NOTE THIS! Full Life Bible Commentary states: "Picking up snakes or drinking poison is not to be ritualized and made into a "trial by ordeal" in order to prove one's spirituality.
These are promises given to believers who encounter such dangers in their normal work for Christ. It is a sin to "test" God by initiating unnecessary danger or trials (Mat. 4:5—7; 10:23; 24:16—8).
SIGNS OF BELIEVERS
Mark 16:17—18 "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
Blessings,
Presiding Elder Barbara Hayes
TWFYT | FLSB Commentary
