A Study Of Angels

The study of angels is a fascinating one. Christ tells us in Matthew 22:30 that we will be “as the angels of God in heaven.” It will, therefore, profit us if we learn some of the characteristics of angels as presented to us in God’s Word.

Nature Of Angels

1) They are created beings (Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:7).
2) They are “ministering spirits” (Hebrews 1:14; cf. Acts 27:21-24), not having flesh and bones (Luke 24:39).
3) They are innummerable (Hebrews 12:22).
4) They have great strength (Psalm 103:20; Revelation 5:2).
5) They are wise, having the ability to discern good and evil (2 Samuel 14:17,20).
6) They possess emotions (Luke 15:10).
7) They are creatures of worship; continually worshipping God and Christ (Psalm 103:20; Hebrews 1:5-6; Revelation 5:11-13; Revelation 7:11-12; Revelation 22:8-9).
8) Some were disobedient and are kept in everlasting bondage (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6).
9) They are not omniscient for they desire to “know” the eternal purpose of God (1 Peter 1:10-12).
10) They do not know the time of our Lord’s second coming (Matthew 24:36).
11) Sometimes they appear as men (Genesis 18:2,16).
12) Sometimes people entertained them “unawares” (Hebrews 13:2).
13) Everlasting fire has been “prepared” for the angels of Satan (Matthew 25:41).

The “Form” Of Angels

1) In heavenly form, i.e. cherubim and seraphim (Exodus 25:18-20; 1 Kings 6:27; 1 Kings 8:6-7; 1 Chronicles 28:18; Isaiah 6:2; Ezekiel 1:6; Hebrews 9:5).
2) The are said to “fly” (Daniel 9:21; Revelation 14:6).
3) They are invisible to human vision unless they “show themselves” (Numbers 22:31; 2 Kings 6:14-17; Exodus 3:1-6.
4) The are part of the “invisible creation” (Colossians 1:16).
5) They take “different” forms when they appear to man (2 Kings 6:14-17; Exodus 2:1-6; Hebrews 1:7).
6) Usually when angels appear to man, they appear as a man (Genesis 18:1-2; Genesis 19:1-2; Genesis 32:22-28; Judges 1:9-11; Mark 16:5; Acts 1:10-11).

Position And Authority Of Angels

1) Are under authority to God (Psalm 103:20-21; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6).
2) Are under authority to Christ (1 Peter 3:22; cf. Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 2:19-23; Colossians 2:10).
3) They are “higher” than man (Hebrews 2:6-8).
4) Yet, the angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation” (Hebrews 1:14 – RSV).

Work Of Angels In The Old Testament

1) They informed Abraham and Sarah of the birth of Isaac (Genesis 18).
2) They destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1-13).
3) They delivered Lot and his daughters (Genesis 19:15-16).
4) They were seen in Jacob’s dream (Genesis 28:10-15).
5) They gave the law to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Acts 7:53; Gal. 3:19).
6) They led Israel to the land of promise (Exodus 23:23).
7) One tried to prevent Balaam from doing evil (Numbers 22:22-35).
8) They delivered Jerusalem from Assyria’s attack (2 Kings 19:35).
9) They delivered Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:13-28).
10) They “shut” the mouths of lions and saved Daniel (Daniel 6:16-22).

Jesus And The Service Of Angels

1) An angel notified Zacharias of the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-14).
2) One appeared to Mary and told her she would bear Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).
3) One appeared to Joseph concerning Jesus (Matthew 1:20).
4) Angels preached to the shepherds concerning the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:8-13).
5) They strengthened Jesus when He was tempted (Matthew 4:11).
6) They guarded the tomb of Jesus and first proclaimed His resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:2-7).
7) They proclaimed Jesus’ coming again (Acts 1:9-11).
8) They shall return with Jesus in flaming fire (2 Thessalonians 1:7-11; cf. Matthew 16:27; Mark 8:38).
9) They shall assist Christ when He separates between the good and evil (Matthew 13:41-42).
10) Jesus is far superior to the angels (Hebrews 1:4-14).

The Teachings Of Jesus Concerning Angels

1) Angels reside in heaven (Matthew 22:30).
2) Angels assist in revealing God’s will (Luke 1:19; cf. Daniel 8:15-27; Daniel 9:21-23; Zechariah 1:7-21.
3) They “rejoice” when one sinner repents (Luke 15:10).
4) They shall hear the confession and denial of men (Luke 12:8).
5) They take the righteous to Paradise (Luke 16:22).
6) They shall assist God on the day of judgment (Matthew 13:41; Matthew 25:31).
7) They shall be the reapers on the last day (Matthew 13:39,41-42).
8) They shall separate between the evil and good (Matthew 13:41,49).
9) They do not know the time of the Lord’s coming again (Matthew 24:36).
10) Satan has his angels (Matthew 25:41).
11) Eternal torment has been prepared for such evil and disobedient angels (Matthew 25:41).

The Early Church And The Service Of Angels

1) They set the apostles free from prison (Acts 5:19; Acts 12:7).
2) An angel struck down Herod (Acts 12:23).
3) An angel stood by Paul and strengthened him (Acts 27:23-24).
4) They “minister” to those who receive salvation (Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 1:14).
5) Christians “shall judge angels” (1 Corinthians 6:3).
6) They “rejoice” when a single sinner repents (Luke 15:7-10).
7) Jesus did not come to redeem angels – but men (Luke 15:7-10; Gal. 1:4; Titus 2:14).
8) Christians must not worship angels (Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:9).

Conclusion

This study of angels, while not exhaustive, will hopefully motivate us to further study this fascinating subject in a more in-depth fashion. The primary lesson that we have learned from this study is that angels “minister” in some capacity, either directly or indirectly, for the benefit of we who “shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). What a magnificent blessing to contemplate!