Laying On Of Hands: Imparting The Spirit and Gifts

BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT.
As we saw on our study of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, very often this process was accompanied by the laying on of hands.

In three of the five description of people receiving the Holy Spirit it was accompanied by the laying on of hands.

Acts 8:14-17
14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Peter and John were sent to the new Samaritan believers. They placed their hands on them and at this they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 9:17Then 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."

Here Ananias lays his hands on the blinded Apostle Paul and he receives healing and the filling of the Holy Spirit. Again it was transmitted through the laying on of hands.

Finally we see Paul himself laying hands on the Ephesians disciples.

Acts 19:5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

The baptism in the Spirit was transmitted through his laying of hands. So though we may say that the laying of hands is not absolutely necessary for the reception of the Spirit. It is described that way in the majority of cases. So we may say that it is normal and scriptural for those seeking the Baptism in the Spirit to be ministered to by other believers through laying on of hands.

Spiritual Gifts.
Not only the Baptism of the Spirit is imparted through the laying on of hands, spiritual gifts as well, may be transmitted through the laying on of hands.

Rom 1:11-13
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong- 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.
NIV

New spiritual gifts helps the church to strengthen one another and build one another up.

Unfortunately the church tends to treat spiritual gifts as if its like some extra things, like fancy hubcaps for a car, instead of essential, like the "engine" of the church. The attitude that these are just extras is not a biblical attitude. The gifts are an integral part of the total plan of the church

1 Tim 4:14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

2 Tim 1:5-6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.


Timothy received some definite spiritual gift through the laying on of hands. What it was is not as important as knowing that this gift was transmitted through the laying on of hands.

Do you need the baptism of the Holy Spirit, or are you eagerly desiring some spiritual gift? Layning on of hands is a legitimate means to both.

Blessings!