New Testament Worship: Hand Laying, Anointing, Holy Kiss

There are other aspects of the New Testament church that many may not consider part of “worship services” but were certainly part of the gatherings of the first Christians. These aspects were things like laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and the holy kiss. 

Laying on of Hands

The act of laying hands on someone starts in the Old Testament. When fathers would go to bless their children or pass on authority to another they would place their hands on them to transfer the blessing or position. It was also used when sins were transferred symbolically to an animal. 

In the New Testament we see Jesus healing people by placing his hands on them (Mark 6:5). It was also used to empower the Holy Spirit on believers (Acts 8:17) and ordain or commit someone on a mission (Acts 13:3). For Paul, he sees a direct correlation between Timothy having the gift of God’s Spirit and his laying hands on Timothy (1 Tim 4:14, 2 Tim 1:6). In the church, the laying on of hands was something the first Christians had been familiar with for centuries. Instead of laying hands being associated with animal sacrifices and familial blessings, it had been transformed into a way to bring about the blessing of God (the Spirit), heal and commit to God’s missions. It was an act they found very important and it is listed in the basic teachings every believer should have as a foundational belief (Hebrews 6:2).  

Anointing

Anointing people with oil was an ancient practice that finds its origins in the Old Testament. We first see anointing with regard to anointing priests for their duties and position. Kings and even some prophets are anointed as a sign of God’s favor in the position they are taking up.

In the New Testament, it came to symbolize healing (James 5:14) from sickness. Jesus is also anointed with oil on his feet to symbolize his preparation for burial. Anointing with oil was a symbol of God’s presence and Spirit (1 Samuel) which is why it was used when people were being prayed for for healing in the church gathering. 

Holy Kiss

The holy kiss is referenced several times in Paul’s letter and once in Peter’s first letter. Each time it is used in reference to greeting one another. This would be a hug or handshake today when we greet brothers and sisters in Christ. The holy kiss or sacred kiss was used with those terms because it symbolizes the unity and oneness of the body. When you greeted someone with a kiss, it showed the unity and love between the believers in Jesus. History showed this practice phased out in most churches by the third century. Today the question of should Christians be greeting each other with a kiss comes up when we read this passage. In my mind, if we are greeting each other in a way that promotes what the kiss did for them, peace and unity, then that practice is accepted. I do believe we should still keep the spirit of what the kiss represented, love and unity in the body of Christ.