This post is placed under the Doctrine of God because God sovereignly oversees these supernatural beings. When we learn what the Bible says about them, we can have the right perspective. We will not obsess over them, but we must not ignore their reality or existence, either. Balance.

This post is more of a Bible study than a systematic theology. But this is okay because systematic theology is supposed to be rooted in the Bible.

Let’s begin

I.. Their Origins and Nature

A.. They are spirits (Heb. 1:14)

B.. God created them.

Psalm 148:2, 5 says that at the command of God they were created; and Colossians 1:16 says that all things were created by God, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities—those are all spirit beings in their domains. They were created by God, and some teach that the angels were given those dominions.

They were created early in creation (Job 38:6-7), and the phrase in v. 7 can be translated as the “sons of God.”

See my post Who Were the ‘Sons of God’ in Genesis?

Genesis 1:31 says that God saw all that he had made, and it was good; though the verse does not mention angels per se, some teachers say that they are tucked in the word all.

C.. They were created good.

Genesis 1:31 says that all of God’s creation was good, and angels are included in “all.”

D.. They have a beginning because they were created.

Nehemiah 9:6 says that the multitudes of heaven worship the LORD who made them

Psalm 148:2, 5, as noted above, angels were commanded to praise the LORD who made them.

Theologically they are not eternal because there was a time when they did not exist. Only God is eternal. But since their creation, angels who know their place will now last forever.

E.. They are not to be worshipped.

In Colossians 1:18 Paul warns the believers not to get drawn into false humility (asceticism) or the worship of angels. And Revelation 19:10 says that an angel met with John, and John’s first response was to fall at his feet to worship him, but the angel told him not to do that.

F.. They do not marry or die.

Luke 20:35-36 says that the humans in heaven are like angels who do not marry or die.

II.. Names and Ranks

A.. Brief intro.

Scripture gives us a few hints. Let’s see what we can do with them, but with restraint.

1.. Michael

In Daniel 10:13, 21, Michael is called the “one of the chief princes” and “your prince.” The latter title indicates that God assigned Michael to Daniel for a specific purpose, to fight and defeat the prince of Persia, another territorial spirit who resisted Daniel’s prayer.

Daniel 12:1 calls Michael the “great prince who protects your people.” Clearly, then, God appoints ruling angels to protect nations, particularly ones that are in trouble.

Jude 9 teaches that Michael was disputing with the devil over the deceased body of Moses, and Michael did not dare to condemn him for slander, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” In other words, Michael did not have authority of the believer in Jesus, because Michael was never saved. I believe we believers in Jesus do have the authority to rebuke Satan.

Revelation 12:7 tells us that Michael defeated Satan in a battle, and the devil and a third of his angels were hurled down to the earth, and now Satan and his demons have power and jurisdiction over the portion of humanity who has never (or not yet) surrendered to Jesus.

2.. Gabriel

In Daniel 8:16 God tells him to interpret Daniel’s dream. In Daniel 9, the prophet and administrator prayed to God to restore his people after they sinned. The “man” Gabriel came to him and explained an interpretation of a dream (Dan. 9:21). The next two passages say that Gabriel stands in the presence of God, so either he was a special messenger or had high rank—or both (Luke 1:19; Luke 1:26). Therefore, he probably has a higher rank than other angels.

3.. An archangel

The archangel leads other angels. First Thessalonians 4:16 says that Jesus will descend with the archangel who shouts with his voice. The archangel is unnamed. Thus, the hierarchy is built into the prefix “arch” in “archangel.”

4.. Temporarily, they are of a higher rank than humankind.

Jesus became fully human, which means he was a little lower than angels in his human body and human nature (Heb. 2:7). How much more are they above us humans!

5.. But when the Lord returns, believers in Jesus shall judge them.

First Corinthians 6:3 asks the Corinthians in the context of their suing each other in court, “Do you not know that we shall judge angels?” In other words, Christ’s followers experience salvation and redemption, while angels do not (1 Pet. 1:12), so mature believers will be assigned, in some way and from the vantage point of knowing Christ through this salvation and redemption, to evaluate what angels have done. When Christ establishes his everlasting kingdom, we shall have authority over angels, whether temporarily at judgment or forever—a remarkable thought.

6.. Rulers and authorities

Ephesians 3:10 names them as rulers and authorities in the heavenly realm, and they appear to be assigned by God to these jurisdictions. Colossians 1:16, as noted, repeats the same idea of their thrones, rulers, power, and authorities.

7.. Seraphim (plural)

Isaiah 6:2 says that seraphs (or seraphim, for the –im ending is Hebrew plural, masculine) have six wings each, two to cover their faces, two to cover their feet, and two to fly. Verses 6-7 say that one of the seraphim took hot coal and put it on Isaiah’s mouth and lips because he saw how unclean he was. So Seraphim can convey God’s forgiveness.

8.. Cherubs

They are spirit beings like angels who live in heaven. (The plural of cherub is cherubim). The term appears over ninety times in the Old Testament and once in the New (Heb. 9:5).

In Genesis 3:24, they guarded the tree of life, so humankind could never access it and short-circuit or bypass death.

