Good Lord!!!! How on Earth do so many people get so hung up with interjecting 21st century thinking into the customs of that day?
Basically, all "Laying on of Hands", in that context, means is to "Elevate to a position of authority."
I see that a little differently. The authority to believe God is after no man. We have that authority in us but are never to reckon it could be of us. That would be to blaspheme the Holy name by which we are called heavenward.
The laying on of hands with hands representing a will is a ceremonial law used as a parable of the things not seen (the will of God). It represented God’s unseen approval .Ceremonial laws used as shadows and types pointed ahead to the suffering of Christ beforehand and the glory that did follow as the gospel preached in the Old Testament. We look back at that demonstration.
Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what “manner of time” the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 1Pe 1:9
The “manner of time” was the reformation spoken of in Hebrews 9. the shadows became substance.
The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the “time of reformation”. Heb 9:8
The use of hands does not bring the will of God .God is not served by human hands (will). In any way shape or form .But rather by a work of His faith working in us to both will and perform that which He appoints to us.
Seeking after outward signs as something(self righteousness) we could do outwardly causes a person to stumble over the cross. It’s what the apostate Jew sought after before they would believe. This shows they did not mix faith (Christ's) in what they did hear or see.
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 1Co 1:22