Jul 135 min read

What Does the Bible Teach About Angels?

Definition and Meaning of Angels

The term "angel" derives from the Hebrew word mal'akh and the Greek word aggelos, both meaning "messenger." These terms occur nearly 400 times throughout the Bible. Depending on the context, these words refer to either spiritual beings or human messengers. For instance, Genesis 16:7 and Revelation 22:8 describe encounters with spiritual beings, while Genesis 32:3 and James 2:25 refer to human messengers. In some symbolic passages, particularly in Revelation, the term "angel" may refer to human messengers (Revelation 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14).

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The Nature and Abode of Angels

Angels are spirit beings, meaning they are invisible and powerful. First Kings 22:21 describes a spirit standing before Jehovah, and Hebrews 1:14 refers to angels as "spirits for public service." These spiritual bodies inhabit the heavens (Mark 12:25; 1 Corinthians 15:44, 50). They are also referred to as "sons of the true God," "morning stars," and "holy myriads" (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Deuteronomy 33:2).

Angels do not marry or reproduce but were individually created by Jehovah through His firstborn Son, "the beginning of the creation by God" (Revelation 3:14). Colossians 1:15-17 and John 1:1-3 emphasize that through this firstborn Son, all things, including angels, were created. The angels existed long before mankind, as Job 38:4-7 indicates they rejoiced at the founding of the earth.

The Number of Angels

The number of angels is immense. Daniel 7:10 describes "a thousand thousands" ministering to God, and "ten thousand times ten thousand" standing before Him. Hebrews 12:22 and Jude 14 also reflect the vast multitude of angels.

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Order and Rank Among Angels

Just as there is order in the visible creation, there is a hierarchy among the angels. The foremost angel is Michael, the archangel, who holds significant power and authority (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9; Revelation 12:7). Michael is considered to be the angel that led Israel through the wilderness (Exodus 23:20-23). Seraphs, mentioned in Isaiah 6:2, 6, rank high in privileges and honor. Cherubs, mentioned around 90 times in the Scriptures, also hold a special position among the angels (Genesis 3:24; Ezekiel 10:1-22).

Angelic messengers serve as intermediaries between God and humans, executing divine purposes such as protecting and delivering God's people or destroying the wicked (Genesis 19:1-26).

Personality of Angels

Angels are not impersonal forces but distinct personalities. This is evidenced by the individual names of Michael and Gabriel (Daniel 12:1; Luke 1:26). The lack of more angelic names in Scripture serves to prevent undue honor and worship of these beings. When asked for their names, angels often withheld them, as seen in Genesis 32:29 and Judges 13:17-18.

Angels have the ability to communicate (1 Corinthians 13:1), speak various human languages (Numbers 22:32-35; Daniel 4:23; Acts 10:3-7), and possess the intellect to glorify Jehovah (Psalm 148:2; Luke 2:13). They are typically represented as males, and when they materialized, it was in male form. This is consistent with God and His Son being spoken of as males. However, during Noah's time, certain materialized angels indulged in sinful pleasures and were expelled from Jehovah's presence (Genesis 6:2, 4; 2 Peter 2:4). Many angels joined Satan in rebellion by personal choice (Revelation 12:7-9; Matthew 25:41).

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Powers and Privileges of Angels

Angels possess greater mental and spiritual capacity than humans, who are made "a little lower than angels" (Hebrews 2:7). They are superhuman in power (Psalm 103:20). For example, two angels destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire, and one angel killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night (Genesis 19:13, 24; 2 Kings 19:35).

Angels can travel at incredible speeds, beyond physical limitations. In Daniel 9:20-23, an angel arrived with an answer to Daniel's prayer before he finished praying.

Despite their superior abilities, angels have limitations. They do not know the exact time when this world will end (Matthew 24:36). While they take a keen interest in Jehovah's purposes, there are things they do not understand (1 Peter 1:12). They rejoice over a repentant sinner and observe the activities of Christians on earth (Luke 15:10; 1 Corinthians 4:9; 11:10).

Angels have ministered to many faithful servants of Jehovah, including Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Daniel, Zechariah, Peter, Paul, and John (Genesis 22:11; 31:11; Joshua 5:14-15; Isaiah 6:6-7; Daniel 6:22; Zechariah 1:9; Acts 5:19-20; 7:35; 12:7-8; 27:23-24; Revelation 1:1).

Support of Christ and His Followers

Angels closely followed Jesus’ earthly life. They announced His conception and birth, ministered to Him after His 40-day fast, and strengthened Him in Gethsemane (Luke 1:30-31; 2:10-11; Matthew 4:11; 26:53; 28:5-7; Luke 22:43). Angels also witnessed His resurrection and ascension (Acts 1:10-11).

Angels continue to minister to Jesus' followers. Matthew 18:10 and Hebrews 1:14 reveal that angels watch over those who inherit salvation. Though angels no longer visibly appear as they did when delivering the apostles from prison, they still protect God's servants (Psalm 91:11; 34:7; Acts 5:19; 2 Kings 6:15-17).

Angels will accompany Jesus at His return for judgment, separating the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 13:41; 25:31-33). They joined Michael in the war against Satan and his demons and will support Jesus in the final battle (Revelation 12:7-10; 19:14-16).

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Conclusion

The Bible provides a comprehensive understanding of angels, depicting them as powerful, intelligent, and loyal servants of Jehovah. They play a crucial role in executing God's will, protecting His people, and supporting Christ and His followers. Understanding the nature, role, and activities of angels enhances our appreciation for Jehovah's intricate design and His ongoing interaction with His creation.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).