Today we’re diving into the fascinating world of angels. This is the first of a four-part series on these celestial beings, and we’re starting with a fundamental question: What are angels? We’re not just talking about the fluffy, sentimental angels you see in movies and on greeting cards, but the real, powerful, and purposeful beings described in the Bible. Let’s get into what Scripture says about angels and why understanding their true nature matters to us.
Some Preliminary Considerations
A Cultural Phenomenon
Angels are everywhere in today’s culture. You see them in books, movies, jewelry, and even TV shows. This surge in angel interest reflects a deeper, spiritual hunger in our secular, materialistic world. People are searching for something beyond the mundane, and angels seem to offer a touch of the divine. But there’s a flip side: not all the popular ideas about angels align with biblical truth. The New Age movement, for example, often uses the fascination with angels to spread ideas that stray far from Scripture. It’s crucial to distinguish the biblical teaching on angels from these cultural myths to avoid being led astray.
Angels in the Bible
The Bible is our ultimate authority on angels. It has a lot to say about them, and as believers, we need to be rooted in what Scripture actually teaches. The Bible presents clear teachings about angels, though some passages are open to interpretation. In this article, we’ll focus on passages that give us a solid understanding of who angels are and what they do. This first lesson aims to answer some basic questions about angels and clarify common misconceptions.
Do Angels Exist? (Psalm 148:2–5; Matthew 26:53–54)
The Bible leaves no doubt about the existence of angels. Psalm 148:2–5 calls all of creation, including angels, to praise the Lord. The psalmist mentions “all his angels” and “all his hosts,” which likely refers to both angels and heavenly bodies. This passage emphasizes that angels are part of God’s creation, commanded to worship Him just like the sun, moon, and stars. Willem A. VanGemeren notes that “his hosts” most likely refers to the angelic hosts surrounding God’s throne (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary). This highlights that angels are not divine but created beings who serve and worship the Creator.
In the New Testament, Jesus also affirms the reality of angels. In Matthew 26:53–54, during His arrest, Jesus tells His disciples that He could call on more than twelve legions of angels to protect Him if He wanted. A Roman legion consisted of about 6,000 soldiers, so Jesus is talking about over 72,000 angels ready to intervene. This not only underscores the existence of angels but also their readiness to serve God’s will. Jesus’ statement also shows His voluntary submission to God’s plan, knowing that His arrest and crucifixion were necessary for fulfilling Scripture and our salvation.
How Are Angels Different From Humans? (Luke 20:34–36; Hebrews 1:14)
Angels are fundamentally different from humans. In Luke 20:34–36, Jesus explains that in the resurrection, people will neither marry nor die, becoming like the angels in these respects. Angels do not procreate and are immortal. This passage corrects the misconception that humans become angels after death. Instead, humans and angels are distinct creations with different roles and natures.
It is a misconception that humans become angels after death.
Hebrews 1:14 describes angels as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.” This verse highlights another key difference: angels are spirit beings, not flesh-and-blood humans. Their role is to serve and assist believers, not to share in salvation. Billy Graham aptly notes, “Angels who are not joint heirs must stand aside when believers are introduced to their boundless, eternal riches” (Angels: God’s Secret Agents). This statement underscores the unique and privileged position of human beings in God’s redemptive plan, highlighting that while angels serve us, they do not share in our inheritance.
Does Everyone Have a Guardian Angel? (Psalms 34:7; 91:11; Matthew 18:10)
The idea of guardian angels is comforting and popular. Psalm 34:7 speaks of “the angel of the Lord” encamping around those who fear Him and delivering them. This imagery portrays angels as protectors assigned by God to watch over His people. Similarly, Psalm 91:11 promises that God will command His angels to guard those who make the Lord their refuge. These verses suggest a protective role for angels, though they do not explicitly state that each person has a personal guardian angel.
Matthew 18:10 adds another layer to this discussion. Jesus warns not to despise “these little ones,” for their angels always behold the face of God. This could imply that children, and perhaps all believers, have angels assigned to them. Duane A. Garrett comments, “The presence of children’s angels before God, whatever it is they actually do, says less to us about the work of these angels than it does about the love of the Father for children” (Angels and the New Spirituality).
It’s clear that God uses His angels to protect and care for us out of His immense love.
Do Angels Have Special Powers? (2 Peter 2:10b–11)
Yes, angels do have special powers, but these powers are given by God. In 2 Peter 2:10b–11, Peter contrasts the arrogance of false teachers with the humility of angels. Although angels are “greater in power and might,” they do not slander celestial beings. This humility sets a powerful example for us, emphasizing that true power is exercised under God’s authority.
The Greek words used here, ischui and dynamei, are often associated with God’s power. This indicates that angelic power is derived from and delegated by God. Angels do not operate independently; they carry out God’s commands. William Barclay explains that even the greatest angels do not speak evil of fallen angels, leaving judgment to God. This teaches us to respect God’s authority and trust in His judgment, rather than overstepping our bounds.
Closing Statement
So, what can we take away from all this? First, angels are real and actively involved in God’s plan. They are created beings with specific roles and powers given by God. While they are not to be worshipped or prayed to, we can be grateful for their ministry and protection. Angels remind us of God’s intimate care for us and His sovereign power over all creation.
Second, understanding the biblical view of angels helps us avoid the pitfalls of cultural myths and New Age teachings. It grounds us in the truth and keeps our focus on God, who alone deserves our worship and trust. As we recognize the reality of angels, let’s also remember their ultimate purpose: to serve and glorify God and to assist us in our journey of faith.
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