Why does the Bible warn, “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily” in 1 Timothy 5:22?

The apostle Paul’s first epistle to Timothy served as a ministry manual for his protégé, Timothy. Paul had entrusted Timothy with the responsibility of leading the Ephesian church. The letter contains pastoral advice, encouragement, and warnings on subjects, including church conduct, doctrine, qualifications for leaders, and conflict resolution. In 1 Timothy 5:22–25, Paul addresses specifically how to lead elders, teachers, and other church officials. He warns, “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily” (1 Timothy 5:22, NKJV).

In the Bible, the “laying on of hands” was a gesture symbolizing the impartation of God’s power, authority, and blessing. Scripture makes it clear that the practice of laying on of hands does not indicate a special human power or gift (see Acts 8:18–20). Instead, it is a symbolic act that publicly recognizes God’s empowerment and equipping of certain individuals for ministry (see Acts 1:8; 6:6; Ephesians 4:11–12).

The practice traces back to the Old Testament ritual of laying on of hands for consecration, commissioning, and identification. The Lord instructed Moses to lay hands on Joshua to set him apart as leader over Israel (Numbers 27:18–23; Deuteronomy 34:9). When offering animal sacrifices, worshipers laid their hands on the animal before slaughter to identify it as their own and to signify the transfer of guilt and sin from the worshiper to the animal (see Leviticus 1:4).

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles laid hands on individuals for various reasons—to pray for them, to impart or acknowledge spiritual gifts, to administer healing, or to set believers apart for unique ministry roles (Acts 6:6; 9:17; 13:3, 8:17; 19:6; 28:8; Mark 10:16; Luke 4:40; 2 Timothy 1:6).

In 1 Timothy 5:22, when Paul warns, “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily,” he is referring specifically to the public recognition and appointment—the ordination—of church leaders. Christian leaders must exercise wisdom, patience, and discernment in selecting and appointing elders, deacons, and other ministry heads.

Earlier, Paul had spelled out various qualifications for leadership (see 1 Timothy 3:1–13). He insisted that, before these leaders are appointed, “let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve” (1 Timothy 3:10, NLT).

Paul cautioned Timothy and all church leaders to resist the urge to act impulsively when recognizing and appointing others to positions of spiritual authority. Overseers of God’s people must first allow time for signs of spiritual maturity and readiness to become evident in the person’s life. They must carefully pray and observe the lives of potential leaders to ensure that there is nothing seriously wrong before laying hands on them for ordination or appointment to ministry (see 1 Timothy 5:24–25).

Why does Paul warn, “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily”? Spiritual overseers are tasked with protecting the integrity of church leadership. Appointing someone prematurely—before his character, beliefs, and capabilities have been adequately tested—risks placing unqualified individuals in positions of influence. Such appointments can lead to doctrinal errors, moral failures, or divisions within the church body.

Paul continues in 1 Timothy 5:22, “And do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.” The implication here is that, by hastily laying hands on someone, Timothy (or any leader) could become complicit in the future failings or misconduct of that individual. The act of ordination is not merely symbolic; it carries with it a shared responsibility.

Elevating someone to leadership too soon can have an adverse ripple effect throughout the church community. It may cause confusion, erode trust, and damage the church’s witness to non-believers. Leaders who lack maturity or moral grounding are likely to lead their communities into error, division, corruption, or scandal. Paul seeks to prevent such outcomes, emphasizing character over charisma and faithfulness over ambition. Leaders must remember that they are accountable to God, their community, and their own conscience.

Today’s church leaders are wise to observe Paul’s advice not to lay hands on anyone hastily. Godly decision-makers should invest in thorough processes for identifying and developing leaders. Background checks, references, observation in community life, and establishing spiritual mentoring relationships can all serve as practical, current-day applications of Paul’s teachings in 1 Timothy 5:22. The Bible calls Christian leaders to exercise balanced discernment—neither excessive suspicion nor indiscriminate trust—guided by the Holy Spirit to foster a healthy community. Leaders should be developed with intentionality and thoughtfulness.

The Bible’s warning, “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily,” stands as an enduring principle of wisdom, discernment, and spiritual care in leadership. It is a call to patience, caution, and shared responsibility, ensuring that those who bear the mantle of Christian leadership are commendable, equipped, and called to serve. The warning helps the church preserve its integrity, advance its mission, and remain a faithful witness to the love and truth it proclaims.