Laying on of Hands

By Sidharth Mohandas

At Imrah Ministries we have so far dealt with three out of the six foundational doctrines of the Christian faith based on Hebrews 6:1-2. We started off with Repentance from dead works and Faith towards God. In these topics, we saw Abba exhorting us to turn away from just about everything and move towards unreserved faith in Him. We then moved onto Baptism in Water, which means union with Christ in His death and resurrection just as marriage is the union between a bride  and her bridegroom . The latest we dealt with was  about the empowerment that is ours through the Baptism in the Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit, which helps us  continue the work of Christ on earth.

Today we will deal with the fourth doctrine, the doctrine of the laying on of hands. What does the laying on of hands mean? It is an act by which a person places his or her hand upon another with some definite spiritual purpose. It is mostly accompanied by prayer or/and prophetic utterance.

The purpose of the laying on of hands is two-fold. First of all, it is to transmit blessings (Genesis 48:14, 20). Secondly, it is to publically acknowledge and impart authority to do the works of the Lord (Numbers 27:22-23).

(A) To Impart Blessings

(1) Impartation of the Holy Spirit

We find that in three out of the five instances where the baptism in the Spirit is mentioned, people received the Spirit through laying on of hands (Acts 8:17-18, Acts 9:12,17, Acts 19:6). Certainly this is not the only way one can receive the Spirit. On the day of Pentecost and in the case of Cornellius and his household we find that the Holy Spirit was given even without the laying on of hands (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46). However, on the basis of all cases considered, we may say that it’s normal and scriptural to seek to be ministered by other believers through the laying on of hands.

(2) Impartation of Healing

The second blessing that is imparted through the laying on of hands is physical healing. In Mark 16:18 we find believers being instructed to lay hands on the sick to impart physical healing. You find this practiced in the ministry of Jesus (Mark 6:5, Luke 4:40, Luke 13:13) and the apostles (Acts 14:3, Acts 5:12, Acts 9:17, Acts 19:11, Acts 28:8).

(3) Impartation of Spiritual Gifts

The third blessing that is imparted through the laying on of hands is spiritual gifts (Romans 1:11-12). Timothy is an example for a person who received spiritual gifts through the laying on of hands. Paul and the group of elders laid hands on him so that he could receive a particular spiritual gift. As a result, the nature of the ministry was revealed to him through prophetic utterances (1 Timothy 4:14,  2 Timothy 1:6). Paul tells Timothy that these prophecies were given so that “by them he may wage the good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18). Note that the two main weapons that are used by the unseen forces of darkness are the weapons of doubt and fear. Like most of us, Timothy would have faced times of great difficulty, failure, and frustration in his ministry. In such periods it is easy to doubt and fear the reality of one’s calling. However, Paul in 2 Timothy 1:6-7 urges Timothy to stir up his spiritual gift by continuing to go forth fearlessly and without doubt.

(B) To Impart Authority and to Commission Ministers

This is last purpose of the laying on of hands. You find this practiced in Acts 13:1-4 where, through the laying on of hands, Barnabas and Saul were sent out for the work Abba had called them to. (Also read Acts 6:1-6)

Who Can Lay Hands?

Some people believe it’s only the apostles who can lay hands on others. However, this is not so. In Acts 9:12, we find the Lord sending Ananias to lay hands on Paul. Ananias, obviously wasn’t one among the apostles; he is simply referred to as “a certain disciple of the Lord” (Acts 9:10). Therefore, every believer who has something worth to impart is eligible to lay hands on others.

Do not take it lightly

Paul  warns us in 1 Timothy 5:22 not to take the laying on of hands lightly or carelessly. He follows this with two distinct warnings: 1) not to share in other people’s sins, 2) to keep oneself pure. It is no accident that these two warnings follow the warning not to lay hands on anyone hastily. For in the act of the laying on of hands, two spirits are coming in contact. In this contact there is always a possibility of spiritual harm resulting to one or both of the believers. Therefore, this ministry must always be exercised in a spirit of prayer and humility, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The believer who lays hands must be so empowered by the Holy Spirit that he is able to overcome any kind of evil influence.

If you have been empowered to do the works of the Lord, I encourage you to wisely use this medium to impart what Abba has given you by His Spirit. Remember, freely you have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8)

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