False Teachings on Impartations

Apr 3
4 min read

False teachers have been twisting Scriptures out of context to promote their unbiblical impartations. As a result, people are being opened up to demonic manifestations. As a continuationist, I believe in signs and miracles today. However, I also believe in discernment (1 Pe 5:8), testing the spirits (1 The 5:21, 1 Jn 4:1) and teachings against Scripture (Acts 17:11).

The only Biblical laying on of hands are for Blessing (Mark 10:16), Commissioning (Acts 6:6, Acts 13:3), Healing (Luke 13:13, Matthew 9:18, Acts 28:8) and Baptising with Holy Spirit (Acts 8:16-17, Acts 19:6).

Romans 1:11-12

“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to establish you that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.”

What is Paul imparting?

The Gift (Singular) = The Gospel

Paul uses a literary Inclusio (closed loop) to define his own terms:

Opening (Ro 1:11): Paul's goal is to "establish" (stērichthēnai) the church.
Closing (Ro 16:25): Paul clarifies: God establishes you "according to my Gospel and the message I proclaim."

The "gift" being imparted is the objective truth of Christ, not a transfer of power/anointing.

How is he imparting?

Method = Proclamation

Through Preaching (Kerygma): In this context (Ro 16:25), they are strengthened/established (stērixai) through hearing of the Gospel.
The Power Source: The Gospel itself is the power (dynamis) of God (Ro 1:16).
The Result: Mutual encouragement.

Paul is imparting Biblical Truth on which our faith rests (Ro 10:17).

So, does Romans 1:11-12 support imparting individuals gifts to others?

No, as we've seen, that interpretation doesn't hold up under the weight of the full Biblical context.

2 Timothy 1:6

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

What is the "gift"?

His Calling & Commission

In 1 Timothy 4:14, we see that the elders laid their hands on Timothy as directed by prophesy when commissioning him for his calling.
Paul is writing to a young leader facing fear (2 Ti 1:7). He isn't giving him "more" power; but telling him to use what he already has.

Purpose of the Gift

Divine Equipment

Not for experience: The gift wasn’t for “holy drunkedness” or laughing uncontrollably, but divine equipment to suffer for the Gospel (2 Tim 1:8).

Fruit of the Gift (2 Tim 1:7) :

Power (dynamis): Divine capacility to testify without being ashamed.
Love (agapē): sacrificial, highest love
Sound mind (sōphronismos): Meaning self-discipline, self-control and sober mind.

The Paradigm Shift

False teaching: “I need more power! More impartations and fire, fire, fire!”

Biblical teaching: “I must fan into flame what God has already given me, lean into Him, exercise self-discipline and don’t let fear stop my witness.”

The Mantle of Elijah

Succession or Supernatural Transfer?

“Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." 2 Kings 2:9

Divine Command

Not a Human Choice

Succession, Not Addition: This one-time passing of the torch was because Elijah was leaving. It was an official replacement of a prophet.
Through a Mantle: The cloak was a symbol of prophetic authority.
God commanded it: Elijah didn’t decide himself to pass to a crowd, but rather, God gave a specific order. (1 Kings 19:16).

Elijah Submits to God

The Prophet was not the source

Not through Laying on of Hands: This “impartation” did not involve physical touch or laying on of hands.
Elijah leaves it to God: When Elisha asked for the double portion, Elijah didn't say "Yes, I give it to you!" He said, "You have asked a hard thing" and left it to God, not through laying on of hands (2 Ki 2:10).

Sombre vs Chaos

Holy Fear and Sombreness

Holy Fear: The "sons of the prophets" watching from a distance recognised the authority of God, resulting in reverence, not a loss of physical control or "ecstasy."
When the Spirit moved, Elisha didn’t laugh uncontrollably, act like an animal or “drunk”. He cried out in grief (2 Ki 2:12).

From Chasing to Abiding

Look to God

The False Pursuit: Believing you are "lacking" and must find a human conduit to transfer a missing piece of God’s power to you.
The Biblical Rest: Recognising that God is the Sovereign Giver. Elisha didn't look to Elijah as the source; he looked to the God of Elijah (2 Ki 2:14).

Seek the Master, not the “mantle”

Biblical Reasons for Laying on of Hands

Laying on of hands for impartation of gifts or anointings to another person is unbiblical. However, here are actual Biblical reasons for laying on of hands...

Biblical Reasons for Laying On of Hands:

Blessing

Jesus took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.

(Mark 10:16, Matthew 19:14-15, Luke 18:15-16)

Commissioning

The Apostles laying hands on the seven deacons to be set apart for service. (Acts 6:6)
Having fasted and prayed, the laid hands to send Paul & Barnabus away. (Acts 13:3)
Elders laid their hands on Timothy for commissioning. (1 Timothy 4:14)

Healing

Jesus lays his hands on a woman and she was immediately healed. (Luke 13:13)
Synagogue leader tells Jesus to “put your hand on her, and she will live” regarding his daughter who just died. Jesus got up and went with him. (Matthew 9:18-19)
Jesus heals many sick at sunset, laying hands on each one (Luke 4:40)
Paul prays and lays hands on the father of Publius to heal his fever (Acts 28:8)
Jesus tells the disciples they will place their hands on sick people and they will be well (Mark 16:18)

Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Peter and John place their hands on the Samaritan believers and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:17)
Paul laid hands on the Ephesian disciples, they received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:6)
God sent Ananias to Saul so he may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ananias placed hands on Saul and the scales fell of his eyes and he got baptised. (Acts 9:17-18)