Impartation is the process by which one person transfers something spiritual to another person. In the Bible, impartation often involves the transference of spiritual gifts, anointing, revelation, or calling from one person to another. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about impartation:
Impartation of Spiritual Gifts
The Bible shows several examples of spiritual gifts being imparted from one person to another through the laying on of hands:
– In Acts 8, Peter and John prayed for the new believers in Samaria to receive the Holy Spirit. “Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:17).
– In Acts 19, Paul laid his hands on some disciples at Ephesus and “the Holy Spirit came on them” (Acts 19:6). They began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
– In 1 Timothy 4:14, Paul reminds Timothy that the gift within him had come through prophecy and the laying on of hands.
– In Romans 1:11, Paul expresses his desire to visit the Roman Christians so that he can impart or share some spiritual gift with them to strengthen them.
The transference of spiritual gifts often came by the laying on of hands, prayer, prophecy, and at the will of the Holy Spirit.
Impartation of Anointing
Anointing in the Bible represents being set apart, empowered, or equipped by God for service and ministry. This anointing for service could also be imparted from one person to another:
– In 1 Samuel 16, Samuel anointed David with oil, symbolizing the transfer of the Spirit and calling to serve as king over Israel.
– In 2 Kings 2, the prophetic anointing and mantle of Elijah was imparted to Elisha in the form of a double portion as Elijah was taken up to heaven.
– In Luke 4:18, Jesus said the Spirit of the Lord had anointed Him and sent Him to proclaim good news. God had anointed Christ for ministry service.
– In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul reminds Timothy to fan into flame the spiritual gift within him that had come through Paul’s laying on of hands.
The anointing represents empowerment for ministry and could be imparted from one servant of God to another.
Impartation of Revelation
In the New Testament, divine revelation and insight are sometimes imparted:
– In Galatians 2:6, Paul says that the Jerusalem apostles imparted nothing new to him in terms of his revelation of the gospel. His grasp of the gospel came directly from Christ.
– In Ephesians 3:2-4, Paul says part of his calling was to impart or make known the mystery of Christ that had been revealed to Him.
– In Philippians 1:25, Paul believes he will remain to continue with the Philippians for their progress and joy in the faith so that he can impart more spiritual wisdom and truth to them.
Apostles and prophets especially had the role of imparting revelation, wisdom, and insight to believers.
Impartation Through God’s Word
While impartation often came through the laying on of hands or person-to-person contact, the Bible also shows impartation taking place through the teaching of God’s Word:
– In 1 Thessalonians 2:8, Paul describes imparting not just the gospel but also his own life to the Thessalonians because he cared for them. This impartation came through his personal instruction.
– In 1 Thessalonians 4:9, Paul says the Thessalonians were “taught by God to love each other.” They received this imprint or impartation of divine love through Paul’s instructions.
– In 1 John 1:1-3, John writes about imparting what “we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands” concerning Jesus. He imparted truth through his eyewitness testimony.
– In Colossians 3:16, the word of Christ is said to dwell in believers richly as they teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. Impartation happens as God’s Word is shared.
The teaching of Scripture brings impartation of truth, wisdom, and character.
Impartation Through Prayer
Impartation can also take place through prayer:
– In Romans 1:11, Paul seeks to impart a spiritual gift to the Romans through his prayers for them.
– In Ephesians 1:17, Paul prays for a spirit of wisdom and revelation to be imparted to the Ephesian believers so they will know God better.
– In Ephesians 3:16-19, Paul prays that the Ephesians would be strengthened with power through the Spirit in their inner being and be filled with the fullness of God’s presence and love. He seeks spiritual impartation through prayer.
Praying for others is a channel for imparting spiritual blessings from God according to His will.
Impartation of Spiritual Calling
In addition to gifts, anointing, and revelation, the Bible shows how God’s calling can be imparted from one person to another:
– In Numbers 27:18-23, Moses laid his hands on Joshua, transferring authority and the calling to lead Israel after him.
– In 2 Timothy 1:6 again, Paul reminds Timothy of his calling that had come through prophecy and the laying on of hands.
– In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instructs Timothy to entrust the things he had learned from Paul to faithful people who will be able to teach others. This shows the transference of calling from one leader to others.
Mentoring relationships were a key means for imparting the calling to ministry from one generation to the next.
Heart Attitudes for Impartation
While impartation is ultimately a sovereign act of the Holy Spirit, Scripture does highlight some heart attitudes that facilitate receiving impartation:
– Humility – James 4:6 reminds us God gives grace to the humble. A humble heart recognizes the need for more of God’s work and grace.
– Faith – We receive impartation by faith, trusting God for His provision and timing as He determines what and when to impart gifts or revelations according to His will.
– Eagerness – 1 Corinthians 14:1 encourages us to eagerly desire spiritual gifts. Being open and eager to learn facilitates impartation.
– Teachability – Impartation flows through discipleship relationships. Maintaining a teachable spirit allows impartation through instruction in God’s Word.
– Stewardship – 1 Timothy 4:14 encourages believers not to neglect the gift they have received but to steward it responsibly once imparted.
Cautions Regarding Impartation
While Scripture shows impartation can be a blessing, a few cautions are appropriate:
– Impartation must be handled carefully and prayerfully, always subject to the Holy Spirit’s leading and God’s timing.
– We should avoid treating impartation as something that can be manipulated or transferred automatically. It remains a sovereign act of God’s Spirit.
– Impartation should not become a pursuit in itself. Our focus should remain on pursuing God and service to Him.
– Any claim of impartation should be tested against the truth of Scripture to avoid deception or unhealthy emotionalism.
– Impartation should be facilitated through godly relationships, not treated as a impersonal transaction or based on a person’s title or claims.
When kept in biblical perspective, impartation can serve as an instrument of God’s grace to bless and equip His people for greater Kingdom impact.
Conclusion
In summary, impartation refers to the transference of spiritual blessings, gifts, anointing, revelation, or calling from one person to another, often through the laying on of hands, prophecy, prayer, or the teaching of God’s Word. Scripture provides many examples of impartation within godly relationships and leadership succession. With a humble and prayerful approach, impartation allows the work of the Holy Spirit to flow from one believer to another for God’s glory.