Reference: Angel
American
The original word, both in Hebrew and Greek, means messenger, and is so translated, Mt 11:10; Lu 7:24. It is often applied to an ordinary messenger, Job 1:14; 1Sa 11:3; Lu 9:52; to prophets, Isa 42:19; Hag 1:13; to priests, Ec 5:6; Mal 2:7; and even to inanimate objects, Ps 78:49; 104:4; 2Co 12:7. Under the general sense of messenger, the term, angel is properly applied also to Christ, as the great Angel or Messenger of the covenant, Mal 3:1, and to the ministers of his gospel, the overseers or angels of the churches, Re 2:1,8,12, etc. In 1Co 11:10, the best interpreters understand by the term "angels" the holy angels, who were present in an especial sense in the Christian assemblies; and from reverence to them it was proper that the women should have power (veils, as a sign of their being in subjection to a higher power) on their heads. See under VEIL.
But generally in the Bible the word is applied to a race of intelligent beings, of a higher order than man, who surround the Deity, and whom he employs as his messengers or agents in administering the affairs of the world, and in promoting the welfare of individuals, as well as of the whole human race,
Mt 1:20; 22:30; Ac 7:30. Whether pure spirits, or having spiritual bodies, they have no bodily organization like ours, and are not distinguished in sex, Mt 22:30. They were doubtless created long before our present world was made, Job 38:7.
The Bible represents them as exceedingly numerous, Da 7:10; Mt 26:53; Lu 2:13; Heb 12:22-23; as remarkable for strength, Ps 103:20; 2Pe 2:11; Re 5:2; 18:21; 19:17; and for activity, Jg 13:20; Isa 6:2-6; Da 9:21-23; Mt 13:49; 26:53; Ac 27:23; Re 8:13. They appear to be of divers orders, Isa 6:2-6; Eze 10:1; Col 1:16; Re 12:7. Their name indicates their agency in the dispensations of Providence towards man, and the Bible abounds in narratives of events in which they have borne a visible part. Yet in this employment they act as the mere instruments of God, and in fulfilment of his commands, Ps 91:11; 103:20; Heb 1:14. We are not therefore to put trust in them, pay them adoration, or pray in their name, Re 19:10; 22:8-9. Though Scripture does not warrant us to believe that each individual has his particular guardian angel, it teaches very explicitly that the angels minister to every Christian, Mt 18:10; Lu 16:22; Heb 1:14. They are intensely concerned in the salvation of men, Lu 2:10-12; 15:7,10; 1Pe 1:12; and will share with saints the blessedness of heaven forever, Heb 12:22.
Those angels "who kept not their first estate," but fell and rebelled against God, are called the angels of Satan or the devil, Mt 25:41; Re 12:9. These are represented as being "cast down to hell, and reserved unto judgment," 2Pe 2:4. See SYNAGOGUE, ARCHANGEL.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
While the flames were going up from the altar, Manoah and his wife saw Jehovah's angel go up toward heaven in the flames. They did not see the angel again.
a messenger came running to Job. We were plowing the fields with the cattle, he said, and the donkeys were in a nearby pasture.
while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
He sent his fierce burning anger, his rage and fury against them. He sent an army of destroying angels.
He will put his angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways.
Bless Jehovah you angels of his, you who excel in strength, who obey his command, and listen to the voice of his Word.
Bless Jehovah you angels of his, you who excel in strength, who obey his command, and listen to the voice of his Word.
You make the winds your messengers, the flaming fire your ministers.
Do not let your speech cause you to sin. Do not say to the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry because of what you say and destroy the work of your hands?
Above him were seraphs, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.
Above him were seraphs, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. They called to one another: Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of Hosts. All the earth is full of his glory.
They called to one another: Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of Hosts. All the earth is full of his glory. At the sound of their voices the foundations and thresholds trembled and the Temple was filled with smoke.
At the sound of their voices the foundations and thresholds trembled and the Temple was filled with smoke. Woe to me! I cried. I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips (a sinner) and I live among a people of unclean (filthy) lips (speech) (language). My eyes have seen the King, Jehovah of Hosts.
Woe to me! I cried. I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips (a sinner) and I live among a people of unclean (filthy) lips (speech) (language). My eyes have seen the King, Jehovah of Hosts. Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand. With tongs he seized it from the altar.
Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand. With tongs he seized it from the altar.
I looked at the dome over the heads of the angels. And I saw something that looked like a throne made of sapphire.
A fiery stream issued from before him. Thousands of thousands ministered to him. Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The judgment was set and the books were opened.
While I was speaking in prayer, the spirit person [who looked like a man] Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, was inspired to come quickly and touch me. It was about the time of the evening offering. He instructed me: O Daniel, he said, I have now come to give you wisdom (insight) and understanding. read more. At the beginning of your supplications the commandment went forth. I came to report to you for you are greatly loved. Consider the matter, and understand the vision.
Then Haggai gave Jehovah's message to the people: I am with you!
The priests should teach the true knowledge of God. They are the messengers of Jehovah of Hosts. Therefore the people should learn (my will) the law from them.
Behold, I send my messenger! He will prepare the way before me. Seek Jehovah! He will suddenly come to his Temple along with the messenger of the covenant. He is one you desire, behold, he comes, said Jehovah of Hosts.
Joseph had this in mind when God's angel appeared to him in a dream. The angel said to him: Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She is pregnant by Holy Spirit.
This is he of whom it is written: 'Behold, I send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you.'
It will be that way at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, and separate the wicked from among the righteous.
Do not treat these little ones badly. I tell you that angels represent them in the presence of my Father in heaven.
In the resurrection they will not marry nor be given in marriage. They will be like the angels in heaven.
In the resurrection they will not marry nor be given in marriage. They will be like the angels in heaven.
Then he will tell those on his left: 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the ever-burning fire that is prepared for the Devil and his [fallen] angels.
Do you think I cannot ask my Father for help? He would send me more than twelve legions of angels.
Do you think I cannot ask my Father for help? He would send me more than twelve legions of angels.
The angel spoke to them: Do not be afraid. Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy to all the people. Christ (Messiah) the Lord, a Savior, is born this day in the city of David. read more. This is the sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God, and saying:
After John's disciples departed he told the crowd about John: What did you go into the wilderness to find? Was it a reed shaken with the wind?
He sent messengers ahead of him. They entered the village of the Samaritans to get ready for him.
It is the same. I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine good people who do not need to repent.
I tell you, it is the same for the angels of God who rejoice over one sinner who repents.
The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man died and was buried.
At the end of forty years, Jehovah's angel appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai in a flame of fire in a bush. (Exodus 3:3)
Last night an angel of the God of whom I serve stood beside me.
That is why the woman should have a sign of authority on her head because of the angels.
All things in the heavens and upon the earth where created through him. The things visible and invisible were created through him. Whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him.
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for those who will be heirs of salvation?
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for those who will be heirs of salvation?
You have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads (thousands of thousands) of angels,
You have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads (thousands of thousands) of angels, to the general assembly and congregation of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just (righteous) (holy) men made perfect (mature) (having all needed qualities).
God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to captivity in pits of darkness reserved for judgment!
To the angel of the congregation of Ephesus write: The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lamp stands, says:
To the angel of the congregation in Smyrna write: This is the message from the one who is the 'First and the Last', who died and came to life again.
To the angel of the congregation in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword:
And I saw a powerful angel proclaiming with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the book, and to remove the seals?
Then I saw and heard an angel flying in midheaven. He said with a loud voice: Woe, woe, woe to those dwelling on earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!
War broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels.
The great dragon was thrown down, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was hurled down to the earth, and his angels with him.
A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and hurled it into the sea. He said: With violence the great city Babylon will be thrown down, and it will not be found any longer.
I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me: Do not do that. I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers. You have the witness from Jesus: worship God! For the witness from Jesus is the spirit (mind-set) of prophecy.
Then I saw an angel standing in the sun. He cried with a loud voice to all the fowls that fly in midheaven: Come and gather yourselves together to the supper of the great God;
I John saw these things and heard them. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. He said to me: Do not do that, for I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and of those who obey the words of this book: worship God.
Easton
a word signifying, both in the Hebrew and Greek, a "messenger," and hence employed to denote any agent God sends forth to execute his purposes. It is used of an ordinary messenger (Job 1:14; 1Sa 11:3; Lu 7:24; 9:52), of prophets (Isa 42:19; Hag 1:13), of priests (Mal 2:7), and ministers of the New Testament (Re 1:20).
