Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and NatureAngels are spiritual beings created by God to serve as His messengers and to carry out His will. They are often depicted as having great power and wisdom, yet they remain subordinate to God. The term "angel" is derived from the Greek word "angelos," meaning "messenger." In the Hebrew Bible, the equivalent term is "mal'ak."
Biblical Descriptions and RolesAngels are frequently mentioned throughout the Bible, fulfilling various roles and functions. They are described as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (
Hebrews 1:14). Angels are often depicted as worshipers of God, as seen in
Isaiah 6:2-3, where the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth."
Messengers of GodOne of the primary roles of angels is to act as messengers of God. They deliver divine revelations and instructions to humans. For instance, the angel Gabriel announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah (
Luke 1:11-20) and the birth of Jesus to Mary (
Luke 1:26-38).
Protectors and WarriorsAngels also serve as protectors and warriors.
Psalm 91:11 states, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." In the Old Testament, angels are depicted as executing God's judgment, such as when an angel struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (
2 Kings 19:35).
Guides and ComfortersAngels provide guidance and comfort to believers. In
Acts 8:26 , an angel of the Lord instructs Philip to go to the desert road, leading to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. Angels also comforted Jesus in the wilderness (
Matthew 4:11) and in the Garden of Gethsemane (
Luke 22:43).
Heavenly HierarchyScripture suggests a hierarchy among angels, with different orders and ranks. The archangel Michael is described as a chief prince and a protector of Israel (
Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1). Cherubim and seraphim are other classes of angels, each with distinct roles and appearances (
Ezekiel 10:1-22;
Isaiah 6:2-6).
Angelic AppearancesAngels often appear in human form, though their presence is sometimes accompanied by awe-inspiring phenomena. In
Genesis 18, three men, later revealed as angels, visit Abraham. In the New Testament, angels appear at Jesus' tomb, described as having an appearance like lightning and clothing white as snow (
Matthew 28:3).
Fallen AngelsThe Bible also speaks of angels who rebelled against God, led by Satan. These fallen angels, or demons, oppose God's purposes and seek to lead humanity astray.
Revelation 12:7-9 describes a war in heaven where Michael and his angels fight against the dragon, identified as Satan, who is cast down to earth with his angels.
Eschatological RoleIn eschatological events, angels play significant roles. They will accompany Christ at His second coming (
Matthew 25:31) and will gather the elect from the four winds (
Matthew 24:31). Angels are also involved in the final judgment, separating the righteous from the wicked (
Matthew 13:49).
Worship and ReverenceWhile angels are powerful and holy, Scripture warns against worshiping them.
Colossians 2:18 cautions believers not to be disqualified by those who delight in the worship of angels. Instead, worship is due to God alone, as angels themselves worship Him and serve His purposes.
Greek
32a. aggelos -- a messenger,angel... 32, 32a. aggelos. 32b . a messenger,
angel. Transliteration: aggelos
Short Definition:
angel. Word Origin a prim. word Definition
...Library
TheAngel's Touch
... THEANGEL'S TOUCH. 'And, behold, theangel of the Lord ... smote Peter....23. And
immediately theangel of the Lord smote him [Herod].' "Acts 12:7, 23....
TheAngel's Tidings.
... THEANGEL'S TIDINGS. It was night.... While watching their flocks, theangel of the
Lord came to these shepherds, and a dazzling light shone round about them....
Whether theAngel's Intellect is Sometimes in Potentiality...
... OF THE MODE OF ANGELIC KNOWLEDGE (SEVEN ARTICLES) Whether theangel's
intellect is sometimes in potentiality, sometimes in act?...
Whether anAngel's Act of Understanding is his Substance?
... OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ANGELS (FIVE ARTICLES) Whether anangel's act of
understanding is his substance? Objection 1: It would seem...
Whether anAngel's Power of Intelligence is his Essence?
... OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ANGELS (FIVE ARTICLES) Whether anangel's power
of intelligence is his essence? Objection 1: It would seem...
Whether anAngel's Knowledge is Discursive?
... OF THE MODE OF ANGELIC KNOWLEDGE (SEVEN ARTICLES) Whether anangel's knowledge is
discursive?... Therefore the intellect of anangel knows by discursive method....
TheAngel's Message and Song
... Sermon X TheAngel's Message and Song. TheAngel's Message and Song Luke
2:8-14. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding...
Of theAngel's Knowledge of Material Things (Five Articles)
... OF THEANGEL'S KNOWLEDGE OF MATERIAL THINGS (FIVE ARTICLES). We next investigate
the material objects which are known by the angels....
Of theAngel's Knowledge of Immaterial Things (Three Articles)
... OF THEANGEL'S KNOWLEDGE OF IMMATERIAL THINGS (THREE ARTICLES).... (1) Does
anangel know himself? (2) Does oneangel know another?...
Whether oneAngel Moves AnotherAngel's Will?
... HOW ONE CREATURE MOVES ANOTHER (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether oneangel moves
anotherangel's will? Objection 1: It would seem that one...
Thesaurus
Angel's (3 Occurrences)...Angel's (3 Occurrences). Revelation 8:4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers
of the saints, went up before God out of the
angel's hand.
...Manoah (14 Occurrences)
... No children had been born to Manoah and his wife, and the latter was considered
barren (Judges 13:2). Finally it was revealed to her by anangel of the Lord...
Wormwood (10 Occurrences)
... In Revelation 8:11, the name is figurative, given to a great star which, at the
sounding of the thirdangel's trumpet, fell from heaven upon the third part of...
Tasted (18 Occurrences)
... NIV). Revelation 10:10 I took the little book out of theangel's hand,
and ate it up. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth. When...
Mingled (62 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Revelation 8:4 And the smoke of the incense rose into the presence of God
from theangel's hand, and mingled with the prayers of His people. (WEY)....
Belly (62 Occurrences)
... things. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). Revelation 10:9 And I went unto
theangel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And...
Ascended (48 Occurrences)
... Revelation 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the
saints, ascended up before God out of theangel's hand. (KJV WBS)....
Sweet (147 Occurrences)
... Revelation 10:9 I went to theangel, telling him to give me the little book.... Revelation
10:10 I took the little book out of theangel's hand, and ate it up....
Sour (15 Occurrences)
... Revelation 10:9 I went to theangel, telling him to give me the little book.... Revelation
10:10 I took the little book out of theangel's hand, and ate it up....
Smoke (98 Occurrences)
... BBE). Revelation 8:4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints,
went up before God out of theangel's hand. (WEB KJV...
Resources
What is the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that angels are ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to “remember Lot's wife” in Luke 17:32? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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