THE BOOK OF ACTS FEBRUARY 08, 2026
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS

SCRIPTURE

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the Word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word.” This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert of Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly… Acts 6:1-7


SOMETHING NATURAL

God has created us as affectionate creatures.

Love one another with brotherly affection. Romans 12:10

There is a phenomenon known as “Growth Faltering”, when physical touch is neglected.



SOMETHING SUPERNATURAL

Hebrews 6 says laying hands and prayer is foundational to the Christian faith.

In these moments, there is a spiritual transfer that occurs.

But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me, for I perceive that power has gone out from Me.” Luke 8:46



WHY WE LAY HANDS & PRAY

Partial Credit to Derek Prince

1/ We lay hands and pray because the Bible tells us to.

2/ We lay hands and pray for healing.

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. James 5:14

“They will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:18

Biblically, healing may occur immediately, progressively, or ultimately.

Praise the Lord, my soul. All my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits – Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-3


3/ We lay hands and pray for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them. They had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17

Indwelling: This happens at salvation as the Spirit of God lives within.

Immersion: This may happen at salvation or at a later time.

Infilling: This should happen continually in the life of Christians.


4/ We lay hands and pray for spiritual gifts.

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 2 Timothy 1:6

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong. Romans 1:11


5/ We lay hands and pray for anointing and leadership.

After more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them on their way. Acts 13:2-3

Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. Deuteronomy 34:9


6/ We lay hands and pray for blessing.

Then Jesus took the children in His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:16

“Inheritance is what’s left for you. Legacy is what’s left in you.” Tim Tebow

In the end, faith is required to receive anything from the Lord!