Angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve Him and carry out His will. The Bible has a lot to say about the nature and purpose of angels. Here is an overview of the major biblical teachings about angels:
The Nature of Angels
Angels are spiritual beings, not physical ones (Hebrews 1:14). They don’t have material bodies like humans, but can take on human form or appearance when interacting with people on earth (Genesis 18:2, 19:1). Angels are personal beings with emotions, will, and intelligence (Luke 15:10, 1 Peter 1:12). They have names and identities, like Gabriel and Michael (Luke 1:19, Jude 1:9). There are different categories or types of angels, like cherubim and seraphim (Genesis 3:24, Isaiah 6:2). Angels are immortal and do not die, marry or reproduce (Luke 20:34-36). There are countless numbers of angels, more than can be counted (Hebrews 12:22).
Angels were directly created by God, before the creation of the physical universe (Job 38:4-7). They were present shouting for joy when God laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:4-7). All angels were originally holy, without sin or rebellion against God. After Lucifer’s rebellion, there was a split between God’s faithful angels and the rebellious ones who followed Satan (Revelation 12:4,7-9). The faithful angels are referred to as “elect” angels (1 Timothy 5:21) and comprise an organized heavenly host that serves and worships God (Luke 2:13-15).
The Purpose and Activities of Angels
Angels exist to serve God and carry out His will (Psalm 103:20). They are God’s messengers who deliver His words, instructions and answers to prayer (Daniel 9:21-23, 10:10-12). They praise and worship God in heaven (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 5:11-12). Angels also provide guidance, instruction and protection for God’s people on earth (Genesis 24:7, Exodus 14:19, Acts 8:26, Acts 10:3-6). They encourage and give strength to believers (Matthew 4:11, Luke 22:43). At times, angels are used by God to execute judgment and demonstrate His power (2 Samuel 24:16-17, 2 Kings 19:35).
Angels also have a special role and interest in God’s plan of salvation through Christ (1 Peter 1:12). They observe and marvel at what God is doing in the church (Ephesians 3:10, 1 Corinthians 4:9). Angels will be involved in the events surrounding Christ’s return – gathering the elect, accompanying Christ, and carrying out judgments on the unbelieving (Matthew 13:39-42, 16:27, 24:31, 25:31, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8).
Angelic Appearances in the Bible
Angels appeared to Abraham and prophesied the birth of Isaac (Genesis 18:1-15). The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and Mary to announce the births of John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1:11-38). An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream several times, instructing him to marry Mary, take Jesus to Egypt, and later return to Israel (Matthew 1:20-24, 2:13,19). Angels ministered to and strengthened Jesus after His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11) and His agony in Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). An angel rolled away the stone from Jesus’ tomb at His resurrection (Matthew 28:2-7). Angels announced Christ’s resurrection to the women at the tomb (Matthew 28:5-7, Mark 16:5-7, Luke 24:4-7). Two angels witnessed Jesus’ ascension into heaven and prophesied His future return (Acts 1:10-11).
In the book of Acts, angels liberated the apostles from prison (Acts 5:19-20), directed Philip to witness to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26), and instructed Cornelius to send for Peter (Acts 10:1-7). In Revelation, seven angels blow seven trumpets signaling judgments upon the earth (Rev 8-9), and seven angels pour out seven bowls enacting further judgments (Rev 16). Angels play key roles in various visions and prophecies throughout Revelation guiding John and interpreting events and activities.
There are several notable examples in the Old Testament as well. The angel of the Lord found Hagar in the wilderness and promised her descendants through Ishmael (Genesis 16). Three angels visited Abraham and promised him a son late in life (Genesis 18). An angel stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac (Genesis 22:11-18). Two angels led Lot and his family out of Sodom before its destruction (Genesis 19:1-29). The angel of the Lord visited Moses in the burning bush to call him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 3). When Balaam set out to curse Israel, an angel blocked his donkey’s path until Balaam’s eyes were opened to see the angel (Numbers 22:21-35). An angel went before Israel’s army to empower them against the Assyrians (2 Kings 19:35). The prophet Daniel received visions and answers to prayer from angels (Daniel 9,10).
