How does Acts 28:5 connect to Mark 16:18 about handling snakes? The Scene on Malta • Acts 28:1-4 recounts Paul’s shipwreck and welcome by the islanders. • While gathering sticks, “a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand” (v. 3). • Verse 5: “But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.” Jesus’ Promise Recalled • Mark 16:18 records Jesus’ words about His commissioned followers: “they will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them.” • The promise sits within the larger mandate (Mark 16:15-20) that signs would accompany the preaching of the gospel, authenticating the message to unbelievers. How Acts 28:5 Fulfills Mark 16:18 • Direct correlation: Paul’s unhurt hand mirrors Jesus’ explicit pledge of divine protection from serpents. • Timing matters: the event occurs during active gospel mission—Paul is en route to stand before Caesar and bear witness (Acts 23:11; 27:24). • Unplanned encounter: Paul did not seek or stage the snake; the miracle arises naturally in the course of obedient service. Additional Scriptural Echoes • Luke 10:19—Jesus grants authority “to trample on snakes and scorpions… and nothing will harm you.” • Psalm 91:13—A messianic promise extended to God’s servants: “You will tread on the lion and cobra…” • Acts 5:12-16; 19:11-12—Other signs confirm the apostolic message without self-promotion or spectacle. Purpose of Divine Protection • Validates God’s messenger before observers (Acts 28:6: islanders shift from suspecting Paul to calling him “a god”). • Removes hindrances to the spread of the gospel; Paul’s survival opens doors for ministry on Malta (28:7-10). • Demonstrates God’s sovereign care, reinforcing the truth that nothing can thwart His redemptive plan (Isaiah 54:17). What This Means for Believers Today • Confidence: God is able to preserve His people while they obey His call (2 Timothy 4:17-18). • Discernment: Protection is promised for mission, not for reckless testing of God (Matthew 4:7; Deuteronomy 6:16). • Focus: Miraculous signs point beyond themselves to the saving message of Christ crucified and risen (John 20:30-31). Takeaway Snapshot – Jesus promised supernatural safeguarding for gospel messengers. – Paul’s experience on Malta is a concrete, historical fulfillment of that promise. – The incident encourages trust in God’s power and reminds believers that signs serve the proclamation of the Word, not personal showmanship. |
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