Michael Heiser - Snake Handling & Poison Drinking in Mark 16:9-20?

[@MikesBibleNotes]

Compare Mark 16:17-18 with Luke 10:17-20. This is not speaking of handling snakes, but of casting out demons, the power over devils given to the 70. Luke is not speaking of literally walking on snakes and scorpions, but of taking authority over demons. As for drinking poison the text says "IF they drink any deadly thing, it shall not harm them." This drinking poison is not done intentionally. Textual criticism aside, there is nothing in this passage of scripture, 6-20, that is out of sync with the rest of the Gospels. As for verses 15-18: Preach the Gospel, Baptize believers, cast out devils, speak with new tongues, take up or remove demons, live divinely protected in the Lord's work, lay hands on the sick for healing; These are all promised to the 11 Apostles, and to "them that believe."

[@tellallimedium]

I agree, and I understand same this verse regardless is part of Mark's book or Not. We need to understand intended vs unintended consequences. Jesus was provoked same way from Satan when he asked Jesus to jump; and everyone shoudl know His response. Snake handling or poisonous drinks on purpose is to tempt God. The miracles are not the point but Gospel and Good News.

[@imthig7374]

Snakes are often correlated with anti-christs. Poison (i.e., venom and toxins) is often associated with sin. Therefore, these are metaphors for spiritual warfare.

[@Liminalplace1]

Heiser misses the point that the church fathers quoted it and they wrote earlier than the oldest manscripts. So even if its not the longer ending of Mark.. its still scripture. Scribes didnt know where to put it

[@corasummerfield2875]

Has Dr. Heiser ever talked about healing in the Bible vs. healing today?

[@טימותילורנס]

The evidence most definitely suggests that these verses were added at some later point, as the original ending was very abrupt and unusual...so someone, at some point, added a few verses that ultimately made the ending even more confusing. I can't with good conscious say these additions shouldn't be there, as that would go against what we read in 2 Timothy 3:16 which specifically states that "ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God.."" - The problem is the misinterpretation of these verses and people making them their church doctrine. These were signs describing the miraculous nature of the Holy Spirit, that Yeshua's original apostles had been anointed with to go out and spread The Gospel. Understand that these miraculous signs are not commandments. Never are we told to pick up snakes, drink poison, etc. Refer to Deuteronomy 6:16 and Matthew 4:7 about testing God. If we know something is dangerous and we do it anyway, without a literal commandment given to us do so, then we are genuinely testing God; thus breaking a commandment and that's sin.

[@decay-154]

James Snapp jnr showed only 3 Manuscripts have teh short ending. Tertullian and Irenaeus quote the long version 150 -200 years before the 3 short ending versions were written . 1,700 manuscripts have the long ending

[@micahcoverstone]

These verse at the end of Mark are certainly backed up by Scripture in different stories in the book of Acts. Paul picked up a serpent and survived in Acts 28. The people spoke in new tongues in Acts 2, Acts 11 and several other passages. Paul cast a demon out of a girl in Acts 16. And constant healing occurred through the hands of the believers in the book of Acts. The only thing Jesus mentions in this passage that is not further supported by other Scriptural evidence is the drinking of poison, but you are less likely to realize you've drank deadly poison and survived than if you survived a snake bite. I do not condone the handling of snakes in churches. That is an extremely bad interpretation of this passage. That takes this passage as a command when Jesus was simply saying that these will follow those who believe. They will be evident. The fact that this passage is further supported by other Scripture passages tells me that it is not fake. If you don't believe in miracles you need to reread the Bible. Our whole faith is based around a supernatural miracle. If God could do that then he can do it now. He said we would do even greater things than he.

[@earlsaunders9332]

I will confound the wise with foolish things saith God.....

[@chi-mojambres696]

The concern is legitimate considering all the poor exegesis out there.

[@Nerv316]

Paul got bit by a deadly snake and lived and people thought he was a god. I think this verse lines up with just fine with the Bible.

[@loveworksnoevil]

Or someone tried to line them up, cus brethren have drank poison an died, got harmed...

[@RoseSharon7777]

I don't understand what the big deal is. This last part of Mark changes nothing. The snake handling is not established by 2 or 3 witnesses just like the wise men story is not. Throw it out. Use your common sense.

[@AltonRowell-gb1lb]

I walk into the interstate and dance. Snakes are not dangerous enough for me. I'm thinking about grabbing a high voltage 10000volt power line.

[@TisEYEthe1]

Is that Will Ferrell? He's sooo talented.

[@roberthillsjr.3729]

I read that Mark 9 thru 20 were not written by Mark but by just a someone who wanted it in the bible. Why would God Test Man? God don't test man. Why, God knows what we will do no matter what we think. Bible truth.

[@Jeyci736]

I think that that verse is not really included in the bible, it was just added by deceitful people who were used by the devil because I know that God will not tempt people to do that

[@askip7]

God doesn’t tempt us but His word says we will be tempted. And He absolutely does test us. Read 1 Peter 1:7-9 and lots of other places such as the book of Job. Everything in this life is basically a test to make us stronger and to separate the wheat from the chaff

[@jeffo4817]

Will Ferrell handles snakes!?

[@jeffcordell7921]

It is a shame scribes has been unfaithful in their work. It is a shame there are “men of God” who can stand in pulpits and say not all your Bible is true. Perhaps these scribes are much like people today, Salvation is true but if you see angels the Bible talks about your crazy, they don’t believe in miracles because it disrupts their lives, they say if you speak in tongues a biblical gift your possessed by the devil. I believe Mark 16:9-20 is God breathed, it also says not to tempt the Lord your God, if you use biblical hermeneutics you can interpret scripture. Either the Bible is true or it is not, it is inherent, infallible and God breathed or it isn’t, I stand in the camp that God’s Word is real, I won’t be in ministry with any other camp.

[@ThePeedr]

Textural critics are people with degrees but no love of Gods true word.

[@abibleandagun1975]

You require a relationship with Lord Jesus the Christ and to read your KJV 1611 everyday The more you read the mor discernment and if you continue not to know, Lord Jesus the Christ will tell if you are ready to listen and require to know. IF ANYONE IS CATHOLIC OR A FAKE JEW DONOT LISTEN TO THEM, THE KJV 1611 IS THE BEST ENGLISH TRANSLATION WE HAVE

[@Rasputinshome]

You’re smoking crack on the KJV (and of course King James was “smoking” from a different “pipe” if you’re not clear on history)

[@ahammer7000]

Does a textual critic sound like someone who believes the bible is the word of God?