Healing by Hands in Ancient Times

The natural process of healing was thought by early peoples to be affected by God and his priests and saints. Healers used the laying on of hands and special words and prayers. 

The healing of the sick by touch and the laying on of hands has been practiced for centuries. In the Hebrew Bible there are numerous examples of healing by touch with hands. 

The Christian New Testament is particularly rich in examples of the efficacy of the laying on of hands, healing by this method being a major theme in the early Christian church. 

“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery” ( 1 Tim: 4:14) was the principal maximum of the apostles, for the practical use of their powers for the good of their brethren in Christ. 

St. Paul was remarkable for his powers. “And it came to pass that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux; to whom Paul entered in, and prayed and laid his hands on him and healed him”
(Acts 28:8). 

And again:

“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house, and putting his hands on him,, said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me that thou mayest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, and he received sight”

(Acts 9:17-8). 

“Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.”

(Luke 4:40) 

They took their lead from Jesus’ words: “In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay their hands on the sick and they shall recover.”

 (Mark 16:17-18) 

Other passages on healing are scattered throughout the four gospels. In the histories of the saints, innumerable examples are recorded.