Topical Encyclopedia The imposition of hands, also known as the laying on of hands, is a significant biblical practice used in the ordination of ministers and the conferring of spiritual authority and blessing. This practice is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments and serves as a symbolic act of consecration, empowerment, and the transmission of spiritual gifts.Old Testament Foundations The laying on of hands is first seen in the Old Testament, where it is used for various purposes, including the blessing of individuals and the commissioning of leaders. In Numbers 27:18-23, Moses lays hands on Joshua to commission him as his successor, signifying the transfer of leadership and authority. This act is described as follows: "So Moses did as the LORD commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD had instructed through Moses" (Numbers 27:22-23). New Testament Practice In the New Testament, the laying on of hands becomes a central rite in the ordination of ministers and the impartation of the Holy Spirit. The practice is notably seen in the early church's appointment of deacons and elders. In Acts 6:6, the apostles lay hands on the seven chosen men, including Stephen and Philip, to appoint them to serve: "They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them" (Acts 6:6). The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of this practice in his letters. In 1 Timothy 4:14, Paul reminds Timothy of the spiritual gift he received through the laying on of hands by the elders: "Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you" (1 Timothy 4:14). Similarly, in 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul encourages Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands" (2 Timothy 1:6). Symbolism and Significance The laying on of hands in ordination symbolizes the setting apart of an individual for a specific ministry or service within the church. It represents the acknowledgment of God's calling and the church's recognition of the individual's qualifications and readiness to serve. This act also signifies the impartation of the Holy Spirit's power and gifts necessary for the ministry. The practice underscores the continuity of apostolic authority and the transmission of spiritual leadership within the church. It serves as a visible and tangible expression of the church's unity and the shared responsibility of its leaders to shepherd the flock of God. Conclusion The imposition of hands remains a vital and meaningful tradition in the ordination of ministers, reflecting biblical principles and the church's commitment to maintaining the integrity and continuity of its leadership. Through this practice, the church seeks to honor God's calling and equip its leaders for faithful service in the advancement of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 6:6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Timothy 4:14 Library The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen. Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ... The Progress of Prelacy. The General Conference of 1840 An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ... Tendencies Toward a Manifestation of the Unity of the American ... Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ... Examination of the Treatise Memoir of John Bunyan Resources Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship? | GotQuestions.orgLaying on of hands - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus say, “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” on the cross? | GotQuestions.org Hands: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Bloody The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Ensnaring to Themselves The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Mischievous The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Slothful The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Violent The Hands were Lifted up in Blessing The Hands were Lifted up in Praise The Hands were Lifted up in Prayer The Hands were Lifted up in Taking an Oath The Hands were Washed in Token of Innocency The Hands were Washed: After Touching an Unclean Person The Hands were Washed: Before Eating The Hands: (Cutting off) of Extreme Self-Denial The Hands: (Lifted up Against Another) of Rebellion The Hands: (Opened) Liberality The Hands: (Shut) Illiberality The Hands: Clapped Together in Joy The Hands: Criminals often: Bound By The Hands: Criminals often: Deprived of The Hands: Criminals often: Hung By The Hands: Criminals often: Mutilated In The Hands: Custom of Domestics Pouring Water Upon, Alluded To The Hands: Distinguished as The Left The Hands: Distinguished as The Right The Hands: Imposition of, a First Principle of the Doctrine of Christ The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Blessing The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Conferring Civil Power The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Imparting the Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Ordaining Ministers The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Setting Apart the Levites The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Transferring Guilt of Sacrifices The Hands: Kissed in Idolatrous Worship The Hands: Many Alike Expert With Both The Hands: Many had More Command of the Left The Hands: Necessary Members of the Body The Hands: Often Spread out in Prayer The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Feeling The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Holding The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Making Signs The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Striking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Taking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Working The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Writing The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Fingers The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Palm The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Thumb The Hands: Placed Under the Thigh of a Person to Whom an Oath Was Made The Hands: Right Hand of Strength and Power The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Bribes) of Corruption The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Falsehood) of Deceitfulness The Hands: Right Hand: (Holding By) of Support The Hands: Right Hand: (Standing At) Protection The Hands: Right Hand: (Withdrawn) Support Withheld The Hands: Saints Blessed in the Work of The Hands: Servants Directed by Movements of The Hands: should be Employed in Acts of Benevolence The Hands: should be Employed in God's Service The Hands: should be Employed: Industriously The Hands: Smitten Together in Extreme Anger The Hands: Stretched out in Derision The Hands: Suretiship Entered Into by Striking The Hands: The Jews Carried a Staff In, when Walking The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Blood of his Sacrifice The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Oil The Hands: The Right Hand of Priests Touched With Blood of Consecration-Ram The Hands: The Right Hand used in Embracing The Hands: The Right Hand: Given in Token of Friendship The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Honor The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Power The Hands: The Right Hand: Signet Worn On The Hands: The Right Hand: Sworn By The Hands: The Right Hand: The Accuser Stood At, of the Accused The Hands: The Wicked Recompensed for the Work of The Hands: Treaties Made by Joining Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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