Wisdom, Succession, and the Laying On of Hands

Mr. M

Well-Known Member
Mar 9, 2020
8,129
3,211
Prescott, Az
✟37,027.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Celibate
Deuteronomy 34:
9
Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid
his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had
commanded Moses.
10 But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord
knew face to face.

The Lord bestowed the Spirit of Wisdom Upon Joshua by the laying on of hands
by Moses, the only man to that day who had even spoken with God face to face.
The result of this power with Joshua’s spirit, the people gave heed to his words and
did all that the Lord commanded Moses.
This is confirmed at the end of Joshua’s lifetime.

Joshua 24:31 Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the
elders who outlived Joshua, who had known all the works of the Lord which He had
done for Israel.

Thus we see that the people served the Lord, even after Joshua died, unto all the days
of the elders who had known the Lord’s work. This shows that the people were not
moved by a man or his charisma, but by the Spirit of Wisdom from God, which provided
an Anointing over the entire congregation for a generation.
Is this what occurred with the first century apostolic church?
If there is a clear succession (such as apostleship), the laying on of hands can bestow
spiritual gifts.

2 Timothy 1:
6
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through
the laying on of my hands.
7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and
of a sound mind.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner,
but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
9
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works,
but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus
before time began,
10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who
has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed,
for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what
I have committed to Him until that Day.

13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith
and love which are in Christ Jesus.
14 May That good thing which was committed to you be kept by the Holy Spirit
who dwells in us.