SUBJECT:  Picking up Serpents  Luke 10:19

QUESTION:  Do these verses imply that one is able to pick up poisonous snakes?

ANSWER:  No.  Notice:

Let us list the verses in question

Acts 28:3-6

3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and

fastened on his hand.

4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man

is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great

while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

Luke 10:16-20

16 He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that

sent me.

17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing

shall by any means hurt you.

20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are

written in heaven.

Notice the commentary on Luke 10:19:

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing

shall by any means hurt you.

[To tread on serpents] Preservation from danger. If you tread on a poisonous reptile that would otherwise injure you, I

will keep you from danger. If you go among bitter and malignant enemies that would seek your life, I will preserve you.

See the notes at Mark 16:18.

[Scorpions] The scorpion is an animal with eight feet, eight eyes and a long jointed tail, ending in a pointed weapon or

sting. It is found in tropical climates, and seldom exceeds 4 inches in length. Its sting is extremely poisonous, and it is

sometimes fatal to life. It is in Scripture the emblem of malicious and crafty men. When rolled up it has some

resemblance to an egg, Luke 11:12; Ezek 2:6. The annexed cut will give an idea of its usual form and appearance.

[The enemy] Satan. The meaning of this verse is, that Jesus would preserve them from the power of Satan and all his

emissaries-from all wicked and crafty men; and this shows that he had divine power. He that can control Satan and his

hosts that can be present to guard from all their machinations, see all their plans, and destroy all their designs, must be

clothed with no less than almighty power. ~from Barnes' Notes

Conclusion:  The commentary explains these verses well.  The serpents and scorpions are both real and symbolic.  They represent danger and the enemy.  They refer to Satan and his demons..  They are talking about the preservation of the saints as they do the Work of God.