Don't neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.
which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery: That "laying on of hands" was the scriptural method of ordination is evidenced in Acts 13:1-3. Probably Timothy received his spiritual gift at the same time the presbyter laid hands on him in order to ordain or identify him as an evangelist. The gift, however, did not come through the laying on of the elders’ hands. Instead, it came directly from Paul who also laid hands on Timothy (2 Timothy 1:6). Of this truth we are certain, for only an apostle could confer gifts upon men (Acts 8:14-18). Timothy possibly was ordained by the elders in Lystra when he was sent with Paul (Acts 16:1-3); and, at the same time, Paul likely endowed him with his spiritual gift.