The meaning of "Laying on of hands"

“Laying on of hands” is a Biblical action; however, there is no biblical mandate requiring the physical laying on of hands for a particular spiritual ministry.

Jesus certainly laid His hands on many of those He healed; however, He also healed without laying His hands on people. In fact, there were times when He was nowhere near the vicinity of those He healed. Matthew 8:8 describes Jesus healing the servant of the centurion without going near the centurion’s house.

The Apostles also, in various instances, laid hands on the brethren. But, in at least one case, Ananias, who was not amongst the twelve, laid hands on Paul that he might receive his sight and be restored to the Lord. (Acts 9:12)

Following are two instances to consider where in one case the Holy Spirit bestows the gift of speaking in tongues with the act of an apostle’s laying on of hands and in the other case He does so without the laying on of hands, but simply through the apostle’s preaching:

“Paul said, ‘John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” (Acts 19:4-6).

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God?” (Acts 10:44-46).

In the following verse, the thought is not so much in cautioning the physical action of laying on of hands as it is to the idea that bestowing the responsibility of spiritual leadership (however it is done) is to be done with care. It is not to be done “suddenly” or without due consideration.

“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).

The reasons given for not being “hasty in the laying on of hands” is found in the context of Paul’s admonition to Timothy; the avoidance of partiality and favoritism – a potentially divisive situation that could harm the unity of the body.

Another significant warning involves youthful pride – the installing a young believer in a position of leadership based on their pedigree, education or worldly reputation – but, not necessarily based on their maturing Christian conduct. (I Timothy 3:1-7)

Undoubtedly the laying on of hands in the early church was a means of connecting the message with the messenger, or the spiritual gift with the gifted giver. It provided a “sign” authenticating him through whom the physical manifestation of a spiritual gift was bestowed. We need to understand very carefully that there are no magical biblical formulas for the ministry of the Church.

Who then, appoints fellow believers to ministry? Though the Holy Spirit Himself enables each believer with the appropriate gifting according to His will, the responsibility for appointing is left to the body:

“Do not neglect the gift in you, which was given you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the body of elders.” I Timothy 4:14

“They set these before the apostles. And having prayed, they laid hands on them.” Acts 6:6

Laying on of hands has no power in itself. Laying on of hands is only used by God when it is done in agreement with God’s Word.