FAQ ID # 3399 - I find Mark 16:18 confusing with reference to serpents and poison. Can you explain this passage?

FAQ ID # 3399

Last Update :
Rating : Not Rated

Send FAQ by E-mail

Add to favorites

Print this FAQ

Question / Issue

I find Mark 16:18 confusing with reference to serpents and poison. Can you explain this passage?

Answer / Solution

Mark 16:15-18
15 And He said to them, " Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 " He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. 17 "These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
NASU

Mark 16:18 speaks to God’s care for His children who, in His will, are placed in dangerous situations. A good example of this care is found in Acts 28:3-6 when the Apostle Paul received a poisonous snake bite and suffered no harm.

It certainly doesn’t mean that believers are to demonstrate their faith by trying to force God to perform unnecessary miracles. Satan tried to tempt Jesus in this way (Matthew 4:5-7) but failed because our Lord knows that we are to trust God not tempt Him.

Direct Link to This FAQ

http://www.calvaryphx.com/askCalvary/?f=3399