The Doctrine of Christ – Laying on of Hands

The laying on of hands is one of the foundational doctrines of Christ as listed in Hebrews 6:1-2 (NKJV):

“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”

This practice has been present throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament to the early church, as a means of imparting blessing, authority, healing, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the activation of spiritual gifts.

1. Biblical Purposes of Laying on of Hands

A. Blessing & Spiritual Authority

The laying on of hands was often used as a means of imparting blessings and transferring spiritual authority.

• Genesis 48:14 (NKJV)

  “Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn.”

• Numbers 27:18-20 (NKJV)

  “And the Lord said to Moses: ‘Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and inaugurate him in their sight. And you shall give some of your authority to him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.’”

Moses laid hands on Joshua to impart leadership, demonstrating that spiritual authority and divine commissioning are conferred through this act.

B. Healing & Miracles

Jesus and His disciples used the laying on of hands to bring healing and perform miracles.

• Mark 16:17-18 (NKJV)

  “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

• Acts 28:8 (NKJV)

  “And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.”

Through faith, healing is released when hands are laid on the sick, demonstrating the power of God at work through His people.

C. Impartation of the Holy Spirit & Spiritual Gifts

The apostles laid hands on new believers to receive the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts.

• Acts 8:17 (NKJV)

  “Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”

• Acts 19:6 (NKJV)

  “And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.”

• 2 Timothy 1:6 (NKJV)

  “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

• 1 Timothy 4:14 (NKJV)

  “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.”

The early church leaders laid hands to impart spiritual gifts and callings, signifying an important step in ministry activation.

2. Why Does This Matter Today?

The laying on of hands is not just a historical practice but an essential part of the Christian walk. Jesus Himself promised that those who believe in Him will continue in His works.

• Luke 11:13 (NKJV)

  “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

• John 14:12 (NKJV)

  “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”

• Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

  “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

3. The Call to Action – Are You Ready?

God has called His church to operate in faith, power, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we should actively participate in this biblical practice to bless, heal, and equip others for ministry.

• Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

  “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

• James 5:14-15 (NKJV)

  “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

• Acts 13:2-3 (NKJV)

  “As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”

Final Thoughts

The doctrine of laying on of hands is a powerful, biblical practice that continues today. It is a means of blessing, healing, impartation, and commissioning. God desires for every believer to experience His power and to be used as a vessel to minister to others.

Are you ready to receive and operate in this biblical principle? Seek the Lord, pray for His anointing, and step out in faith to impart His love and power through the laying on of hands!