In Exodus 25:18-22, two sculpted cherubim symbolically protected the sacred content of the wooden ark, particularly the Ten Commandments. They covered their heads in their wings that stretched out towards the center of the ark. God would meet with Moses from above the mercy seat; God will speak with Moses there, for God’s holy presence settled there.

In 1 Kings 6:23-35 and 2 Chronicles 3:7-14, were depicted in the temple as guardians of everything most holy. Their wingspread was fifteen feet (about 4.5 m) and covered an entire wall.

In such verses as 1 Samuel 4:4; 2 Samuel 6:2; 2 Kings 19:15; 1 Chronicles 13:6 and Psalms 80:1, 99:1, God is spoken of as “enthroned upon [or above] the cherubim.” They are not depicted as a fixed pedestal for God’s throne, but they are mobile. So does this hint that God’s throne is also mobile, signifying that God’s presence can be enthroned in our church services? Maybe, but this possibility has nothing to do with our lives in Christ down here, as we love our neighbors as ourselves (see Williams, vol. 1, p. 184).

In 1 Chronicles 28:18, David gave instructions to Solomon that included golden chariots of the cherubim that spread their wings and covered the ark of the covenant. Since the chariot also speaks of mobility, could it be that God’s throne is mobile? Could it mean that he can be enthroned in our presence at church? Maybe. God is omnipresent, so in a sense he is always enthroned in our church services and even in our hearts if we give him place out of his gift of our free will.

In Psalm 18:10, the LORD is poetically described as answering the Psalmist’s prayer by mounting cherubim and riding to the petitioner’s rescue. Nice image and poetry, but let’s not take it literally—unless the psalmist had a vision of an angel who did that, but even in this case, it is still poetic.

In Ezekiel 10:1-22, the cherubim had wings and managed wheels in heaven. So they do not sit idly.

9.. Living creatures

They are not necessarily angels, but they seem to be in a category all by themselves.

They are around God’s throne.

Ezekiel 1:5-14 teaches that they have one head, but four faces, the face of a human, lion, ox, and eagle. Later interpreters cleverly said that each face represented the four Gospels, but the Scriptures are silent about this.

In Revelation 4:6-8, the four faces become four creatures, with the faces listed in Ezek. 1. Their function was to lead the praise in heaven. When they repeated three times that the Lord God Almighty is holy, holy, holy, the twenty-four elders lay their crowns at the throne of God and praise God with their own words.

Let’s summarize seraphim, cherubim and the living creatures. All of them are concerned with God’s holiness; they are its guardians. Cherubim uphold his throne and even serve as his chariot.  The seraphim form a circle above the throne, while the cherubim form one below the throne. This may indicate their ranks.

10.. Angels are innumerable.

Deuteronomy 33:2 says there are tens of thousands holy ones who accompanied the LORD on Mt. Sinai.

Psalm 68:17 teaches that there tens of thousands and thousands of thousands (= innumerable) of chariots of God, again connected with the LORD on Mt. Sinai, where the law of Moses was given.

Hebrews 12:22 contrasts the mountain of fear (Mt. Sinai) with Mt. Zion, the mountain of God, the heavenly Jerusalem, where myriads (but NIV says “innumerable”) of angels are gathered together in joyful assembly. So Mt. Zion is where Jesus was crucified. Mt. Sinai is where the law of Moses was fearfully thundered from on high and three thousand people died (Ex. 32:28).

Revelation 5:11 says they numbered thousands upon thousands and ten thousand times ten thousands. You can do the math. The point is innumerable.

III.. Their Duties to Humanity

A.. Brief intro.

Here we are firmer footing, with the Scriptures, which give us more knowledge.

1.. They are intermediaries.

They were intermediaries who revealed the law of Moses (Acts 7:38 and Gal. 3:19 and Heb. 2:2).

2.. They bring messages from God.

In Zechariah 1:14-17 the angel asked the LORD how long he was going to withhold mercy from Jerusalem and the town of Judea. Then the angel was commissioned to tell Zechariah that God was going to return to Jerusalem with mercy, and the nations used to punish the city went too far. In Acts 10:3-6 an angel of the Lord appeared to Cornelius the centurion and told him to go to Peter’s house in Joppa, on the coast. Peter ministered to him and the centurion and his household received the Holy Spirit. We already saw how Gabriel brought a message to Zachariah and Mary (Luke 1:19, 26).

3.. They praise and worship God.

In Hebrews 1:6, quoting Deuteronomy 32:43, the Septuagint (third century to second century B.C. Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible), says all the angels shall worship God.

In Revelation 5:11-12 the thousands upon thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand said, “Worthy is the lamb who was slain!”

4.. They provide for God’s people.

In 1 Kings 19:5-8 an angel told Elijah to get up and eat. Elijah looked and a dinner was cooking for him. Only an angel could have done that. God was concerned for Elijah’s physical health.

Psalm 103:14 says he knows how we were formed and remembers that we are but dust. God takes us as we are.

Matthew 4:11 says that angels ministered to Jesus after he was tempted by Satan. Maybe they gave him more than just spiritual comfort, but food, as well.

Hebrews 1:14 says that they are ministering spirits who serve the people who will inherit salvation. Theologically this means that they are invisible to us, unless God wills to manifest them. But personally, angels are nudging and assisting your loved ones who have not yet been saved. The future tense indicates that angels take care of those who are not yet saved. Or “salvation” in this verse could speak of final salvation when we get our glorified bodies. Or it means right now and in the future.

