ANGEL — a member of an order of heavenly beings who are superior to human beings in power and intelligence. By nature angels are spiritual beings (Heb. 1:14). Their nature is superior to human nature (Heb. 2:7), and they have superhuman power and knowledge (2 Sam. 14:17, 20; 2 Pet. 2:11). They are not, however, all-powerful and all-knowing (Ps. 103:20; 2 Thess. 1:7).
Artistic portrayals of angels as winged beings are generally without basis in the Bible. Rarely is an angel so described. (For exceptions, compare the Cherubim and Seraphim and the living creatures— Ex. 25:20; Is. 6:2, 6; Ezek. 1:6; Rev. 4:8.)
The Relation of Angels to God. Angels were created by God (Ps. 148:2, 5) and were present to rejoice when He created the world (Job. 38:4–7). In their original state they were holy, but before the creation of the world some of them rebelled against God and lost this exalted position. The leading angel in this revolt became the devil, also known as Satan (Gen. 3:4, 14; Rev. 12:4, 7–9). Another of the fallen angels is named Abaddon or Apollyon (Rev. 9:11), “the angel of the bottomless pit” (abyss, NASB, NIV; bottomless pit, NRSV).
Two of the vast company of unfallen angels are named in the Bible. They are the archangels Michael (Dan. 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9; Rev. 12:7) and Gabriel (Dan. 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26). Michael has the special task of caring for Israel, and Gabriel communicates special messages to God’s servants.
The vast army of unfallen angels delights in praising the Lord continually (Ps. 103:21; 148:1–2). Large numbers of them remain at God’s side, ready to do His every command (1 Kin. 22:19). Angels in God’s presence include the cherubim, seraphim, and living creatures (or living beings) (Ex. 25:20; Is. 6:2; Ezek. 1:5–6; Rev. 4:6).
Unfallen angels are known for their reverence for God and their obedience to His will. Angels represent God in making significant announcements of good news (Gen. 18:9–10; Luke 1:13, 30; 2:8–15). On His behalf they also warn of coming dangers (Gen. 18:16–19:29; Matt. 2:13). In some cases they are God’s agents in the destruction and judgment of evil (Gen. 19:13; 2 Sam. 24:16).
Of special importance in the Old Testament is the Angel (Gen. 16:7; 22:11; 31:11). This angel is depicted as a visible manifestation of God Himself. He has powers and characteristics that belong only to God, such as the power to forgive sins (Ex. 23:20–21). His similarities to Jesus lead many scholars to conclude that He is the pre-incarnate Word present with God at the creation of the world (John 1:1, 14).
The Relation of Angels to Human Beings. When visible to human beings, angels consistently appear in human form (Gen. 18:2; Dan. 10:18; Zech. 2:1). Sometimes, however, their appearance inspires awe (Judg. 13:6; Matt. 28:3–4; Luke 24:4).
Angels are never known to appear to wicked people—only to those whom the Bible views as good, such as Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, Jesus, Peter, and Paul. They are charged with caring for such people and serving them in times of need (Ps. 91:11–12; Heb. 1:14). They also guide and instruct good people (Gen. 24:7, 40; Ex. 14:19). This task is illustrated by the role the angels played in God’s giving of the Law to Moses (Acts 7:38, 53; Heb. 2:2). Sometimes their guidance comes through human dreams (Gen. 28:12; 31:11).
Angels also protect the people of God (Ex. 14:19–20; Dan. 3:28; Matt. 26:53). They meet a wide variety of human needs, including relieving hunger and thirst (Gen. 21:17–19; Mark 1:13) and overcoming loneliness and dread (Luke 22:43). They sometimes deliver the people of God from danger (Acts 5:19; 12:6–11).
Although they are not the objects of salvation, angels are interested in the salvation of human beings (Luke 15:10; 1 Cor. 4:9). They also were particularly active in the events surrounding the birth and resurrection of Jesus (Matt. 1:20; 2:13, 19; 28:2; Luke 1:11–38; 2:9–15; 22:43; 24:23; John 20:12). The frequency with which angels participate in human affairs has diminished since Pentecost, probably because of the larger role played by the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians since then.
Jesus spoke frequently of angels, both good and bad (Matt. 13:41 ; 26:53; Mark 8:38 ; Luke 12:8-9). Angels are quite real, and they play a vital part in God’s plan for the world.
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