take up serpents

Mark 16:18

16:18 take up serpents. Both the virtue and danger of miraculous signs are illustrated in Acts 28:3-6. Paul was miraculously healed of a bite from a deadly viper, and this made a great impression on the barbarians in Melita. They not only were made willing to listen to his message, but they also “said that he was a god” (Acts 28:6).