The beast (τὸ θηρίον)

Luke uses the word in the same way as the medical writers, who employed it to denote venomous serpents, and particularly the viper; so much so that an antidote, made chiefly from the flesh of vipers, was termed θηριακή. A curious bit of etymological history attaches to this latter word. From it came the Latin theriaca, of which our treacle (molasses) is a corruption. Treacle, therefore, is originally a preparation of viper's flesh, and was used later of any antidote. Thus Coverdale's translation of Jeremiah 8:22 has, "There is no more treacle in Gilead." Gurnall ("Christian in Complete Armor") says: "The saints' experiences help them to a sovereign treacle made of the scorpion's own flesh (which they through Christ have slain), and that hath a virtue above all other to expel the venom of Satan's temptations from the heart." So Jeremy Taylor' "We kill the viper and make treacle of him."

Acts 28:5 Parallel Commentaries

felt.

Numbers 21:6-9 And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died...

Psalm 91:13 You shall tread on the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shall you trample under feet.

Mark 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick...

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give to you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy...

John 3:14,15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up...

Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Revelation 9:3,4 And there came out of the smoke locusts on the earth: and to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power...