Mark 16:18

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.

Mark 16:18 (KJV)

Context

Jesus speaks these words after His resurrection, as He commissions His disciples to preach the Gospel to every creature. The verse lists signs that will accompany those who believe, confirming the message they proclaim. This is not a command to seek danger, but a promise of divine protection and power during Gospel ministry.

Meaning

“They shall take up serpents” has been understood in different ways. Some interpret it literally, pointing to Paul on Malta, who shook off a viper without harm (Acts 28:3-6). Others see it as a metaphor for overcoming evil or demonic influences. Mainstream Christianity does not endorse serpent handling as a religious practice, and the verse should not be read as a command to test God.

“If they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them” is similarly a promise of protection, not an invitation to recklessness. It emphasizes that God can shield His faithful servants from harm as they obey His call. Their lives rest under His sovereign care.

“They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” highlights the authority Jesus imparts to His disciples to pray for healing. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus heals the sick, and here He assures His followers that they will share in this ministry. Laying on of hands is a symbolic act of invoking God’s restorative power.

Biblical connections

These signs are confirmatory, pointing to the risen Christ working through His messengers. Mark 16:20 states that the Lord worked with them, confirming the word with signs following. The promise of protection from serpents finds a direct New Testament example in Acts 28:3-6, where Paul suffers no harm from a viper. The practice of laying hands on the sick also appears throughout the New Testament as a means of prayer and healing.

Application

Believers today are called to preach the Gospel with faith and boldness, trusting in God’s protection and power. The verse encourages prayer for the sick, following the example of the early church. It also warns against presumption: these promises accompany faithful service, not careless testing of God.

Reflection

Mark 16:18 carries a message of empowerment and commissioning. While some phrases may be metaphorical, the overall theme is clear: God protects His servants, works through them to bring healing, and confirms His Word with signs. This should inspire confidence in the risen Christ, who is with His people as they fulfill His mission.