Angelology is the study of angels. It seeks to understand who angels are, what they do, and how they interact with God and humans according to the Bible. Here is an overview of key biblical teachings about angels:
The Nature and Origins of Angels
Angels are created spiritual beings (Psalm 148:2, 5; Colossians 1:16). They were created by God before the creation of the world (Job 38:4-7). Angels were created holy, without sin, and in the image of God (Matthew 18:10). They have intellect, emotions, and will (Luke 15:10; 1 Peter 1:12).
Angels are not little gods. They are servants and messengers of the one true God (Psalm 103:20; Hebrews 1:14). Angels are incapable of fully understanding the depths of God’s wisdom, plan, and grace (1 Peter 1:12; Ephesians 3:10).
Angels are organized with varying ranks and responsibilities (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9). The Bible mentions archangels (Michael in Jude 9), cherubim (Genesis 3:24), and seraphim (Isaiah 6:2).
The Work and Ministry of Angels
Angels worship and glorify God (Psalm 148:1-2; Isaiah 6:3; Hebrews 1:6). They serve God and do His will (Psalm 103:20). Angels also minister to humans, especially believers in Christ (Hebrews 1:14).
Angels praise God for His grace shown to believers (1 Peter 1:12; Luke 15:10). They observe Christian worship (1 Corinthians 11:10). Angels encourage and strengthen believers (Acts 27:23-24). They can reveal God’s messages, plans, and truths (Luke 1:26-38).
Angels also protect God’s people physically (Psalm 34:7, 91:11) and guard them from spiritual attack (Daniel 10:12-13). Angels will execute God’s judgments at the end times (Revelation 7:1-2).
The Fall of Some Angels
When God created angels, He created them with a free will. Some angels chose to rebel against God and His authority. The Bible calls these fallen angels “demons” or “evil spirits” (Matthew 8:16; 10:1). Satan, also known as the devil, is the chief fallen angel (Revelation 12:9).
Other names for Satan include: dragon, serpent, deceiver, tempter, evil one, adversary, accuser, enemy, and angel of light. One-third of the angels fell from heaven and chose to follow Satan (Revelation 12:4, 9). These fallen angels tempt humans to sin and oppose God’s work (Ephesians 6:12).
Satan seeks to accuse believers (Revelation 12:10), inflict suffering (Job 1-2), spread lies (Genesis 3:1-5), and destroy faith (Luke 22:31). But Jesus Christ defeated Satan at the cross (Colossians 2:15) and protects believers from spiritual harm (1 John 5:18).
Angels in the Life of Jesus
Angels played an important role in the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ:
- The angel Gabriel announced the births of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20) and Jesus (Luke 1:26-38) beforehand.
- Angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus to shepherds (Luke 2:8-15).
- Angels protected Jesus as a child from Herod’s massacre (Matthew 2:13-14).
- After His temptation, angels came to serve Jesus (Matthew 4:11).
- In His pain, an angel strengthened Jesus before His crucifixion (Luke 22:43).
- Angels were present at Christ’s empty tomb and announced His resurrection (Matthew 28:2-7).
- Angels foretold His promised second coming (Acts 1:10-11).
Jesus’ life shows that angels are His servants. As Hebrews 1:14 says: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” Angels serve and worship the Son of God.
Our Response and Relation to Angels
As believers in Christ, we are called to imitate the angels in worshipping God, obeying His commands, and serving His purposes. But we must remember that angels are God’s servants, not ours. Worship of angels is prohibited (Colossians 2:18; Revelation 22:8-9).
We should appreciate the assistance and protection of angels, while recognizing that God is our ultimate protector and provider. We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), trusting God over any visible or invisible beings.
While acknowledging angels, we must never pray to them or seek to contact them. Our prayers should be directed to God alone (Revelation 19:10). God in His wisdom allows angels to minister how and when He chooses.
The Bible warns us not to be obsessed with or search for supernatural experiences with angels (Colossians 2:18). Our focus should be on Christ, not angels. One day in eternity, believers will join angels in perfect worship of Jesus (Hebrews 12:22-24).
Key Passages about Angels
Here are some key Bible passages that reveal truths about angels:
- Psalm 148:1-5 – Angels were created by God to praise Him.
- Isaiah 6:1-7 – Seraphim angels worship and serve God.
- Daniel 10:10-21 – Angels fight spiritual battles.
- Matthew 18:10 – Angels minister to children.
- Luke 15:10 – Angels rejoice over sinners repenting.
- 1 Corinthians 4:9 – Angels observe Christians.
- Ephesians 1:20-21 – Christ rules over angels.
- Colossians 2:18 – Worship of angels is wrong.
- Hebrews 12:22 – Believers will join angels in heaven.
- 1 Peter 1:12 – Angels long to look into the gospel.
- 2 Peter 2:4 – Fallen angels face God’s judgment.
- Revelation 5:11-12 – Angels worship the Lamb.
These and many other Scripture verses help unfold the biblical teachings about angels – who they are, what they do, and how God utilizes them to accomplish His divine purposes.
The Reality and Relevance of Angels
The existence of angels is a biblical reality. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible assumes the existence of angels. They constantly interacted with people throughout Scripture. Many biblical characters had encounters with angels, including Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Daniel, Mary, and Paul. Angels are not the product of myth or imagination, but part of the unseen spiritual realm God created.
Angels matter because God matters. Scripture shows that angels play an important role in God’s plans. They communicate His messages, protect His people, execute His judgments, and worship His Son. The actions of angels always revolve around the glory of God and the gospel of Christ.
The doctrine of angels brings great comfort and hope to believers. God surrounds His children with powerful angelic protectors and unseen forces working for their good. Angels point to God’s sovereignty over all creation. Their invisibility calls for faith, as believers trust in God’s mighty armies beyond their sight. Even in the midst of danger, hardship, or spiritual warfare, angels guard and sustain God’s people.
The study of angels motivates deeper awe at God’s majesty, wisdom and power. It sparks worship of the Creator who fashioned the fascinating and powerful beings called angels. Focus on angels should always direct hearts to the surpassing greatness of Jesus Christ, whom angels joyfully serve and adore.
Further Issues and Topics in Angelology
Here are some additional topics for continued study when examining what the Bible teaches about angels:
- Angels in the Old and New Testaments – Comparing their roles and interactions during biblical history.
- Specific named angels in Scripture – Michael, Gabriel, and others.
- Angelic appearances, visions, and dreams.
- Angelic annunciation of key events and births.
- The spiritual conflict between good and evil angels.
- Angels and God’s judgment in the end times.
- False beliefs and erroneous teachings about angels.
- How to think rightly about angels as believers today.
- Practical implications of the doctrine of angels.
The study of Angelology provides fascinating and helpful insight into the biblical doctrine of angels. It sheds light on their creation, character, work and rebellion. Angelology highlights God’s unseen servants who assist and protect His people. Rightly approached, it leads to deeper awe, faith and worship of the Almighty Creator and His Son Jesus Christ.
