Laying on of Hands

Numbers 8-9; Acts 28

“’You are to bring the Levites before the Lord, and the Israelites are to lay their hands on them.’”

Numbers 8:10

“His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.”

Acts 28:8

The practice of “laying on of hands” is a foundational teaching that every Christ-follower should know (Hebrews 6:1, 2). Laying on of hands was used to consecrate, or set apart, the Levites for service on behalf of the Israelites. The Levites were in place of the tithe of the first-born son from every Israelite family. When we lay hands on someone, there is transference from one person to another. In the story of Paul healing Publius’ father on Malta, Paul laid hands on a sick person and the healing power of Jesus restored the man (James 5:14-16). When the early disciples laid hands on people, they received the gift of the Holy Spirit and their spiritual gifts were released to the people. We pass on to others what we have, which requires care and discernment, both when we lay hands on others, and when others lay hands on us. The principle of transference is significant, both for good and for harm. When properly practiced, laying on of hands is a significant blessing in the kingdom of God.

“Lord Jesus, I pray your hand on my life this day, for your glory.”