5.. They protect God’s people.

Psalm 91:11 says he will command his angels to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up and prevent your feet from striking stones. Please read the whole psalm. It is wonderful.

Daniel 6:22 says that God sent his angel who shut the mouths of the lions.

Acts 12:7-10 says that an angel freed Peter from prison. Apparently God and the angel overrode—broke—civil law when it was unjust.

6.. Some serve as guardians.

Angels who watch over the “little ones” always see the face of God (Matt. 18:10). Some interpret the “little ones” as weak disciples or children. I prefer to see them as children.

Acts 12:15 says that some in the church believed that after Peter was released and was knocking on Mary’s door, his angel, not Peter, did this, indicating an early belief in the church about guardian angels. I say it is legitimate, not superstition or a sectarian belief.

7.. They guide people.

An angel told Philip to go down to a road that foes from Jerusalem to Gaza, without telling him why. Philip took the step of faith (Acts 8:26).

In Acts 27:23-24 an angel told Paul that he and everyone on the ship would come through the storm safely. This word encouraged him and everyone else.

8.. They interpret God’s will.

Daniel 7:16 says that an angel revealed the meaning of Daniel’s dreams about the four beasts.

Zechariah 1:9, 13-14, as noted, says that an angel revealed to Zechariah that God would return to Jerusalem with mercy.

9.. They carry out God’s will.

In Numbers 22:22, an angel blocked Balaam’s path, so he could not look out over Israel and curse God’s people.

Psalm 103:20-21 says that angels do his bidding and carry out his will.

In Matthew 28:2 a violent earthquake happened at the tomb, for an angel rolled back the stone and sat on it.

10.. They carry out judgment.

They punish God’s enemies who live outside the New Covenant and sometimes those who still live in the Old Covenant.

An angel of the LORD was sent to punish people because of David’s sin of an unauthorized census (2 Sam. 24:16-17). Leaders must learn to obey God or the people who serve under him will suffer.

In 2 Kings 19:35, the angel of the Lord put to death 185,000 Assyrian enemies who had besieged Jerusalem, in about 701 B.C.

Acts 12:23 says that Herod Agrippa was struck down by an angel because he did not give glory to God. Herod was steeped in Judaism, and in the Old Covenant, God judged them like that.

See my post Why Did Ananias and Sapphira Drop Dead?

In 1 Corinthians 10:10, in the context of Corinthians who grumbled, Paul reminds his readers that in the Old Covenant God through a destroying angel wiped out the ancient Hebrews. Of course God would not destroy Corinthian grumblers like this (I should think not!), but Paul is merely saying that Christians should be careful.

In Revelation 14:17-16:21 angels are shown to be fighting and winning against God’s enemies.

11.. They fight demons and demonic hordes.

In Daniel 10:13, Michael the heavenly prince fought against the spirit ruler over Persia.

Revelation 12:7-8 teaches that Daniel fought against the dragon (Satan) and his allies, who were thrown out of heaven.

In Revelation 20:1-3 an angel seized Satan and bound him with a chain and confined him for a thousand years.

IV.. Their Duties in the Life of Christ

A.. Brief intro.

Here again we have more Scriptures to guide us.

1… Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus to Mary.

Luke 1:5-25 reveals that Gabriel told Zechariah about the birth of John, the future Baptist.

In Luke 1:26-38, Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive a son by the Holy Spirit.

2.. An angel announced to Joseph in a dream the divine conception.

Matthew 1:20-21, as the bold point says, an angel appeared in a dream. Renewalists believe angels still do this (it has happened to me on many occasions—in my dreams).

3.. An angel announced his birth to shepherds.

In Luke 2:9-12, of course the shepherd were terrified. Who wouldn’t be? Then a chorus of angels appeared in the sky and sang praises to God.

4.. An angel warned Joseph in a dream to flee into Egypt.

In Matthew 2:13 an angel again appeared to Joseph in a dream and guided him.

5.. An angel told Joseph in a dream to return to Israel.

This angel came after Herod died (Matt. 2:19-20).

6.. Angels strengthened Jesus after he successfully resisted temptation.

Matthew 4:11 and Mark 1:13 say angels (plural) visited Jesus. It is a mystery as to what they said, but it must have been encouraging.

7.. An angel from heaven helped Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

In Luke 22:43, this was a very necessary visitation because Jesus was in such anguish that he sweat drops of blood.

8.. Twelve legions of angels could have helped Jesus not to be executed,

They could have destroyed his enemies, and he could have avoided death on the cross.

In Matthew 26:53, Jesus said this to Peter, after the apostle had cut off the high priest’s servant’s ear. No violence needed to stop the crucifixion, which was God’s will (and so was the resurrection.

9.. An angel rolled away the tombstone.

It covered the opening to Jesus’s tomb. As noted, above, Matthew 28:2 says God sent an angel to push back the gigantic stone.

10.. Angels announced Jesus’s resurrection.

In Matthew 28:5-7 an angel says, “He is not here! He is risen!”

Luke 24:23 says that on the Emmaus Road, Cleopas, probably Jesus’s uncle (Joseph’s brother), reported to a mysterious traveler (Jesus) that angels had told some women that the tomb was empty.

