As an ex protestant and attendee of over 18 denominations and non-denoms, I must say that there is a wide array of interpretation when viewing this piece of scripture.
This is also proof of the forgiveness of sins that the ordained Bishops and Priests(presbyters) hold.
In some other denoms, they believe that this means we are all priests(the royal priesthood) and that no one is truly ordained, that we are all the same in the eyes of God and none holds a position of authority within the church. They believe that anyone can anoint with oil and heal the sick, then they forget to connect the forgiveness of sins with the righteous man who said the prayer…the priest(presbyter).
I have heard many people speak of this passage out of context and misuse it or only use part of it to make their point.
One show had people calling in to tell of the power they hold in the anointing of others and the amazing and sensationalistic experiences they “felt” when utilizing their power goiven by God.
Not to say they don’t have power in Christ, but power to heal the sick(both spiritually and physically, if God wills) and anoint them and forgive their sins is reserved for the priesthood, the ordained priesthood of Bishops and Priests.
Everytime I run into the Mormon missionaries, who are readily labels “elders” I always ask them where their oil of chrism is and when the last time they healed someone who was sick or forgave their sins. they usually look at me with confusion and then I reveal these verses to them, they change the subject.
