What is the Laying on of Hands?
The laying on of hands is a fundamental doctrine of God’s Church (Hebrews 6:2). It is a symbolic act which sets individuals apart and signifies the conferring of spiritual blessings, authority, or power.
In ancient times, a blessing was often conferred this way – such as when Jacob laid hands on Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh to pass on blessings from God recorded in Genesis 48.
In the New Testament we see that the laying on of hands followed the baptism of repentant converts (Acts 8:14-24; Acts 19:5-6; 2 Timothy 1:6-7). The laying on of hands also accompanies an elder’s prayer when he anoints the sick and afflicted (James 5:14-16; Acts 9:17). Yet, another purpose for the laying on of hands is that of ordination (Acts 6:6; Acts 13:1-3). The laying on of hands serves to demonstrate that God works through His ministers.
