What does the Bible say about the laying on hands?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents the laying on of hands as a meaningful, prayerful sign of blessing, healing, commissioning, and recognition of God-given ministry, while making clear that God alone gives grace and power. Moses laid hands on Joshua as he was appointed to lead Israel (Deuteronomy 34:9), and the church set apart workers through prayer and laying on hands (Acts 13:3). Paul urged Timothy to exercise his received gift faithfully and warned against hastily laying hands on anyone (1 Timothy 4:14; 5:22; 2 Timothy 1:6). In Acts, the practice sometimes accompanied healing and the visible reception of the Spirit (Acts 8:17; 19:6). It is therefore a sober church practice, not a mechanical rite.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Timothy 4:14
Don't neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.
- Hebrews 6:2
of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
- 1 Timothy 5:22
Lay hands hastily on no one, neither be a participant in other men's sins. Keep yourself pure.
- Acts 19:6
When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with other languages and prophesied.
- 2 Timothy 1:6
For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
- Acts 8:17
Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 13:3
Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
- Deuteronomy 34:9
Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands on him: and the children of Israel listened to him, and did as Yahweh commanded Moses.
- Luke 4:40
When the sun was setting, all those who had any sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
- Mark 6:5
He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people, and healed them.
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