A QUICK LOOK AT ANGELS

The word Angel doesn’t always refer to the heavenly host. The word angel simply means messenger and can refer to a man or a heavenly angel. One must examine the context of the verse to determine if it refers to a man or to heavenly angel.

Angelic Appearance.

At times, they cannot be distinguished from men (Gen. 18:2, 16).

They are very awesome creatures to behold (Isa. 6, Ezek 1).

They are often clothed in white and shine. (Mat 28:3, Lk 24:4)

The Nature of Angels

Angels are created beings (Col. 1:16, Ps. 148:2,5 Neh 9:6).

Angels are immortal beings (Lk. 20:36).

Angels are innumerable (Heb 12:22, Lk 2:13, Dan 7:10, Mt 26:53)

Angels are superior to man (Heb. 2:9, 2 Pet. 2:11 Ps. 8:4-6).

Angels are spirit beings (Heb. 1:14, Heb. 1:7).

Angels have limited knowledge of divine plan (Matt. 24:36).

Angels do not marry or procreate (Mk. 12:25).

Angels do have a free moral agency/will (Jude 6; 2 Pet. 2:4).

Angels worship God by nature (Heb. 1:6, Rev. 4 & 5).

They are not to be worshipped (Col. 2:18, Rev. 19:10).

They have knowledge and interest in earthly and spiritual matters (Lk. 15:10, 1 Pet. 1:12, 1Cor 4:9, 1Tim 5:21, 1Cor 11:10, Heb 1:14).

Angelic Functions

Guardian, Protector & Destroyer

They guard the way to the tree of life (Gen. 3:34).

They guarded the Son of Man (Ps. 91:11).

They protected the prophets (Dan. 6, Lion’s mouth).

Peter was rescued from prison (Acts 12:7, 5:19)

Destroyers (Gen. 19:13, 2 Kings 19:35, Acts 12:23).

Transporters

They transported the 10 commandments to Moses (Gal. 3:19, Acts 7:53).

They transported revelation to the prophets (Dan. 8-10, Zech. 1:9-11, Rev. 1:1.

Transporters of the righteous soul after death (Lk. 16:22).

Announcers

Announced births: Samson (Judg. 13). John (Lk. 1:11ff). Jesus (Matt. 1:20-21).

Escape announced (Matt. 2:13).

Comforter & Strengthener

After Christ temptation (Matt. 4:11).

In the garden (Lk. 22:43).

Paul was comforted at sea (Acts 27:23ff)

Special Ministers to Christ.

At the tomb (Matt. 28:2ff).

At the Ascension (Acts 1:8).

At the 2nd coming (Matt. 25:31, 1 Thes. 4:16ff).

At the judgment they will separate the good from the evil(Matt. 13:49).

Common Myths About Angels

All Angels have wings (only slight references to any other angels having wings except cherubim and seraphim in Dan. 9:21 and Rev. 14:6, and then that could be taken figurative).

We will become angels (not taught at all in the Bible, 1 Cor. 15:51ff).

We might possibly entertain angels (Heb. 13:2—Abraham and Sarah only).

Miscellaneous Facts About Angels

Angels will be judged by the saints (1 Cor. 6:3).

Sadducees and many today did not believe in angels (Acts 23:8).

Jesus does not give aid to angels (Heb 2:16)

Satan has his angels (Matt. 25:41).

Angels who sin will be lost eternally (2 Pet. 2:4).

Named angels Michael & Gabriel (Dan 10:13, Luke 1:26)

Bible is more valid than any angel (Gal. 1:6-9).

At the 2^nd coming Christ will come with a voice of an archangel. (1Thes 4:16)

Conclusion

While there obviously are many things about angels that we do not know, it is clear that these rational beings serve a useful place in the divine scheme of things. It is further apparent that much of the folklore being popularized these days by the entertainment media has no basis in reality.