Question:
Explain what the gift of laying on of hands is and how we use the gift today (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).

Answer:
The gift to which 1 Timothy 4:14 refers is not the laying on of hands. There is no Scripture that I know of that says the laying on of hands is a gift. The gift referred to in this verse is the spiritual gift that Christ, the risen Head of the Church, bestowed upon Timothy. The manner in which Timothy received this gift is unique, that is, we have no record in the Scriptures of anyone else ever receiving a gift in such a manner. There was prophecy from God concerning Timothy and his gift, though Scripture is silent about it except for the mention of it, so we have no way of knowing exactly what that prophecy said. Further, Paul was the Lord’s human instrument in conveying that gift to Timothy (2 Timothy 1:6) and the elders showed their fellowship with Timothy in that gift by the laying on of their hands.

Whenever we read of the laying on of hands it is always an act of approval and fellowship with the work of God on earth toward those whom the Lord has called to serve Him. It is never a bestowal of authority to or any control over the Lord’s servants, such as we commonly see practiced in Christendom today.

We can use the laying on of hands today by showing our fellowship with those who serve the Lord by the authority of His call, though a handshake is the common practice in the western world.