The Bible does not explicitly state whether Christians have the authority to command angels. However, based on scriptural principles and examples, it appears that humans do not have inherent authority over angels.
Angels are spiritual beings created by God for His purposes (Psalm 148:2,5). As created beings, angels are subject to the authority of God alone. Nowhere in Scripture are humans given dominion over angels. In fact, angels are described as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). Their role is to assist and serve God’s people, not to be commanded by them.
When angels appeared to humans in the Bible, they operated under God’s direction and authority, not human authority. For example, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream several times with instructions from God (Matthew 1:20, 2:13). The angel was not obligated to obey Joseph but rather carried out missions assigned by God.
The book of Jude alludes to an incident where the archangel Michael did not rebuke Satan on his own authority but said, “The Lord rebuke you” (Jude 9). Even Michael, one of the highest ranking angels, operated under God’s authority regarding Satan.
At times, angels may inquire of humans what God’s will is for a situation, as the angel did when Philip was directed by the Spirit to the Gaza desert (Acts 8:26). But the angel was seeking clarity on God’s leading, not taking orders from Philip.
While angels may choose to assist people as messengers of God’s will, they ultimately answer to God. Even Jesus, in the flesh, did not claim inherent authority over angels. When Peter tried to prevent Jesus’ arrest, Jesus told him he could appeal to the Father who would provide legions of angels if necessary (Matthew 26:53). But Jesus still submitted Himself to the Father’s will.
Some argue that verses about believers judging angels (1 Corinthians 6:3) imply authority over them. However, this likely refers to believers joining with Christ to judge fallen angels after His return. It does not mean Christians currently have authority over angels.
In a few cases in Acts, humans give orders that are carried out by angels. However, these instances reflect God’s sovereign direction to the angels through believers, not inherent human authority over angels. For example, Peter by faith tells an angel to free him from prison, fulfilling God’s will (Acts 12:7-10).
One caution concerning angels is that Christians should avoid worshiping them. When John fell down to worship an angel, the angel told him, “You must not do that!” (Revelation 19:10). Angels are powerful servants of God but are not to be worshiped.
In summary, the overall teaching of Scripture indicates believers do not have the authority to independently command angels according to their own will. Angels answer to God alone. Christians can pray for God’s intervention through angels, but cannot directly order them to act. Our requests are subject to God’s sovereign direction of His angelic servants.
Examples of interactions between humans and angels in the Bible
Here are some biblical examples of how humans interacted with angels under God’s authority, not their own:
- An angel appeared to Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20)
- Angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-15)
- An angel commanded Philip to go to the Gaza desert (Acts 8:26)
- An angel freed Peter from prison (Acts 12:7-10)
- Abraham showed hospitality to angels and was blessed (Hebrews 13:2)
- The angel Gabriel delivered revelations to Daniel (Daniel 8:15-26)
- Angels ministered to Jesus after His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11)
- An angel strengthened Jesus before His crucifixion (Luke 22:43)
In none of these cases did humans exercise authority over the angels. The angels accomplished God’s work under His divine authority and plan.
What the Bible teaches about angels
Since Christians do not have authority over angels, it helps to understand what the Bible teaches about their divine purpose and nature:
- Angels are spiritual servants created by God (Psalm 148:2, 5)
- They worship God, Jesus, and carry out God’s will (Hebrews 1:6, Psalm 103:20)
- They minister to and serve those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14)
- They provide guidance, instruction and deliver messages (Acts 8:26, Matthew 1:20-21)
- They offer encouragement, assistance and blessings from God (Genesis 16:7-12, Matthew 4:11)
- They also execute judgment at God’s direction (Acts 12:23)
Christians cannot command angels to act for selfish interests or apart from God’s purposes. But we can ask for their divine assistance in alignment with God’s will.
How Christians should properly interact with angels
Given what the Bible teaches about angels, here are some guidelines for how Christians should interact with them:
- Do not worship angels – only worship God (Colossians 2:18, Revelation 19:10)
- Do not try to command or control angels through rituals, invocations or incantations
- You can ask God to send His angels to assist you or others
- Thank God when angels help you or reveal His truths to you
- Test any guidance from angels against Scripture to ensure it aligns with God’s Word (1 John 4:1)
- Have proper reverence for angels as powerful heavenly beings (2 Peter 2:10-11)
- Do not overemphasize angels – focus your faith on God and Jesus (Colossians 2:18)
Asking for angelic assistance can be appropriate at times, such as praying for God’s angelic protection over travels. But Christians should avoid unbiblical extremes like attempting to summon or command angels.
Warnings about inappropriate practices concerning angels
The Bible gives warnings about inappropriate practices relating to angels that Christians should avoid:
- Worshiping angels (Colossians 2:18)
- Praying to angels (Revelation 19:10)
- Relying on visions of angels that contradict Scripture (Galatians 1:8)
- Basing doctrines on claims of angelic revelation (1 Timothy 4:1)
- Seeking angels through mysticism or rituals outside Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:10)
- Becoming “friends” with angels in unhealthy spiritual bonds (Luke 16:24)
- Touching an angel inappropriately (Colossians 2:18)
Attempting to engage angels through unbiblical mystical practices can open the door to demonic deception. Christians should rely on Scripture alone concerning angels.
Praying biblically for angelic assistance
Scripture invites believers to request God’s angelic assistance and intervention through prayer in alignment with His will, such as:
- Asking God to send His angels to protect believers from danger (Psalm 91:11-12)
- Requesting angelic guidance in spreading the gospel to receptive persons (Acts 8:26, 10:3-5)
- Praying for God to dispatch angels to encourage and strengthen other believers (Hebrews 1:14, Matthew 4:11)
- Asking angels to join us in praising God (Psalm 148:1-2)
- Appealing to God to provide angels to execute His righteous judgment and will (Acts 12:23, Genesis 19:13)
While we can make such requests, we must remember that God directs angels according to His perfect will and timing, not ours. Our responsibility is to pray in faith while trusting God fully with the outcome.
Conclusion
In summary, the overall teaching of the Bible indicates that Christians do not have inherent authority to command angels according to their own will. Scripture nowhere grants humans dominion over angels. As powerful servants of God, angels operate under His divine authority alone to accomplish His purposes.
Christians should avoid unbiblical practices like attempting to summon or worship angels. However, believers can pray for God’s intervention through angels in alignment with His will. Our requests remain subject to God’s wise direction of His angelic servants for His glory.