In John 20:11-13 two angels appeared to the women and dialogued with them, asking why they were weeping. God often asks questions that appear out of context and unnecessary, but which lift people higher than their limited point of view.

11.. Angels were present at Jesus’s ascension.

In Acts 1:11, after Jesus ascended and went into the cloud, the apostles were standing and looking up. Two angels shook them out of their wonderment and told them that Jesus would return in the way he went up—visible and bodily.

12.. Angels will return with Christ.

Matthew 25:31 says very straightforwardly that Jesus will return to sit on his throne, and his angels will be with him.

Second Thessalonians 1:7 reveals that Jesus will appear in a blaze of fire, with his angels.

V.. Their Abilities and Nature

A.. Quick summary

Angels:

1.. Are messengers (in Hebrew mal’ak and in Greek angelos);

2.. Are created spirit beings;

3.. Have a beginning at their creation (not eternal);

4.. Have a beginning, but they are immortal (deathless), but only by God’s power. He may one day take away fallen angels’ immortality.

5.. Have moral judgment;

6.. Have a certain measure of free will;

7.. Have high intelligence;

8.. Do not have physical bodies;

9.. But can manifest with bodies before humans;

10.. They can show the emotion of joy.

B.. Other qualities and abilities and restrictions

1.. Their manifested bodies are immortal and incorruptible.

In Exodus 3:4, the Angel of Lord called from within the burning bush, but he was not burned.

And in Judges 13:20, the Angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of a burnt offering and was unharmed.

This shows that earthly things cannot harm them.

Luke 20:35-36 is a wonderful passage that says at the resurrection believers will not marry or be given in marriage, and they can no longer die, for they will be like angels.

2.. They live in heaven.

Matthew 18:10 says they live in heaven and look at the face of the Father of the little children. “Face” means God’s presence.

Matthew 22:30 teaches that at the resurrection people will neither marry or be given in marriage but will be like the angels in heaven.

Luke 1:19 tells us that Gabriel said he continuously stands in the presence of God. And God lives in heaven.

Revelation 5:11-12 reveals a wonderful panorama of many angels, thousands and thousands, myriads and myriads who encircle the throne and the creates near it and praise God. Angels live there, on the other side of the veil.

3.. They have moral judgment and a measure of free will.

Second Peter 2:4 and Jude 9 speak of angels who rebelled against God. Since they revolted against God, they exercised a certain measure of free will and moral judgment—a bad use of free will and moral judgment!

4.. They have limited wisdom and knowledge, but greater than ours in most areas.

Second Samuel 14:20 says that angels have greater wisdom than humankind.

Matthew 24:36 says they don’t know when the Son of Man will return, however.

First Peter 1:12 also teaches that they do not understand redemption and salvation, but long to look into these things. We understand those things more clearly than they do. But surely they understand the spiritual realm and heaven better than we do since they live in it.

They have limitations, therefore. They are not omniscient (all-knowing). Only God is.

5.. They are not to be worshipped.

Colossians 2:18 teaches us that we should not allow anyone who does false humility and worships angels to disqualify us. They go into great details about what they have seen, but their minds are unspiritual. My suggestion is that you do not get caught up in secret things at websites that promote world religions and angels. They have many falsehoods in them, which the undiscerning minds cannot sort out.

6.. They do not marry.

As noted, Luke 20:35-36 says at the resurrection believers will not marry or be given in marriage, for they will be like angels.

7.. They are probably not made in the image of God, but we are.

Genesis 1:26-27 says that Adam and Eve were made in God’s likeness.

Genesis 9:6 teaches that anyone who has shed blood (murdered) has to have his blood shed, because the victim was made in the image of God. Angels are probably not included in the image of God.

Genesis 5:3 tells us that we can procreate humans in God’s image, but angels cannot procreate, so, once again, this indicates that they are probably excluded from being made in God’s image.

8.. They can be only in one place at a time.

Daniel 10:12-14 teaches us that Michael, one of the princes of the heavenly world, had to come and help Daniel’s personal messenger, to defeat a spirit being who hindered Daniel’s prayers. If Michael had to arrive on the scene, then he was not everywhere at once.

Luke 1:26 says that God sent Gabriel to Nazareth. If Gabriel had to be sent, then he was not everywhere.

Thus they are not omnipresent (everywhere at once); only God is.

9.. They are powerful, but not omnipotent (all-powerful).

Psalm 103:20 says they are mighty ones.

Ephesians 1:21 calls them powers, which means they have a certain ability to exert over people and other spiritual forces, but not entire power over them.

Colossians 1:16 says there are such things as dominions and authorities or an angelic hierarchy. (Note: some teach that these terms like “dominions” and “authorities” include demonic forces too.)

Second Peter 2:11 says that they are greater in might and power than rebellious humans.

Matthew 28:2 says that legions of angels could wipe out people.

Daniel 10:13 and Revelation 12:7-8 and 20:13 teach that they can defeat demonic forces.

Only God is omnipotent; angels are not.

10.. They have the emotion of joy.

In Job 38:7, the “sons of God” (angels) are shown to have rejoiced at the creation.

In Luke 15:10, angels celebrate when one sinner repents and returns to God.

Revelation 19:6-7 says that the four living creature and the twenty-four angels fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne: “Amen! Hallelujah!” This seems to be a joyous, triumphant exclamation.

