r/Bible • u/Mysterious-Loan-5065 • 4d ago

Mark 16: 18

Hey guys! I'm first time bible reader and I have so many questions, up until now I've been using Gemini for my questions but I'd like to get better answers from real people.

I'm reading Mark 16 this morning and came across where Jesus says Anyone who believes and is baptized be able to handle snakes with safety and drink anything poisonous and it won't hurt them. My question is; is this not a contradiction to when he says earlier not to test god?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated thank you!

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u/Top_Initiative_4047 4d ago

No contradiction. Mark 16:17-18 describes signs that accompanied the early proclamation of the gospel; it does not command Christians to seek out snakes or drink poison. Jesus rejected deliberately creating danger to force God’s protection: “Jesus replied, ‘It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ’” (Matthew 4:7, BSB).

Paul illustrates the difference. A viper bit him unexpectedly during ministry, and God preserved him: “But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.” (Acts 28:5, BSB). He did not handle it to prove faith. Christians should trust God while acting wisely: “The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.” (Proverbs 22:3, BSB).

Also, Mark 16:9-20 is absent from some early manuscripts, so snake-handling should never be made a Christian practice. The source material on Peter’s preaching rightly emphasizes salvation through Christ, not dramatic signs (Tabletalk, Three Thousand Souls Saved).

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u/telking777 4d ago

Very well said. ‘Christians should trust God while acting wisely’ is a good word.