Imparting Spiritual Gifts

The next purpose for the laying on of hands is the imparting of spiritual gifts. From the passages in the New Testament where this is referred to, it would appear that it is commonly associated with the exercise of the gift of prophecy.

First of all it is necessary to establish that there is scriptural authority for a believer imparting spiritual gifts to others.

“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established – that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” (Rom. 1:11-12)

Here Paul says that one reason why he desires to visit the Christians at Rome is that he may be able to impart to them “some spiritual gift.” He explains also the effect which he intends this to produce upon the Christians there, for he adds, “so that you may be established.” In other words, the imparting of spiritual gifts to Christians is one scriptural way of establishing or strengthening them in their faith and spiritual experience.

In the next verse Paul explains more fully the results that would follow from the manifestation of new spiritual gifts among the Christians at Rome.

“That is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” (Rom 1:12)

The free operation of spiritual gifts within a congregation enables the various members to comfort, to encourage and to strengthen one another. In this way, not only would Paul, as a preacher, be ministering to the Christian congregation at Rome, but, through the operation of the spiritual gifts, the members of the congregation would also be able to minister to Paul. The result would thus be the mutual ministry of the various members to each other.