Thank you!

> So he was given the authority to be a church leader, and along with that came laying of hands?

The laying on of hands was a way showing that Timothy's leadership was done with the cooperation and sanction of the leaders of these churches. The approval of the elders could help others respect Timothy as their shepherd (1 Tim. 4.12). They were acknowledging him as a partner in the ministry with them. He became one of them and one with them.

> What was the gift that Paul spoke about that was inside of Timothy, anyway.

It was most likely the gift of preaching/teaching (v. 13).

So he was given the authority to be a church leader, and along with that came laying of hands?

What was the gift that Paul spoke about that was inside of Timothy, anyway.

In Acts 13.3, the laying on of hands was a consecration for a particular task—a commissioning, if you will. I see this laying on of hands in Timothy as similar. It is accompanied by prophecy, not bestowed by prophecy, according to Greek grammar expert A.T. Robertson. The laying on of hands accompanied the commissioning, it was not the means of any power transference or power (gift) conferring.

Was it Paul’s choice to put his hands on Timothy to “transfer” a spiritual gift to try and “equip” him to be a Pastor or leader ? Or was he led by the spirit?