Zephaniah 3:17 says that God rejoices over his people with singing. If God rejoices with singing, then why not angels too?

11.. Solemnity

It does not appear anywhere in Scripture that they can have other emotions like wrath or sadness. Rather, they seem solemn and not swayed by human emotions or do not come under the control of people’ emotions. But maybe when one angel destroyed the Assyrian army, in 2 Kings 19:35, he expressed the calm wrath of judgment, We don’t know enough about angels to state these matters categorically.

12.. They are called by other names.

First, some Bible interpreters say that the “sons of God” who married daughters of humans were fallen angels (Gen. 6:2). However, angels do not marry or are given in marriage (Matt. 22:30). They were probably descendants from the godly line of Seth, Adam and Eve’s named son, Seth (Gen. 5:4) and so had a special relationship with God, hence their honorific “sons of God,” and were leaders.

Who Were the ‘Sons of God’ in Genesis?

Some scholars believe that the sons of God in Job 1:6 and 2:1 were angels. The New International Version translates the phrase as “angels,” but also notes that the Hebrew says “sons of God.” Job 38:7 says the sons of God rejoiced when the morning stars sang together, so these sons of God were probably angels.

Second, Psalms 89:5 and 89:7 call them this title. “Holy” at its root means separateness, and the opposite is common or profane—soiled by the world and creation. Angels are consecrated and separated by God and to God for his divine purposes.

Third, hosts or armies of heaven are terms that appear everywhere in the Old Testament.

Psalms 89:6 and 89:8 also calls them by this name, which indicates their function—they know how to join forces and fight and worship God.

Isaiah 31:4 teaches us that the LORD of hosts or armies will do battle for his people.

Fourth, watchers in Daniel 4:13, 7, 23 are called watchmen or in the singular watchman.

Fifth, Spirits (as noted above)

Sixth, they are called thrones, dominions, principalities, authorities (Col. 1:16) and powers (Eph. 1:21). Those verses teach that angels have certain jurisdictions and a hierarchy. However, the details are not clear, though some Bible teachers claim they can figure out the hierarchy. They may be right, or they may miss the point, which is that angels have power and authority over dominions. Other interpreters say the demonic kingdom also have such hierarchies, and those terms may refer to them as well.

13.. God did not spare them when they sinned.

Second Peter 2:4: Fallen angels were put in hell (a verb is used here, but the noun is Tartarus) to await judgment. This indicates that God shows us his love to us humans in his redemption and forgiveness, but angels do not get a second chance, since they lived in God’s absolutely glorious presence, while we do not. Greater privilege means greater judgment.

VI.. The Angel of the Lord

A.. Brief intro.

He appeared in the Old Testament. Let’s see whom he visited.

1.. Hagar

In Genesis 16:17, her mistress Sarah mistreated her, so she fled. In her extreme discouragement, the angel of the Lord met her and told her to go back. She complied. Then she took stock of what she just experienced and said:  ^“She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.’” It was the LORD who visited her, and this is the key concept to determine whether the angel was a mere messenger or the LORD, who manifested himself in the person of the Son of God.

However, in Genesis 21:17, an angel of God visited Hagar again in her moment of extreme discouragement, and nothing is said about the angel’s divinity on the same level as the previous visitation, so this passage indicates that the divine visitor was not the pre-incarnate Son of God.

2.. Abraham

In Abraham’s near-sacrifice of Isaac (Gen. 22:11-15), the angel of the LORD called out to him, just as the patriarch was about to plunge the knife into his son. Then the Angel of the LORD made this revealing statement as to his identity: “’I swear by myself, declares the Lord’” […]. This means that he was no ordinary angel, but the pre-incarnate Son of God.

3.. Jacob

Genesis 31:11-13 says that Jacob was about to experience a miracle of prosperity, his livestock. Then an angel of the God appeared to him and said “I am the God of Bethel,” where Jacob dreamed about a ladder and angels ascending and descending on it (Gen. 28:10-17). In that passage the LORD called out from heaven, apparently without a manifestation of him in angelic form. However, here at his father-in-law’s estate, the angel of God did and called himself “God.” So this refers to the pre-incarnate Son of God.

Hosea 12:4-5 reads: “He [Jacob] struggled with the angel and overcame him; he wept and begged for his favor. He found him at Bethel and talked with him there—⁵ the Lord God Almighty, the Lord is his name!” (See Gen. 32:30). Clearly this refers to the preincarnate Son of God.

4.. Moses

In Exodus 3:1-4, Moses is getting his calling to deliver the ancient Israelites from their oppression in Egypt. The angel of the LORD appeared to him in the burning bush, and v. 4 says “God called out to him from within the bush.”

5.. Israelites during the Exodus

In Exodus 14:24 the Israelites are fleeing the Egyptians and are about to enter the Red Sea. The angel of the LORD was in the pillar of cloud by day. And then the identity of the angel is further revealed: “The LORD look down from the pillar.” So he was the pre-incarnate Son of God, because the Old Testament is able to distinguish between him and an ordinary angel, like Michael.

6.. Balaam

In Numbers 22:22-36, Balaam was riding his donkey to curse the people of Israel, but the angel of the LORD blocked the various routes. When Balaam finally had his eyes opened and saw him, he bowed low and fell face down. This is one hint that the angel was the preincarnate Son of God because he did not ask Balaam to get up, but accepted his worship.