It is also applied to such impersonal agents as the pestilence (2Sa 24:16-17; 2Ki 19:35), the wind (Ps 104:4).
But its distinctive application is to certain heavenly intelligences whom God employs in carrying on his government of the world. The name does not denote their nature but their office as messengers. The appearances to Abraham at Mamre (Ge 18:2,22. Comp. Ge 19:1), to Jacob at Peniel (Ge 32:24,30), to Joshua at Gilgal (Jos 5:13,15), of the Angel of the Lord, were doubtless manifestations of the Divine presence, "foreshadowings of the incarnation," revelations before the "fulness of the time" of the Son of God.
(1.) The existence and orders of angelic beings can only be discovered from the Scriptures. Although the Bible does not treat of this subject specially, yet there are numerous incidental details that furnish us with ample information. Their personal existence is plainly implied in such passages as Ge 16:7,10-11; Jg 13:1-21; Mt 28:2-5; Heb 1:4, etc.
These superior beings are very numerous. "Thousand thousands," etc. (Da 7:10; Mt 26:53; Lu 2:13; Heb 12:22-23). They are also spoken of as of different ranks in dignity and power (Zec 1:9,11; Da 10:13; 12:1; 1Th 4:16; Jude 1:9; Eph 1:21; Col 1:16).
(2.) As to their nature, they are spirits (Heb 1:14), like the soul of man, but not incorporeal. Such expressions as "like the angels" (Lu 20:36), and the fact that whenever angels appeared to man it was always in a human form (Ge 18:2; 19:1,10; Lu 24:4; Ac 1:10), and the titles that are applied to them ("sons of God," Job 1:6; 38:7; Da 3:25; comp. Da 3:28) and to men (Lu 3:38), seem all to indicate some resemblance between them and the human race. Imperfection is ascribed to them as creatures (Job 4:18; Mt 24:36; 1Pe 1:12). As finite creatures they may fall under temptation; and accordingly we read of "fallen angels." Of the cause and manner of their "fall" we are wholly ignorant. We know only that "they left their first estate" (Mt 25:41; Re 12:7,9), and that they are "reserved unto judgement" (2Pe 2:4). When the manna is called "angels' food," this is merely to denote its excellence (Ps 78:25). Angels never die (Lu 20:36). They are possessed of superhuman intelligence and power (Mr 13:32; 2Th 1:7; Ps 103:20). They are called "holy" (Lu 9:26), "elect" (1Ti 5:21). The redeemed in glory are "like unto the angels" (Lu 20:36). They are not to be worshipped (Col 2:18; Re 19:10).
(3.) Their functions are manifold. (a) In the widest sense they are agents of God's providence (Ex 12:23; Ps 104:4; Heb 11:28; 1Co 10:10; 2Sa 24:16; 1Ch 21:16; 2Ki 19:35; Ac 12:23). (b) They are specially God's agents in carrying on his great work of redemption. There is no notice of angelic appearances to man till after the call of Abraham. From that time onward there are frequent references to their ministry on earth (Gen 18; 19; Ge 24:7,40; 28:12; 32:1). They appear to rebuke idolatry (Jg 2:1-4), to call Gideon (Jg 6:11-12), and to consecrate Samson (Jg 13:3). In the days of the prophets, from Samuel downward, the angels appear only in their behalf (1Ki 19:5; 2Ki 6:17; Zech 1-6; 13/type/nsb'>Da 4:13,23; 10:10,13,20-21).
The Incarnation introduces a new era in the ministrations of angels. They come with their Lord to earth to do him service while here. They predict his advent (Mt 1:20; Lu 1:26-38), minister to him after his temptation and agony (Mt 4:11; Lu 22:43), and declare his resurrection and ascension (Mt 28:2-8; Joh 20:12-13; Ac 1:10-11). They are now ministering spirits to the people of God (Heb 1:14; Ps 34:7; 91:11; Mt 18:10; Ac 5:19; 8:26; 10:3; 12:7; 27:23). They rejoice over a penitent sinner (Lu 15:10). They bear the souls of the redeemed to paradise (Lu 16:22); and they will be the ministers of judgement hereafter on the great day (Mt 13:39,41,49; 16:27; 24:31). The passages (Ps 34:7; Mt 18:10) usually referred to in support of the idea that every individual has a particular guardian angel have no such meaning. They merely indicate that God employs the ministry of angels to deliver his people from affliction and danger, and that the angels do not think it below their dignity to minister even to children and to the least among Christ's disciples.
