What does the New Testament say about laying on of hands?

What Does the New Testament Say About Laying on of Hands?

The practice of laying on of hands is a significant aspect of Christian worship and tradition, but what does the New Testament say about it? In this article, we will explore the biblical accounts of laying on of hands and its significance in the Christian faith.

Direct Answers

The New Testament has several instances of laying on of hands, and its significance can be summarized in the following points:

• Healing: Laying on of hands was often associated with healing in the New Testament. For example, Jesus laid hands on the sick and restored them to health (Matthew 9:18-22, Mark 7:32-35, Luke 13:10-13).
• Baptism: In the New Testament, the laying on of hands is also associated with baptism (Acts 8:12-17, 9:17-18). This practice was used to confer the Holy Spirit and to seal the believer with the gift of salvation.
• Ordination: The laying on of hands was also used to ordain or commission leaders and ministers in the early church (Acts 6:6, 13:3, 1 Timothy 4:14).
• Prayer and Intercession: Laying on of hands was also used in prayer and intercession. For example, Jesus commanded his disciples to pray by laying hands on the sick (James 5:14-15).

Significance of Laying on of Hands

While the New Testament does not provide a comprehensive doctrine of laying on of hands, its significance can be seen in the following ways:

• Symbolic act: Laying on of hands was a symbolic act that conveyed the transfer of spiritual power, authority, and blessing from one person to another.
• Mediatorial role: Jesus, as the mediator between God and humanity, was often depicted as laying on of hands, signifying his role as the One who brings salvation and restoration to humanity.
• Connection to the divine: Laying on of hands was a way to connect with the divine, both in terms of seeking God’s power and authority and in terms of expressing humanity’s dependence on God.
• Community building: Laying on of hands was often a communal experience, bringing believers together to pray, worship, and seek God’s blessing and guidance.

Biblical Examples

Here are some biblical examples of laying on of hands:

• Jesus healing the blind man: Jesus laid his hands on the blind man and restored his sight (Matthew 9:27-31).
• Jesus healing the woman with an issue of blood: Jesus laid his hands on the woman and healed her from her affliction (Luke 8:40-48).
• Ordination of the Twelve Apostles: Jesus laid hands on the Twelve Apostles, commissioning them to carry out his mission (Luke 6:13).
• Ordination of Paul and Barnabas: The church at Antioch laid hands on Paul and Barnabas, commissioning them for their missionary journey (Acts 13:3).
• Prayer of healing: James instructed his readers to pray by laying hands on the sick (James 5:14-15).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the laying on of hands is a significant practice in the New Testament, associated with healing, baptism, ordination, and prayer. It is a symbolic act that conveys the transfer of spiritual power, authority, and blessing from one person to another. While its significance may vary depending on the context, laying on of hands remains an important aspect of Christian worship and tradition.

Table of References

Bible Verses

• "And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight." (Luke 13:13)
• "Now when the apostles at Antioch saw how large a ministry the Lord was giving to them, they took action, choosing Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, who was one of the seven, and they laid their hands on them." (Acts 6:6)
• "So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’" (Acts 9:17)

Note: The highlighted or bolded text are the significant points in the article.