Question #146

Did Timothy receive any spiritual gift by the laying on of hands?

Did Timothy receive any spiritual gift by the laying on of the elders’ hands in 1 Tim. 4:14? was the statement that Simon gave concerning that the gift being given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands exclusive of the process being given by any other means?

The Answer:

For the initial response to this question you are referred to the answers to Question 9 and Question 27, together with Class:Questions, Lesson 12. All of these relate directly to the work of the Holy Spirit. You should also read our lesson on Miracles or Magic that deals with modern day “miracles.” This question seeks additional information related to how spiritual gifts were bestowed on believers in the early church.

Acts 8 records that the evangelist Philip went to Samaria and preached Christ. One of the converts was Simon who before his conversion had used sorcery in the city. When the apostles heard of that which had occurred in Samaria they sent Peter and John who came and laid their hands on the converts who then received the Holy Ghost. This cannot be a reference to the “gift of the Holy Spirit” referenced in Acts 2:38 because that was promised upon repentance and baptism for the remission of sins. The immediate context confirms this because it was this imparting of spiritual gifts that caught Simon’s attention. This impartation was not something that Philip could do even though he himself had miraculous powers. 8:6-7. Thus, only the apostles could impart spiritual gifts through the laying on of their hands. This being the case, since the elders who laid hands on Timothy were not apostles, it is clear that Timothy received no miraculous gifts from that process. Why, then, did the elders lay hands on Timothy? This passage must be read in conjunction with 2 Tim. 1:6 where Paul affirms that the “gift of God” that was in Timothy came from the laying on of Paul’s hands. Many suppose that these two passages related to the same occasion, and that in one Paul emphasizes the laying on of the elders’ hands and in the other emphasizes his own laying on of hands. The reference in 1 Tim. could have been in recognition of Paul’s leaving Timothy to serve as his emissary in the area upon Paul’s departure, with the elders participating to recognize Timothy’s function and to indicate that agreement and blessing upon his service. From scripture it is clear that any miraculous gifts were imparted by the hands of Paul.