“And when Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” — Acts 19:6 (BSB)
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” — 2 Timothy 1:6–7 (BSB)
“I pray that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” — Ephesians 3:16–17 (BSB)
Anglican tradition sees Confirmation as the continuation of the pattern found in the book of Acts, where the apostles laid hands on believers who had already been baptized, praying for them to receive the fullness of the Spirit. While Baptism is the beginning of life in Christ, Confirmation is a step of growth into greater responsibility, service, and maturity in the Church.
The Book of Common Prayer calls Confirmation “a strengthening by the Holy Spirit” and provides a liturgy in which the bishop lays hands on each candidate, praying for the increase of the Spirit’s gifts and grace. Confirmation is not a second baptism, nor a replacement for conversion, but a deepening of the baptismal covenant already made.
Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “Confirmation is the opportunity to stand up and say with your own lips, ‘I do believe in Christ, and I mean to follow Him.’ It is a public confession of faith, a call to spiritual responsibility, and a prayer for strength” (Knots Untied, 1874).
Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) explains, “Confirmation is not about age—it’s about readiness. It is the moment the Church recognizes a believer’s commitment and asks the Spirit to seal and empower that life of faith” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) says, “In Confirmation, we move from being carried to standing. We say yes to the promises made at our Baptism and are commissioned for witness and service in the Body of Christ” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Church of Uganda) affirms, “Confirmation is not a graduation; it is a beginning. The Holy Spirit is called upon to equip the believer for mission, maturity, and holiness in the world” (Confirmation Charge, 2022).
Thus, Confirmation is a public, prayerful affirmation of faith and a sacramental strengthening for the lifelong journey of following Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.
St. Ambrose of Milan (c. 340–397 AD): “After Baptism, you were brought to the bishop, who laid hands on you and prayed for the Spirit. This completes what began in the font.” — On the Mysteries, 7.42
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The laying on of hands is a visible act for the strengthening of the inward gift. It is the Church’s prayer that the Spirit stir up and confirm what was begun in Baptism.” — Sermon 272
St. Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 329–390 AD): “Let the Spirit descend again through the bishop’s hand, that what was planted in water may blossom in flame.” — Oration 40
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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