Note 14 at Mk. 16:18: This is either speaking literally of supernatural protection if we pick up a snake, or symbolically of protection in our fight against the devil. Since the other four signs in this list are literal, it is most probable that this is speaking of physically taking up snakes.

The apostle Paul experienced this supernatural protection from a viper when he was shipwrecked on the island of Melita (Acts 28:3-5). However, this is the only recorded example of this in the New Testament. There is no record of the disciples picking up snakes just to prove they are believers. That would be tempting God (Lk. 4:9-12). This, as well as drinking any deadly thing, is a promise that if we pick up snakes accidentally or are forced into that position because of our stand for Christ, we can believe for supernatural protection.

Note 15 at Mk. 16:18: As explained in the previous footnote about taking up serpents, this does not mean that we can tempt God by drinking poison just to see if this promise works.

Note 16 at Mk. 16:18: Jesus here gives all believers (not just ministers) the power to heal the sick through the laying on of hands. Since it is His power that we are using and not our own, we should expect to get the same results.

Note 17 at Mk. 16:18: The laying on of hands is an important doctrine in the New Testament (Heb. 6:1). We can actually transmit the power of God through laying our hands on people in the same way that power can be transferred from one battery to another through cables. This doesn't work for everyone though; only for those who believe.