The Doctrine of laying on of hands has extensive applications in the Church. One of which is the laying on of hands to receive the Holy Ghost.
It’s a common practice to lay hands in churches. We lay hands to bless, in ordination, the dedication of a baby, "healing services", to pray and so on.
Even the routine of laying on of hands to receive the Holy Spirit is commonplace.
The Doctrine of laying on of hands has extensive applications in the Church. One of which is the laying on of hands to receive the Holy Ghost.
It’s a common practice to lay hands in churches. We lay hands to bless, in ordination, the dedication of a baby, “healing services”, to pray and so on.
Even the routine of laying on of hands to receive the Holy Spirit is commonplace.
However, the result is very few and scarce. In more than 35 years, I probably have seen countless acts of Believers laying hands on others to receive the Holy Ghost, but only seen two or three persons (the most) actually received Him. It’s not an everyday event.
Nevertheless, it’s not a futile gesture. It’s a powerful Christian principle. It’s an invaluable tool for a Believer in Jesus Christ. But it is not necessary in every instance for a “Seeker” to receive the Holy Spirit in this manner.
The Laying on of Hands to Receive the Holy Ghost Started With 2 Apostles
The Laying on of hands of Believers on other Christians “seeking” the Holy Ghost is biblical. It started in the newly founded church in Samaria.
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost” (Acts 8:14-17).
Both Apostles Peter and John “prayed for them” that they would receive the Holy Ghost. But they didn’t.
“Then”, they decided to lay their hands on them. They did and the Samaritans Brethren received the Holy Ghost.
This Might Man of God Received the Promise of the Father in this Manner
Next, a disciple living in Damascus nameAnanias laid his hands on Saul of Tarsus and he received the Holy Ghost.
“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 9:17).
Twelve Believers Received the Comforter by Laying on of Hands
Finally, after the conversion of Saul, now call Paul, he also laid his hand on a number of Believers. They experienced water baptism. But now they need to receive the Holy Spirit.
He laid his hands on them and all twelve of them simultaneously received the Holy Ghost just like he did before them.
” When Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
… all the men were about twelve” (Acts 19:5-7).
Conclusion
The laying on of hands to receive the Holy Ghost is for Believers. It’s not for skeptics and unbelievers. They have no place in this.
Nevertheless, it’s not for every Believer. The Lord sent the Brethren in all three instances detailed above. They laid their hands on others and they received Him.
As a result, no doubts exist. If the Lord sent you; and you lay hands; He will give His Spirit, and Believers will receive Him. So, lay hands in the name of Jesus.
Please share. Blessings!!
Leroy A. Daley
Leroy A. Daley is an author, blogger, YouTuber, and Bible teacher. Globally, he's helped hundreds of Christians understand the Bible better. He has been studying and teaching the Bible for more than forty years. He is passionate about the Lord and spends quality time with the Word of God every day.
His Books are available for purchase wherever books are sold.
All true… what about Peter going to Cornilious’ house… the Holy Spirit fell before he’d finished preaching? No hands were laid on Acts 10:44.
Hi Tony, thanks for your comments. In Cornelius’ case, there was no need, for he and his household all accepted, believed, and received the Word of God with all their hearts.
I wish I knew a Paul with the authority to lay on hands.
Using the Bible as my guide, I would describe a Prayer Warrior as a Believer, in Jesus Christ, who commits to praying fervently and consistently for themselves, their families, others, their local church, the community they belong to, the body of Christ, and various other needs and entities.
Additionally, I could also say that a Prayer Warrior is a Christian who actively engages in spiritual warfare and intercession while seeking spiritual breakthroughs or solutions.
The call of a prayer warrior is divine. He or she fights in the spirit and not in the natural realm.
When we pray, we pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ while putting on the complete Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Without it, prayer warriors are susceptible to damage from the Enemy. So, it is vital for them to put on the complete Armor of God.
3 Responses
All true… what about Peter going to Cornilious’ house… the Holy Spirit fell before he’d finished preaching? No hands were laid on Acts 10:44.
Hi Tony, thanks for your comments. In Cornelius’ case, there was no need, for he and his household all accepted, believed, and received the Word of God with all their hearts.
I wish I knew a Paul with the authority to lay on hands.