Quote:
Originally Posted by micah6v8
Hi Aron
I am interested about your understanding of Mark 16:18. The verse reads as follows
"They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed."
There are three items in this verse:-
1) Handling snakes and suffering harm
2) Drinking poison and not getting hurt
3) Healing hands by placing hands.
Items 1 and 3 were fulfilled by Paul in (i) Acts 28 v 3 to 6 and (ii) Acts 28 v 9 respectively. I don't know of any biblical passage of a person who drank poison and did not get hurt.
If items 1 and 3 can be interpreted literally, why shouldn't one expect item 2 to be understood literally too?
My view is that Mark 16:18 is understood in its literal sense, but that it does not apply now. Today, I would not touch a snake or drink poison for the sake of it; I would also see a doctor if I am ill.
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There are a few churches in West Virginia that take this verse literally. They handle poisonous snakes for show, to apparently prove their faith. So far a few pastors have died from the poison snake bites.
Not a smart idea, if you ask me.
Actually these miracles and millions more have transpired over the course of church history, but usually not by those who tempt the Lord for vain glory and the praise of men.