Angels at a Glance

Angels are found in both the Old and the New Testaments. In Genesis, we learn that they were created by God. In Matthew, we learn that angels do not marry. In Colossians, we understand that angels are not eternal like God. They had a beginning, but they do not die.

Angels are spirit beings with the ability to fly (Dan. 9:21, Rev. 16:6). They are invisible but can be seen if God allows. Some appear as ordinary humans and are referenced as “a man.” Abraham and Jacob interacted with men who were angels. Jacob wrestled with his visitor! Abraham fed his visiting angels. Both realized they were in the presence of a spiritual being.

Some angels are depicted as bizarre, otherworldly, fearsome creatures with multiple wings and faces. Ezekiel describes some in this manner. “Living beings” is the term used in Revelation 4. Some angels appear neither as ordinary humans or creatures but as spiritual beings. The heavenly hosts that appeared to the shepherds on the night Jesus was born are an example.

Often, angels speak the phrase “do not be afraid” when they make an appearance. Obviously, their presence evokes fear. Could it be the brilliant light of God’s glory they bring? Maybe it’s their bold or massive presence. Could their size be larger than a human? The Bible sometimes mentions the sudden appearance of an angel. Perhaps their sudden presence is cause for fear. We don’t know. The Bible doesn’t say. Regardless, I wonder if their reassurance of “do not be afraid” actually worked!

Angels Have Specific Roles

Angels have different roles and functions. They may be messengers of God used to deliver important news, prophetic messages, or guidance. Examples include Gabriel, who announced the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. An example of the role of guidance was when two angels were sent to Lot and his family to lead them out of the evil city of Sodom.

Another role of angels is to serve as guardians. I am exceedingly grateful for these angels. I believe they have kept me from numerous close-call car accidents. In Psalm 91, God commands His angels to guard those who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:14 says that “angels are only servants – spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.”

Some angels, such as Michael, are involved in spiritual warfare. In Daniel 10, Michael, who is a warrior, battles against evil forces. I imagine him standing tall, decked in full armor from head to toe, holding a double-edged sword. What a mighty presence.

A third role of angels is that of worship. Angels are frequently pictured as worshiping God and fulfilling His will. They reflect God’s glory and majesty. A passage in Revelation 4 describes four living beings as interesting creatures (a lion, an ox, a human face, and an eagle). All have six wings with eyes covering the inside and outside of the wings. That conjures up quite an image, doesn’t it?. The angels stand around a throne in heaven day and night saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty – the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” Twenty-four elders join them around the throne, also praising God.

Types of Angels

The Bible categorizes three types of angels: archangels, cherubim and seraphim, and fallen angels. Archangels had rank. They were considered a chief or principal among other angelic hosts. Michael is the only angel identified as an archangel in the Bible. Gabriel may or may not have been. The Apocrypha mentions Raphael as an archangel.

Cherubim and seraphim are specific angels with unique roles. Cherubim are usually depicted as guardians, while seraphim are connected with worship and praise. If you recall, the Ark of the Covenant was designed with two cherubim made of gold facing each other and “looking down on the atonement cover.” Their role was to protect the Ark of the Covenant that contained the Ten Commandments and other items. Cherubim also guarded the entrance to Eden following the sin of Adam and Eve.

The third category of fallen angels includes angels that have rebelled against God. They are more often referred to as demons. Of course, Satan (or Lucifer) and all of his spiritual followers belong in this category.    

More Angelic Education

As I was preparing this blog, I learned about another angel’s name I didn’t know. Apollyon (in Greek) or Abaddon (in Hebrew) is mentioned in Revelation 9:11. Both names convey “a destroyer.” This angel is the “angel of the abyss.” It is interesting to note that angels carry out or oversee acts associated with God’s justice – a reminder that judgment remains under the authority of God.

While angels play a significant role, they are subordinate to their Creator, who is enthroned forever. They are not omnipresent (everywhere), omnipotent (all-powerful), or omniscient (all-knowing), like God.

Let me know if you learned something about angels you didn’t already know. Here is a fun song about angels I learned as a kid. https://youtu.be/JmQiv_pCu7Q?t=13