Laying On Of Hands

In the New Testament, the practice of laying on of hands by the Apostles for receiving the Holy Spirit is mentioned in several passages. This is significant for imparting spiritual gifts and blessings. Let’s explore some key verses that highlight this:

Acts 8:14-17

This passage recounts an incident in Samaria where Philip had preached the gospel and baptized many. However, the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen upon them:

Verse 14: “Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John.”

Verse 15: “Who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit.”

Verse 16: “For He had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Verse 17: “Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.”

In this instance, the Samaritan believers had been baptized in the name of Jesus, but it was necessary for them to receive the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by the apostles.

Acts 19:1-7

Here we see another occasion, in Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul encounters certain disciples who had been baptized but had not received the Holy Spirit:

Verse 6: “And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.”

1 Timothy 4:14

This verse highlights the role of the elders in the church in imparting spiritual gifts through the laying on of hands:

“Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.”

Hebrews 6:1-2

Though not specifically referring to the reception of the Holy Spirit, this passage mentions the laying on of hands as one of the foundational teachings of Christ:

Verse 2: “And of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”

Acts 9:17

This verse recounts the conversion of Saul (later known as Paul) and his receiving of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by Ananias:

“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

These verses demonstrate that the laying on of hands by the apostles and other church leaders was a means of imparting spiritual blessings, particularly the reception of the Holy Spirit, upon new believers. This act signifies the transmission of spiritual authority and gifts. While the practice of laying on of hands itself does not convey the Holy Spirit (only God can do this), it symbolises the recognition and invocation of God’s blessing and power upon individuals within the church.