The laying on of hands in connection with baptism is a practice found in the New Testament that was used to impart the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit to believers in the early church. It is important to distinguish this from water baptism itself. Water baptism was an outward symbol of repentance and a life dedicated to Christ, but the miraculous gifts of the Spirit were not automatically received through immersion in water. Rather, these gifts were bestowed through the laying on of hands.
One clear example is found in Acts 8:14-19. Philip preached in Samaria, and many people believed and were baptized. However, the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon them in the sense of receiving miraculous gifts. When the apostles Peter and John arrived from Jerusalem, they prayed for the believers and laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Simon the sorcerer observed that these gifts were bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands and even attempted to purchase that authority with money.
Another example appears in Acts 19:1-7. Paul met about twelve men in Ephesus who had only received John’s baptism of repentance. After teaching them about Jesus, Paul baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus. He then laid his hands upon them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them. As a result, they spoke in tongues and prophesied, demonstrating the reception of miraculous spiritual gifts.
A third example is found in Acts 9:17-18. Before Saul of Tarsus was baptized, Ananias was sent to him and laid hands on him so that he might regain his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. This event marked Saul’s beginning as a follower of Christ and demonstrates another connection between the laying on of hands and the work of the Holy Spirit.
The New Testament indicates that the apostles possessed a unique authority in transmitting these miraculous gifts. While other believers, such as Philip, could preach, perform miracles, and baptize converts, they could not pass along these spiritual gifts to others. The laying on of hands for this purpose required apostolic authority.
These miraculous gifts served an important purpose in the early church. Before the completion and widespread availability of the New Testament Scriptures, gifts such as tongues, prophecy, and miraculous knowledge helped spread and confirm the gospel message, particularly in diverse cities and language groups throughout the Roman Empire.
It is also helpful to distinguish the laying on of hands from the appointment of church leaders. In Acts 14:23, the Greek word cheirotoneo, often translated “ordained,” literally carries the idea of selecting or appointing by a show of hands. This differs from the laying on of hands used to impart miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit. The two practices served different purposes and should not be confused.
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1217: “Should Christians Be Practicing Laying on of Hands?”
Discovering the meaning and use of “laying on of hands” for Christians
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