7.. Joshua

In Judges 2:1-4, Joshua and the Israelites offered sacrifices to the LORD while the angel of the LORD was still present. Only God accepts sacrifices.

8.. Gideon

Judges 6:11-23 teaches that the angel of the LORD appeared and said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior!” This is more than just a message from the throne of God, though it was that. It can be interpreted as saying that the LORD as the angel is with him right then. So this angel is the pre-incarnate Son of God. But it is possible to interpret the passage as the messenger being an angel.

9.. Samson’s parents

In Judges 13:21-22, the angel of the LORD appeared to Manoah and his wife, parents of Samson. Manoah asked this question and got this reply: ^“Then Manoah inquired of the angel of the Lord, ‘What is your name, so that we may honor you when your word comes true? He replied, ‘Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.’” Then the angel accepted their offering, an act of worship. Only God can accept worship.

B.. Summary

What are we make of these Scriptures? Certain modern interpreters like to “demythologize” (strip away biblical truths because the scholars believe the truths are myths) the biblical accounts of angels. But the demythologizers have arrived too late for Bible believers. Many of us have seen them. Those biblical accounts are not myths but are authoritative and infallible.

The Son of God is not an angel, for he created them (John 1:1-4), but he did serve as a messenger in his preincarnate state. That’s what these stories teach us.

The Old Testament is able to distinguish between the pre-incarnate Son of God and ordinary angels. Here are some verses that mention the latter group: 1 Kings 13:18; 2 Chron. 32:21 (cf. 2 Kings 19:35); Dan. 3:28 and Dan. 6:23; Zech. 1:9, Zech. 1:13-14; Zech. 2:2-7; Zech. 4:1-5; Zech. 5:5-10; Zech. 6:4-5). So not all angels appearing in the Old Testament are the preincarnate Son of God.

In the above passages, people called the angel of the Lord “God” or “LORD,” (the sacred, four-letter name of God), or they worshiped him, and the angel accepted the titles and worship, and did not correct the people. Often the inspired author of a biblical book also called the angel “God” or “LORD.”

But the preincarnate Son of God is not a created being as angels are. In all the above verses, Jesus was merely functioning as a messenger, which is the basic meaning of “angel.”

VII.. Questions and Answers

A.. Brief intro.

We have to draw conclusions from Scripture, without getting too speculative.

1.. What about their immortal bodies and interactions with people?

Angels can manifest in immortal bodies, but didn’t they eat food when they visited Abraham (Gen. 18:1-8)? How can an immortal body do that?

The answer as to how they could do this is not clear, but we can make some Bible-based guesses. Apparently their immortal bodies could absorb the physical food and drink without needing to purge it out later. But how this digestion happens exactly is unknown to us. And it is a such a minor point that we don’t need to focus on it. Let’s move on.

2.. Do angels appear today?

Yes. For example, God encourages us to show hospitality to strangers, for sometimes they are angels (Heb. 13:2). This command is for all believers.

Further, God loves his people today every bit as much as he loved first-century believers and his chosen people in the Old Sinai covenant. If he used angels back then, there is no biblical theology that rules out his employing them today. Therefore, using Bible-based logic, it is much too restrictive and churlish to claim they stopped helping people today. They are working invisibly right now, and sometimes they appear to people. Therefore their ability to appear has no expiration date that ended after the last apostle died.

And sure enough, reports circulate all the time that they appear in church settings and a lot of others settings, but only to those whom God has gifted to see them, at his will, not theirs.

Therefore, angels can and do certainly appear today at God’s command, in order to help people.

3.. Do angels watch over church services?

First Corinthians 11:10 says we should behave appropriately because of the angels, though some see the angels as human church leaders—”messengers.”

In 1 Timothy 5:10, Paul charges Timothy in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and “elect angels.” This latter context is not exactly angels watching a church service, but Timothy was a church leader, and angels were invoked to hold him accountable.

Revelation 2-3 speaks of angels overseeing the churches in Asia Minor, though some see these being as human church leaders—“messengers.”

In Psalm 138:1 David says he will praise the LORD before the “gods,” which probably refers to angels.

4.. Should we be aware of angels in our lives?

Aware yes, but seek and obsess over, no. As noted, we can show hospitality to strangers, who are sometimes angels in disguise (Heb. 13:2; Gen. 18:2-5; Gen. 19:1-3).

I never wake up saying, “Will I see an anges today?” I seek God through Christ and in the Holy Spirit.

5.. Do angels appear in dreams?

Yes, absolutely. They appeared in Joseph’s (Jesus’s stepfather’s) dreams (Matt. 1:20; 2:13; 2:19-20) and in Jacob’s dream (Gen. 31:11). People today report they have seen angels in dreams (I have seen them in mine).

6.. Can I command angels?

Absolutely not. They are God’s messengers, not yours. “God will command his angels concerning you” (Ps. 91:11). Psalm 103:20 says that angels do God’s bidding and obey his word. Some teachers say that if we speak God’s “word” (the Bible), then we can command angels. But in Hebrew poetry, “word” is just a parallel for “bidding.” They obey God who commands (bids) and issues directives (words). He does this, not you. It is unbiblical and (therefore) arrogant for you to think you can boss them around or command them. Don’t over-read those verses. Just because you know Scripture does not mean you can command them. Angels obey his word (command), not yours.

