LAID THEIR HANDS ON THEM / ACTS 6:6

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(KJV) Acts 6:6

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Set Apart to Serve: The Power of Laying on of Hands in Acts 6:6

In the bustling days of the early church, growth brought great joy—but it also brought practical challenges. As the number of disciples multiplied, a need arose for faithful administration to ensure no one was overlooked. The solution? Setting apart seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.

Acts 6:6 records the pivotal moment these men were presented to the apostles: “They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.”

This sacred act of laying on of hands holds deep biblical significance. Far from a mere ritual, it is a foundational practice in the New Testament.

Five Ways the Laying on of Hands is Used in Scripture

Miracles of Healing: Bringing physical restoration to the sick (Acts 28:8; Matthew 5:23; Mark 6:5).
Blessing Others: Bestowing divine favor and prayer over someone (Matthew 19:13, 15).
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Welcoming believers into the empowering presence of the Spirit (Acts 8:17, 19; Acts 19:6).
Commissioning for Specific Work: Officially assigning people to distinct responsibilities (Acts 6:6; Acts 13:3; 1 Timothy 5:22).
Conveying or Recognizing Spiritual Gifts: Affirming the God-given abilities of believers through church leaders (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).

Servant Leadership and Accountability

In Acts 6, this laying on of hands was directly linked to commissioning. The seven men were chosen to “wait on” tables—a phrase derived from the same Greek root that gives us the word deacon, meaning minister or servant.

When the apostles laid hands on these seven servants, it represented two powerful realities:

Public Recognition: It was a collective testimony from the church, affirming that these men possessed proven godly character, wisdom, and faithfulness to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Sacred Consecration: It was an act of setting them apart, dedicating them wholly to God’s work, and confirming their willingness to accept their responsibilities.

Crucially, this physical act was never detached from prayer. The laying on of hands does not mean the person ministering holds the power. Instead, paired with prayer, it keeps the focus entirely on God as the true source of all spiritual gifts, blessings, and assignments.

Today, whether we are called to lead, teach, or serve behind the scenes, we are all invited to step into our roles with the same humility and dedication as the early deacons.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the beautiful blueprint of community and leadership You have given us in Your Word. We thank You for the gift of spiritual leaders and servants who dedicate their lives to building up Your Church.

Lord, keep us mindful that every good gift and every calling comes directly from You. Help us to value the spirit of a servant, remembering that to minister is to love and care for Your people. We pray for those who have been set apart for specific tasks in the ministry today; grant them wisdom, endurance, and an abundance of Your Holy Spirit.

Search our hearts, Lord, and help us to live lives of proven character and faithfulness. Whatever work You place before us today, may we do it with joy, humility, and the strength that You provide. We focus our eyes on You, our ultimate source of healing, empowerment, and grace.

In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray, Amen.

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