The "angel of his presence" (Isa 63:9. Comp. Ex 23:20-21; 32:34; 33:2; Nu 20:16) is probably rightly interpreted of the Messiah as the guide of his people. Others have supposed the expression to refer to Gabriel (Lu 1:19).
See Verses Found in Dictionary
The angel of Jehovah found Hagar near a spring in the desert. It was the spring that is beside the road to Shur.
I will so increase your descendants that they will be too numerous to count. Jehovah's angel also said: You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael (means: God hears). Jehovah has heard of your misery.
He looked up and noticed three men coming toward him. He ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed to the ground.
He looked up and noticed three men coming toward him. He ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed to the ground.
That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there as they arrived. When he saw them, he got up to greet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed low to the ground.
That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there as they arrived. When he saw them, he got up to greet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed low to the ground.
But the two angels reached out and pulled Lot in and bolted the door.
Jehovah, the God of heaven, took me from my father's house and from the land of my birth. He spoke to me and swore to me. He said: I will give this land to your descendants. He will send his angel before you. You will take a wife for my son from there.
He said to me: 'Jehovah, before whom I have walked, will send his angel with you to make your journey successful. You will take a wife for my son from my relatives and from my father's house.
He had a dream in which he saw a stairway set up on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven. He saw the angels of God going up and coming down on it.
Then Jacob was by himself. A man was fighting with him till dawn.
Jacob named that place Peniel (Face of God), because he said: I have seen God face to face, yet my life was saved.
Jehovah will pass through to strike the Egyptians. When he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, Jehovah will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to kill you.
I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place that I have prepared. Be on your guard before him and obey his voice. Do not be rebellious toward him. He will not pardon your transgression, since my name is in him. (He has my honor, authority and character)
Now, go and lead the people to the place I told you about. My angel will go ahead of you. But on the day when I punish, I will punish them for their sin.
I will send an angel ahead of you. I will force out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.
We cried to Jehovah for help. He heard our cry and sent an angel, who led us out of Egypt. Now we are at Kadesh, a town at the border of your territory.
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, there stood a man in front of him with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua went to him, and said: Are you on our side or our adversaries?
The captain (commander) of Jehovah's host (army) said to Joshua: Take your shoes from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy. And at once Joshua did so.
An angel of Jehovah came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: I led you out of Egypt and brought you to the land about which I swore to your fathers that I would never break my covenant with you. You will make no covenant with people of this land. You will throw down their altars. You have not obeyed my voice. Why have you done this? read more. I also said: 'I will not drive them out from before you. They will be thorns in your sides. Their gods will snare (trap) you.' When the angel of Jehovah spoke these words to all the children of Israel the people wept loudly.
The angel of Jehovah came to the village of Ophrah. He sat under the oak tree that belonged to Joash, a man of the clan of Abiezer. His son Gideon was secretly threshing wheat in a wine press, so that the Midianites would not see him. Jehovah's angel appeared to him there and said: Jehovah is with you, mighty man of valor!
The Israelites sinned against Jehovah again. So he let the Philistines rule them for forty years. There was a man named Manoah from the town of Zorah. He was a member of the tribe of Dan. His wife was not able to have children. read more. Jehovah's angel appeared to her and said: You have not been able to have children, but you will become pregnant and have a son.