Daniel humbled himself and sought God, and then found out a prince of Persia resisted his prayers for twenty-one days. But Daniel did not command the angel. He prayed to God (Dan. 9:4-19), who commanded the angel (Dan. 10:2-21). He did not pray a prayer like this: “Angels of God, I command you to go over there and help so-and-so and do such-and-such! I command you to fight a demon!”

This is what Jesus said to Peter, when the Son of God was being arrested: “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matt. 26:53). Note that Jesus calls on his Father, and the Father is the one who “sends” and “presents” (the Greek tense here is present) the angels. Even Jesus would have been required to call on his Father; how much do you have to do this!

The main point is to have a posture of humility and non-omniscience (you don’t know everything), when you ask God to send his angels to help you or someone else. The “angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him” (Ps. 34:7), and “angels are ministering spirits sent to those who will inherit salvation” (Heb. 1:14). Just trust that the Father to send his angels.

Realize that God knows the situation and has already sent an angel or angels. Let God be God, and you be a human.

7.. Can I pray to angels?

Absolutely not. We pray to the Father through Jesus and by the power of the Spirit. Your praying to angels assumes they have more power and authority than God actually gave them. God himself is your answer, in Jesus’s name.

8.. If I cannot command or pray to angels, can I ask God to send angels?

In my own prayer life, I don’t ask God to send angels. I believe that he has already done this, when he sees it is needed. But you may believe differently than I do and feel the need to ask God for angelic help. Maybe I will change and add this belief to my own prayer life. In my view, you should call only on the name of the Lord, and not worry about angels. God your Father is willing to help. If you need an angel, he already has sent one.

9.. Can I talk to an angel when he appears to me?

You may certainly talk to him, if he allows it, just as many Bible characters did, like Zachariah and Mary. But he may not answer. Gideon got sassy with one, asking the angel why God seems to have abandoned Israel (when in fact Israel had abandoned God). The angel did not answer the question directly but delivered God’s message (Judg. 6:11-14).

Further, if one appeared to you right now in his mighty power, you would swoon or fall in the fear of the Lord and tremble (Dan. 10:10-11). You may not have the gumption to talk to him. But if you do, be sure the conversation will be short. Or he will do most of the messaging (talking) (Dan. 8:15-27). But this does not permit you to pray to them.

Remember, the basic role of an angel, both in Hebrew and Greek, is to be a messenger from God to you, not from you to an angel and then up to God. Your Father hears you and is eager to communicate with you and for you to get to know him directly without intermediaries. In the New Covenant, only Christ Jesus is the Mediator between God and humankind (1 Tim. 2:5), not angels.

10.. But didn’t Abraham have a long conversation with an angel?

Yes, but Abraham was not asking for secret knowledge about his dead father, for example, but about God’s justice and mercy—a theological discussion (Gen. 18:20-33). If an angel dialogues with you for that long, so be it. But I would not count on it. In the vast majority of cases in the Bible, the heaven-sent messenger just told the people what to do or instructed them briefly. As noted, he will do most of the talking, not you.

In contrast, a psychic who claims to speak with an angel for an extended period of time to find out information, like your deceased mother’s name, is talking to an evil spirit. Angels are not to be commanded and interviewed and probed and examined and channeled. They belong to God, not the séance leader or psychic.

Just be careful here. Satan can masquerade as an angel of light (1 Cor. 11:14).

11.. Can I receive doctrines from an angel?

Warning! An angel from heaven is vulnerable to teaching false doctrine (Gal. 1:8). Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light (1 Cor. 11:14). A lying angel (demon) deceived a man of God (1 Kings 13:18). True, Abraham carried on a theological discussion with the Angel (Messenger) of the Lord, the preincarnate Son of God, not an angel. These warnings should caution us about receiving doctrines from angels.

They may have more knowledge and wisdom than we do about certain things, like the glories and reality of the spiritual realm and heaven, but they are simple messengers. Their knowledge and wisdom are limited. For example, they desire to look into salvation and redemption, but do not experience it fully (1 Pet. 1:12). We have more knowledge about those things than they do. After Christ returns, Jesus’s followers will judge them (1 Cor. 6:3).

Just stay with and depend on Scripture and fellowship at a Spirit-filled, Bible-based church.

12.. Should I seek for an angelic appearance?

Scriptures do not give us warrant to do this. In every case where they appear, it was a sovereign act of God. Just seek Jesus, and he will talk to you and have fellowship with you. He very much wants to do this.

13.. Are there black angels?

Nothing in Scripture forbids it. People say they have seen them in their dreams. I’ve seen them very briefly in my dreams, delivering a message to me, so I say yes.

14.. Are there healing angels?

Warning! The Scriptures are not perfectly clear about this, but here are some hints. Angels ministered to Jesus when he was in the worst moment of his life in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before he sweat drops of blood. But the angel did not take away the blood drops. But he must have offered sort of mental and physical strength.

Next, an angel ministered to Jesus after his big confrontation with Satan (Mark 1:13). What was that ministry like? It surely included physical and emotional sustenance and encouragement.

