on of hands can be used to commission a person for some special service.
While they (certain prophets and teachers at Antioch) were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:2,3)
Similarly, the apostles laid hands on a special group of men who were commissioned to take care of widows in Jerusalem (Acts 6:6).
The Laying on of Hands and the Healing of the Sick
Jesus laid hands on the sick and they were healed.
When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying His hands on each one, he healed them. (Luke 4:40)
Jesus promised that believers would lay hands on the sick, and they would get well:
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (Mark 16:17-18)
This happened. For example:
[The father of Publius who was the chief official on the island of Malta] was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. (Acts 28:8)
It still happens!
The Laying on of Hands and a Couple More Considerations
1) The Apostle Paul warned Timothy:
Do not be hasty in the laying of hands, and do not share in the sin of others; keep yourself pure. (1 Timothy 5:22)
2) Unlike the teachings that we have looked at previously, the laying on of hands is nowhere commanded in the Bible nor are there any specific promises attached to this practice. However, the example of the early Christians shows us that they often laid hands on others for a variety of reasons – usually to convey some good thing from God to another person. So, it seems that, when this practice will help us to convey a blessing to another person, we would do well to do it also. But it is not required.
What Shall I Do?
- First, understand how our Lord and His apostles used the laying on of hands.
- Then, use the laying on of hands yourself or support the use of it by others when the situation suggests it.
- Don’t be in a hurry to do it.
- Don’t think that it is necessary in every situation.
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Lyra Publications
Preston, Minnesota