Jehovah's angel appeared to her and said: You have not been able to have children, but you will become pregnant and have a son. Do not drink any wine or beer, or eat any forbidden food. read more. After your son is born never cut his hair. This is because from the day of his birth he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite. He will begin the work of delivering Israel from the Philistines. Then the woman told her husband: A man of God came to me. He looked as frightening as the angel of God. I did not ask him where he came from, and he did not tell me his name. He told me I would become pregnant and have a son. He told me: 'Do not drink any wine or beer, or eat any forbidden food. This is because the boy is to be dedicated to God as a Nazirite as long as he lives.' Then Manoah prayed to Jehovah: Please, Jehovah, let the man of God that you sent come back to teach us what we must do with the boy when he is born. God did what Manoah asked. His angel came back to the woman while she was in the field. Her husband Manoah was not with her, She ran to tell him, The man who came to me the other day appeared to me again. Manoah followed his wife to the man and asked, Are you the man who talked to my wife? Yes, he answered. Manoah said: When your words come true, what must the boy do? What kind of a life must he live? Jehovah's angel answered: Your wife must be sure to do everything I told her. She must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine. She must not drink any wine or beer, or eat any forbidden food. She must do everything I told her to do. Not knowing that it was Jehovah's angel, Manoah said: Please do not go yet. Let us cook a young goat for you. The angel replied: If I stay I will not eat your food. But if you want to prepare it, burn it as an offering to Jehovah. Manoah replied: Tell us your name. We want to honor you when your words come true. The angel asked: Why do you want to know my name? It is 'Wonderful.' (Isaiah 9:6) So Manoah took a young goat and some grain, and offered them on the rock altar to Jehovah the God who works wonders. While the flames were going up from the altar, Manoah and his wife saw Jehovah's angel go up toward heaven in the flames. They did not see the angel again. Manoah knew then that the man was Jehovah's angel. He and his wife fell on their faces to the ground.
When the angel stretched out his arm to destroy Jerusalem, Jehovah changed his mind about the disaster. Enough! He said to the angel who was destroying the people. Put down your weapon. The angel of Jehovah was at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. David saw the angel who had been killing the people. He said to Jehovah: I have sinned. I have done wrong. What have these sheep done? Please let your punishment be against me and against my father's family.
Stretching himself on the earth, he went to sleep under the broom-plant. An angel touched him and said: Get up and eat some food.
The day came when heavenly beings appeared before Jehovah (YHWH). Satan was there among them.
a messenger came running to Job. We were plowing the fields with the cattle, he said, and the donkeys were in a nearby pasture.
You see God does not trust his own servants. He accuses his angels of making mistakes.
while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
The angel of Jehovah camps around those who reverence him, and he rescues them.
The angel of Jehovah camps around those who reverence him, and he rescues them.
Man did eat the bread of angels. He sent them food in abundance.
He will put his angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways.
Bless Jehovah you angels of his, you who excel in strength, who obey his command, and listen to the voice of his Word.
You make the winds your messengers, the flaming fire your ministers.
You make the winds your messengers, the flaming fire your ministers.
In all their difficulty he was concerned, and he was the messenger who saved them. In his love and compassion he reclaimed (redeemed) them. He always held them and carried them in the past.
He said: Look, I see four men walking in the midst of the fire. They are not hurt! The appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!
Nebuchadnezzar said: Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. They violated the king's command and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.
I saw in the visions of my head: Behold, a watcher and a holy one came down from heaven.
Since the king saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from heaven saying: Chop down the tree, and destroy it. Leave the stump and the roots in the earth. With a band of iron and brass leave it in the tender grass of the field and let it be wet with the dew of heaven. Let its portion be with the beasts of the field till seven times pass over it.
A fiery stream issued from before him. Thousands of thousands ministered to him. Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The judgment was set and the books were opened.
A hand touched me and set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.
The prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me twenty-one days but lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
The prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me twenty-one days but lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Then he said: Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. The prince of Greece will also come. But I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. There is no one standing firmly with me against these, but Michael your prince.
At that time Michael will stand up. He is the great prince who stands for the children of your people. There will be a time of trouble that has not happened since the beginning of nations. Then your people will be delivered, every one whos name is found written in the book.
Then Haggai gave Jehovah's message to the people: I am with you!
I asked him, Sir, what do these horses mean? He answered: I will show you what they mean.
They spoke to the Messenger (Angel) of Jehovah who stood among the myrtle-trees: We have patrolled the earth and the entire world is at rest.
The priests should teach the true knowledge of God. They are the messengers of Jehovah of Hosts. Therefore the people should learn (my will) the law from them.
Joseph had this in mind when God's angel appeared to him in a dream. The angel said to him: Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She is pregnant by Holy Spirit.
Then the Devil left Jesus, and the angels came and served him.
The enemy that sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age. The reapers are angels.
The Son of man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all who stumble others and commit lawlessness.
It will be that way at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, and separate the wicked from among the righteous.
The Son of man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels. He will then reward each man according to his deeds.
Do not treat these little ones badly. I tell you that angels represent them in the presence of my Father in heaven.
Do not treat these little ones badly. I tell you that angels represent them in the presence of my Father in heaven.