Finally, in Isaiah 63:9, an angel relieved the people’s distress and saved them.

In those three contexts, angels provided some measure of comfort and strengthening and relief.

However, Scripture throughout the New Testament says God through Christ heals. If angels are involved in healing, then they are merely messengers to help those who will inherit salvation (Heb. 1:14), and salvation includes physical and mental wellbeing. But they are not the healers, for that would take away too much of God’s and his Son’s glory. Jesus is the healer, and he glorifies the Father.

15.. Why do I have to submit my experience with angels to Scripture?

Scripture was inspired infallibly by God; you are not. Scripture has stood the test of time for 2000-plus years; you are a latecomer to the whole thing. Scripture is completely trustworthy; you are not.

Our minds are prone to self-deception and self-aggrandizement. Your experience with angels can turn into a status symbol. People may believe you have special power over their lives, so you can fall into temptation to boss them around and lord it over the people, which Scripture forbids (Matt. 20:25-28; 1 Pet. 5:3). Don’t be arrogant.

Don’t fall for the “social media and youtube theology” that treats the Bible casually and with little authority. This light-minded “theology” is trending now, but it is misguided and wrongheaded.

Therefore, it is wise to test and submit everything to the Bible.

16.. Is it wise to read websites honoring world religions and promoting angels?

No! I have read a website that promotes Hinduism and Shintoism and New Age and angels and other such things. You are opening yourself up to a false angel (demon). As noted already, the Bible says Satan can masquerade as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). This means Satan can mask himself with a glow and can speak sweet words with sugar on them, but in the end of your contact, he will lead you away from the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ. This satanic angel will lead you towards darkness.

See my post:

15 The Church and World Religions

I taught world religions for a number of years at community colleges, and you must avoid getting involved in all other religions except biblical, Spirit-filled Christianity.

VIII.. Application

A.. Angels are real.

They encamp about you and protect you and minister to you. They can appear to you personally or in your dreams as messengers (they have appeared in my dreams). God sends them to comfort you and reveal to you that he is watching over you and loves you. He sends them to guide you personally and in a way that conforms to Scripture.

B.. God’s protection

When you are in need, he will send his angels to watch over you. I was getting stung by a swarm of aggressive bees. I had to run up an incline to escape, but I was not going fast enough to get out of range. I cried out to the Lord: “Jesus, make them stop!” As God is my witness, they instantly stopped and flew off. I believe an angel, though unseen by me, brushed them away. Even when you get hurt, God will intervene and by his angels remain there until help arrives. Never lose your faith. God will command his angels to watch over you (Ps. 91:11).

C.. Spiritual, heavenly truths

Heaven is real, and so are the creatures that populate it. When we get to heaven, we will meet and see them. We shall listen to their praises and witness their service to God and to us. They shall assist us in our heavenly service to God, because we will not just sit around on clouds and play harps forever (but maybe we can learn the harp for a while!).

In any case, heaven is another dimension. It is not on a planet in this universe. If so, then were did God dwell before he made the heavens and the earth? If we had eyes to see or if God opened our eyes to see heaven, we would understand its reality and how close it is. Angels live in the heavenly realm, which is another dimension.

D.. God’s love is highest

He loves you more than any angel could. In fact, it is not clear from Scripture that angels have a capacity for love—certainly not for humans. They just are; it seems the only emotion they feel is joy when a sinner is found or at creation (Job 38:7; Luke 15:10).

E.. The right prayer life

Pray to your loving Father in Jesus’s name and ask him to answer your prayers. Focus on the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Seek to be filled and empowered with the Holy Spirit, not “angel-power,” whatever that is. Jesus is the answer, not angels. He empowers you by his indwelling Spirit.

F.. Right and biblical perspective

Many people have seen angels, either in their dreams or in person. However, Christians of any kind should not seek out angels, but seek God through Christ. You don’t need to go to prayer meetings, for example, that communicate with angels or that claim an angel’s feather brushed up against you. Also, do not seek advice from angels. That’s misdirected.

If you believe you have seen an angel, submit your experience to Scripture. It is infallible; you are not. It is trustworthy; you are not. It teaches sound doctrine; you may not. It has stood the test of time for 2000-plus years; you have not.

If God sends one in your dreams or personally, it will be by his sovereign will. Instead, just focus on Jesus and his word. But it is good to know angels do serve us at God’s will, and we can be comforted and encouraged by this Scriptural truth.

G.. Relationship with the Father through Jesus, not angels

You can have an intimate relationship with the Father, and he can lead you where he wants you to go. He can speak to you as you quiet your mind and meditate on Scripture. He wants to have an intimate relationship and personal communication with you. You can learn to receive guidance from the Father, through Jesus, and in the Holy Spirit and Scripture and sound, biblical teaching in a fellowship.

H.. Final warning

Colossians 2:18 warns:

Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angles disqualify you. Such a person goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.” (Col. 2:18)

This verse teaches us not to get drawn into visions people have seen, even if they see angels. You can give them a fair hearing, but we must judge everything they say by Scripture and their fruit (or character) (Matt. 7:15-20). Just focus on the plain things of Scripture: salvation, holiness, regeneration (rebirth), life of Christ, evangelism, the simple gospel, and a long list of other clear teachings of Scripture.

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Works Cited