What does the "laying their hands" symbolize, and how can we practice this today? Setting of the Passage “When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.” (Acts 6:6) What Laying on of Hands Meant in Scripture • Identification • Old Covenant priests placed hands on the sin-bearer (Leviticus 16:21), showing the people’s guilt transferred to the sacrifice. • Impartation of Authority • Moses laid hands on Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23; Deuteronomy 34:9), publicly recognizing God’s call and conferring leadership. • Blessing • Jesus “placed His hands on them and blessed them” (Mark 10:16). • Healing • “They will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well” (Mark 16:18). • Reception of the Holy Spirit & Spiritual Gifts • Acts 8:17; 19:6; 1 Timothy 4:14. • Commissioning for Ministry • Acts 6:6; 13:3—prayer, fasting, laying on hands, sending workers. Why God Uses This Symbol • Physical contact underscores unity in the body of Christ. • It testifies that any power or blessing comes from God, not from the individuals. • It visibly links words (prayer, prophecy) with action, making an intangible grace tangible. • It guards order: only recognized, faithful believers should commission or endorse others (1 Timothy 5:22). Practicing Laying on of Hands Today • Commissioning & Ordination • When a church appoints elders, missionaries, or ministry leaders, the existing leadership prays and lays hands on them, just as the apostles did (Acts 13:3). • Praying for the Sick • Believers may gently place a hand on the shoulder or head of the ill person while praying for healing, trusting God’s promise (James 5:14-16; Mark 16:18). • Blessing Children or New Believers • Parents, grandparents, or church leaders may lay hands on children or those freshly baptized, speaking Scripture-based blessings (Mark 10:16). • Seeking the Spirit’s Empowerment • Mature believers pray for others to be filled with the Holy Spirit, laying hands as the apostles did (Acts 8:17; 19:6). Practical Guidelines • Always combine the gesture with clear, biblical prayer; the act alone has no power. • Maintain propriety—ask permission, respect personal boundaries, and involve trusted witnesses. • Use in accordance with church leadership and doctrine; avoid hasty endorsement (1 Timothy 5:22). • Remember the purpose: to glorify Christ, edify the body, and serve others in love. Takeaway Laying on of hands is a God-given sign of identification, blessing, impartation, and commissioning. Practiced biblically, it remains a vital, tangible expression of faith, unity, and dependence on the Holy Spirit in the church today. |
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