Acts 8:14-17: Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:6: And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.
Hebrews 6:2: . . . with instructions about ablutions [baptisms], the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
Extracting of the final anointing of baptism took along with it the confirmation rite. Two sacraments, which stood together, became separated in the West so that the bishop might “confirm” the sacrament of baptism when he became available. The sacrament of confirmation includes the laying on of hands, a gesture that functions as an invocation of the Holy Spirit. Such a ritual is decisively presented in the Scriptures. As a further sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence, the laying on of hands was often associated with incredible supernatural effects. This is the same sacrament offered by the successors to the apostles, the bishops, today.
For more such reading, contact me about getting my book, DEFENDING THE CATHOLIC FAITH.
