Although driving out demons and healing are mentioned and attested elsewhere in Scripture, this is the only place where we read about handling snakes and drinking poison. Some people point to Paul’s experience with the viper in Acts 28:1-6 as a possible fulfillment of this verse.

Interestingly, Mark 16:9-20 is one of the few lengthy portions of the Bible whose authenticity is disputed even by conservative Christians. Most Bibles will footnote this section with an explanation that it is not found in the most reliable early manuscripts.

Even if the passage is authentic, however, I don’t think it is meant to teach us to pick up snakes or drink poison as a way of expressing our faith. The Bible also says we should not test God. This would seem rather to be a list of the various ways that God may miraculously preserve his people. Notice the word “may” – most of the disciples were martyred for their faith.

“They shall take up serpents… (Mark 16:17-18)”

It must be a fascinating context that caused Mark to include that.

Although I do find the whole idea of snake handling in churches problematic and theologically misguided, my main reason in posting this particular piece is just that I found it interesting — especially the list of snakes involved! News and Notes is a regular feature on the blog where I post interesting tidbits I’ve found along the way. They usually have little to no agenda, although browsing through their archives would probably reveal some things about my personality and interests.

As far as shortcomings in the American church, we have plenty. It is not a particular focus of this blog, but from time to time I post on things as they come up.

Or am I imagining things?