Acts 8:17

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Then the apostles placed their hands on [some of] them [and prayed, see verse 15] and they received [miraculous power from] the Holy Spirit.

Cross References

Mark 5:23

He begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is about to die; [please] come and place your hands on her so she may be healed and live.”

Acts 13:3

Then, as these prophets and teachers fasted and prayed [for the two men], they placed their hands on them [signifying their appointment for this ministry] and sent them away.

Acts 19:6

Then Paul placed his hands on them and [the supernatural power of] the Holy Spirit came on them and they [began to] speak in [other] languages and prophesy [i.e., speak God's message].

Acts 2:4

And they [i.e., the apostles] were all filled with [the power of] the Holy Spirit and began to speak [“the mighty accomplishments of God,” See verse 11] in different languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them the ability.

Acts 6:6

[Then] they presented these men to the apostles, who prayed for them while placing their hands on them [to signify their appointment].

Acts 8:18

Now when Simon saw that through the placing of the apostles’ hands [on people] the Holy Spirit was given [Note: The fact that Simon “saw” something happen suggests it was supernatural and therefore highly desirable by Simon], he offered to pay them money [for this power],

Acts 9:17

So, Ananias left and went to Judas’ house and placed his hands on Saul saying, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you as you were traveling on the road [to Damascus] sent me so you could receive your sight [back] and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 1:11

For I long to see you so that I can provide you with some spiritual gift [See I Cor. 12:1-11], for the purpose of strengthening you [in the faith].

1 Timothy 4:14

Do not neglect [using] the gift [i.e., of serving as an evangelist. See II Tim. 4:5], which was given to you in response to a prophetic message [or, prediction], along with the laying on of the elders’ hands [i.e., signifying your appointment].

1 Timothy 5:22

Do not be in a hurry to lay hands on anyone [i.e., to appoint them to office. See 4:14], and do not participate in the sins of other people. [Note: If Timothy failed to carefully determine the qualifications of a prospective elder before appointing him, it would make him partially responsible for any wrongdoing by that elder]. Keep yourself pure [i.e., of involvement in anyone’s sins].

2 Timothy 1:6

The reason I am reminding you [of these things] is so that you will rekindle the gift from God, which is in your life through the laying on my hands. [Note: This “gift” was probably his ordination to serve as an evangelist (See 4:1-5), and in addition, may have included a supernatural “spiritual gift” bestowed by the apostle Paul].

Hebrews 6:2

and of teaching about immersions [Note: The use of the plural word here suggests teaching on the distinctions between Jewish washings and John’s and Christian immersion, whether in water or the Holy Spirit. See Acts 19:1-7], and about placing hands on people [Note: This act was practiced in the appointment of church leaders, in healing sick people and to impart supernatural gifts], and about people being raised from the dead and about never ending judgment.