How Many Times is Laying on of Hands in the Bible?
Laying on of hands is a significant practice in Christianity, where a person’s hands are placed on another person’s head or shoulders as a symbol of divine authority, blessing, and impartation of spiritual gifts. The Bible mentions the laying on of hands several times, and in this article, we will explore how many times this practice is mentioned in the Scripture.
Direct Answer to the Question
According to the Bible, the laying on of hands is mentioned five times:
- Acts 6:6 – The disciples laid hands on the apostles to commission them to their ministry.
- Acts 13:3 – The apostles laid hands on Barnabas and Saul to commission them to their missionary journey.
- 1 Timothy 4:14 – Timothy was to be blessed and ordained through the laying on of hands.
- 1 Timothy 5:22 – To commission elders, the church is to lay hands on them.
- 2 Timothy 1:6 – Paul was commending Timothy to lay hands on others to commission them.
When is the Laying on of Hands Used?
The laying on of hands is used in various contexts in the Bible:
- Commissioning: The laying on of hands is used to commission individuals to their ministry, mission, or office. (Acts 6:6, Acts 13:3)
- Ordination: The laying on of hands is used to ordain individuals to a particular office or position in the church. (1 Timothy 4:14)
- Healing: The laying on of hands is used to heal the sick. (Mark 16:18)
- Blessing: The laying on of hands is used to bless individuals or groups. (Numbers 8:10, Acts 19:5-6)
Scriptural Examples of Laying on of Hands
Here are some scriptural examples of laying on of hands:
| Scripture | Context | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 6:6 | Commissioning of apostles | Apostles were commissioned for their ministry |
| Acts 13:3 | Commissioning of Barnabas and Saul | They were commissioned for their missionary journey |
| 1 Timothy 4:14 | Ordination of Timothy | Timothy was ordained and blessed |
| 1 Timothy 5:22 | Commissioning of elders | Elders were commissioned |
| 2 Timothy 1:6 | Commissioning of others | Others were commissioned |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the laying on of hands is a significant practice in Christianity, mentioned five times in the Bible. It is used in various contexts, including commissioning, ordination, healing, and blessing. The Bible provides several examples of the laying on of hands, demonstrating its importance in the Christian faith.