Angelic Beings in the Bible
There are several types of angels described in the Bible:
- Cherubim – They seem to be guardians of God’s holiness, stationed at the entrance to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were exiled (Genesis 3:24). Giant cherubim were embroidered into the curtains of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:1, 31) and the veil before the Holy of Holies (Exodus 26:31), and statues of them were part of the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:18-22).
- Seraphim – They appear in Isaiah’s vision of God’s heavenly throne, singing praises to God (Isaiah 6:1-7). They are described as having six wings.
- Archangels – The word “archangel” means chief angel and indicates authority over other angels. The only angels directly named archangels in Scripture are Michael and Gabriel.
- Living Creatures – These unusual cherubim-like beings appear in Ezekiel’s vision of God’s throne-chariot (Ezekiel 1, 10) and are also described in Revelation around God’s throne (Revelation 4:6-9). They are described as having four faces – that of a man, lion, ox, and eagle.
- Watchers – Also known as “holy ones,” these beings are mentioned in Daniel (Daniel 4:13,17) as part of the heavenly court that renders decisions and passes judgment.
Other types of beings mentioned include principalities and powers (Romans 8:38, Ephesians 3:10, 6:12), thrones and dominions (Colossians 1:16), authorities (1 Peter 3:22), living creatures (Revelation 4:6-9), seven spirits of God (Revelation 1:4), strong angel (Revelation 5:2), star angels (Revelation 1:20), angels of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20), four living creatures (Revelation 4:6), the accuser (Revelation 12:10), destroyer (Revelation 9:11), messenger angels (Revelation 1:20), angels bound at the Euphrates (Revelation 9:14), angels who sound the trumpets (Revelation 8:2), angels who pour out bowls of wrath (Revelation 16:1), etc. The variety of terms indicates there are ranks and hierarchy within the angelic realm.
Protection from Angels
The Bible indicates that God assigns angels to watch over and protect His people. “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11). “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them” (Psalm 34:7). Angels are portrayed as guarding and protecting children (Matthew 18:10) and bringing believers safely to heaven when they die (Luke 16:22). However, angelic protection is not unconditional; it requires walking in obedience to God.
Interaction with Angels
As spiritual beings, angels are generally invisible. But there are examples in the Bible where angels revealed themselves visibly and audibly to people to deliver messages or assist them. Angels also sometimes appear in dreams to give instructions (Matthew 1:20, 2:13). On a few occasions, angels took human form and talked with people, perhaps unknown to be angels at the time (Hebrews 13:2). When angels do appear visibly, they often say “Do not be afraid” when people react in fear to their presence. Scripture warns against the worship of angels (Colossians 2:18, Revelation 22:8-9). While angels are powerful servants of God, they are still fellow created beings, not the Creator.
Guardian Angels
The idea that each person is assigned a specific guardian angel is mostly based on church tradition rather than direct biblical teaching. Jesus’ statement about children’s angels in heaven beholding the face of God suggests angelic guardians (Matthew 18:10). And Hebrews 1:14 indicates angels are ministering spirits sent to serve believers. However, the Scriptures don’t indicate that there is a 1:1 angel to person ratio. Rather than focusing on having a specific guardian angel, it is most important for believers to trust in God’s sovereign care and provision.
Fallen Angels
Not all angels remain obedient to God. Some rebelled against God and work against His purposes. The most prominent fallen angel is Satan or the devil (Revelation 12:9). Other fallen angels or demons are mentioned; one called Abaddon or Apollyon is identified as the “angel of the bottomless pit” (Revelation 9:11). Revelation 12:4 alludes to a third of the angels being swept from heaven in Satan’s rebellion. 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 1:6 refer to angels who sinned against God and are chained in darkness awaiting judgment.
While the devil and demons work to accuse, attack, deceive, tempt and destroy people, God’s holy angels far outnumber the fallen ones. Believers find great comfort and assurance in knowing that God’s mighty angels are watching over them and working on their behalf.
