Thus, for God to “extend His hand” is for Him to act in power on behalf of His purpose or His people. See Ex. 7:4; 13:9; 15:6 (cf. Deut. 6:21; 7:8; 11:2–4; 26:8); Joshua 4:23–24; Neh. 1:10; Isa. 48:12–13; Acts 4:28, 30; 7:35 (“help” = hand); 11:21; 1 Peter 5:6. But with Jesus, what was only a figure of speech became a literal fact! With Jesus, what was only a metaphor became material reality. God, who is spirit, now really does have a hand (two in fact!). 2. The laying on of hands in the ministry