ANSWER:
The laying on of hands is a fundamental doctrine of God’s Church (Hebrews 6:2).
It is a symbolic act which sets individuals apart and signifies the conferring of spiritual blessings, authority, or power. Anciently a blessing was often conferred this way – such as when Jacob laid hands on Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh to pass on blessings from God – Genesis 48.
In the New Testament we see that the laying on of hands followed the baptism of repentant converts (Acts 8:14-24; Acts 19:5-6; II Timothy 1:6-7).
The laying on of hands also accompanies an elder’s prayer when he anoints the sick and afflicted (James 5:14-16; Acts 9:17).
Yet, another purpose for the laying on of hands is that of ordination (Acts 6:6; Acts 13:1-3).
The laying on of hands serves to demonstrate that God works through His ministers.