He will send his angels with a great trumpet sound. They will gather together the anointed from the four winds, from one end of the sky (horizon) to the other.
No one knows the day and the hour (the period of time). The angels of heaven do not know. The Son does not know. Only the Father knows!
Then he will tell those on his left: 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the ever-burning fire that is prepared for the Devil and his [fallen] angels.
Do you think I cannot ask my Father for help? He would send me more than twelve legions of angels.
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, as an angel of God descended from heaven and rolled away the stone and sat on it.
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, as an angel of God descended from heaven and rolled away the stone and sat on it. His appearance was as lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
His appearance was as lightning, and his clothing white as snow. The guards shook with fear and became as dead men.
The guards shook with fear and became as dead men. The angel spoke to the women: I know you seek Jesus who has been impaled; do not fear.
The angel spoke to the women: I know you seek Jesus who has been impaled; do not fear. He is not here, for he has risen just as he promised. Come; see the place where the Lord lay. read more. Go quickly and tell his disciples he has risen from the dead. See, he goes before you to Galilee. You will see him there, as I have told you. They departed quickly from the tomb, with fear and great joy. They ran to bring his disciples the news.
No one knows the day or hour. The angels in heaven do not know. The Son of God does not know. Only the Father knows!
The angel answered: I am Gabriel, whose place is before God. I have been sent to give you this good news.
The next month God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth in Galilee to a virgin named Mary. Mary was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David. read more. Gabriel appeared to her and said: Greetings highly favored one. God is with you. She was greatly troubled by this and wondered about the meaning of this salutation. The angel said to Mary: Do not fear for you have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son. You will call his name Jesus. He will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. Jehovah God will give him the throne of his father David. (Isaiah 11:1-10) He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will not end. Mary asked the angel: How is this to be for I have had no intercourse with a man? The angel replied: Holy Spirit would come to you and the power of the Most High will envelope you. Because of this the newborn will be called the Son of God. Your relative Elisabeth has also conceived a son even in her old age. This so-called barren woman is in her sixth month. When God speaks, these things are possible. Mary said: Look, Jehovah's servant. Let it happen to me as you spoke. The angel departed from her. (1 Samuel 1:11)
Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God, and saying:
the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the Son of God.
After John's disciples departed he told the crowd about John: What did you go into the wilderness to find? Was it a reed shaken with the wind?
If any man is ashamed of my teachings, and of me the Son of man will be ashamed of that person. This will happen when he comes in his own glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels.
He sent messengers ahead of him. They entered the village of the Samaritans to get ready for him.
I tell you, it is the same for the angels of God who rejoice over one sinner who repents.
The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man died and was buried.
They cannot die anymore for they are equal to the angels. They are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
They cannot die anymore for they are equal to the angels. They are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
They cannot die anymore for they are equal to the angels. They are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
An angel came to him and gave him strength.
They were perplexed about what had happened. Two men stood by them in dazzling apparel.
She saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Woman why do you weep, they asked? She told them: They have taken my Lord and I do not know where they laid him.
They gazed intently into the sky as he went into heaven. Two men wearing white stood beside them.
They gazed intently into the sky as he went into heaven. Two men wearing white stood beside them. They said: You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven will come in a similar manner as you saw him go into heaven.
During the night God's angel opened the prison doors, brought them out and said:
God's angel said to Philip: Arise, and go toward the south the way that goes from Jerusalem unto Gaza through the desert.
About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw a vision. An angel of God came to him and said, Cornelius.
Suddenly God's angel came to him. A light shined in the prison. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up saying: Get up quickly. And his chains fell off of his hands.
Immediately the angel of God killed him, because he did not give God the glory. He was eaten by worms and died.
Last night an angel of the God of whom I serve stood beside me.
It is far above all governments and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
All things in the heavens and upon the earth where created through him. The things visible and invisible were created through him. Whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him.
Let no man rob you of your prize by a self-abasement and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things that he has seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
I charge you in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, that you observe these [principles] without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.
He has become better than the angels and has inherited a more excellent name than theirs.
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for those who will be heirs of salvation?
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for those who will be heirs of salvation?
By faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.
You have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads (thousands of thousands) of angels, to the general assembly and congregation of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just (righteous) (holy) men made perfect (mature) (having all needed qualities).
God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to captivity in pits of darkness reserved for judgment!
Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil disputed about the body of Moses. He did not speak evil judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: Jehovah rebukes you. (Zechariah 3:2)
This is the secret of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven congregations. The seven lamp stands that you saw are the seven congregations.
War broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels.
The great dragon was thrown down, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was hurled down to the earth, and his angels with him.
I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me: Do not do that. I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers. You have the witness from Jesus: worship God! For the witness from Jesus is the spirit (mind-set) of prophecy.
Hastings
ANGEL
1. Old Testament.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
The sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful. They married any of them they chose.
The NEPHILIM were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God had sexual intercourse with the daughters of men and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.
I will so increase your descendants that they will be too numerous to count.
She called the name of Jehovah, who spoke to her: You are the God who sees me, for she said, 'I have not seen the one who sees me.'
He took butter and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree as they ate.
Jehovah went his way as soon as he finished speaking with Abraham. Abraham returned to his place.
That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there as they arrived. When he saw them, he got up to greet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed low to the ground.
At dawn the next morning the angels became insistent. They said to Lot: Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Get out of here right now, or you will be caught in the destruction of the city.
God heard the lad crying. The angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her: What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not fear! God has heard the voice of the lad where he is.
Jehovah, the God of heaven, took me from my father's house and from the land of my birth. He spoke to me and swore to me. He said: I will give this land to your descendants. He will send his angel before you. You will take a wife for my son from there.
He said to me: 'Jehovah, before whom I have walked, will send his angel with you to make your journey successful. You will take a wife for my son from my relatives and from my father's house.
He had a dream in which he saw a stairway set up on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven. He saw the angels of God going up and coming down on it.
He had a dream in which he saw a stairway set up on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven. He saw the angels of God going up and coming down on it.
Along the way God's angels met Jacob. When he saw them, Jacob said: This is God's camp! He named that place Mahanaim.
He informed them to say: Your obedient servant, Jacob, reports to my master Esau that I have been staying with Laban and that I have delayed my return until now.
There the angel of Jehovah appeared to him in a flame of fire coming from the middle of a bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire but that it was not burning up.
Jehovah saw that Moses came closer. He called to him from the middle of the bush: Moses! Moses! Moses answered: Yes, here I am.
I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place that I have prepared.
I sent messengers from the desert of Kedemoth to King Sihon of Heshbon with the following offer of peace:
Some worship and bow down to other gods, the sun, the moon, or the whole army of heaven. I have forbidden this.
He said: No, but as captain of the camp of Jehovah I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down and said: What does my lord say to his servant?
He sent messengers throughout the territory of both parts of Manasseh to call them to follow him. He sent messengers to the tribes of Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they also came to join him.
Attack when you hear the sound of marching in the treetops. I will be marching ahead of you to defeat the Philistine army.
I can rest easy now that you have given your decision. You know the difference between right and wrong just like an angel of God. I pray that Jehovah your God will be with you.
Your servant Joab has done this to view this matter from a different angle. You are as wise as an angel of God (messenger of God), who knows everything on earth.
When the angel stretched out his arm to destroy Jerusalem, Jehovah changed his mind about the disaster. Enough! He said to the angel who was destroying the people. Put down your weapon. The angel of Jehovah was at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. David saw the angel who had been killing the people. He said to Jehovah: I have sinned. I have done wrong. What have these sheep done? Please let your punishment be against me and against my father's family.
Then he said: I am a prophet like you. An angel said to me by the word of Jehovah, Take him back with you and give him food and water. But he lied to him.
Stretching himself on the earth, he went to sleep under the broom-plant. An angel touched him and said: Get up and eat some food.
Stretching himself on the earth, he went to sleep under the broom-plant. An angel touched him and said: Get up and eat some food.
Jehovah's angel commanded Elijah, the prophet from Tishbe, Go and meet the messengers of King Ahaziah. Ask them: 'Why are you going to consult Baalzebub, the god of Ekron? Do you think there is no god in Israel?'
The angel of Jehovah (YHWH) said to Elijah: Go down with him. Do not be afraid of him. So Elijah went with the officer to the king.
Elisha prayed: O Jehovah, open his eyes that he may see. Jehovah answered his prayer. Elisha's servant looked up and saw the hillside covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Elisha prayed: O Jehovah, open his eyes that he may see. Jehovah answered his prayer. Elisha's servant looked up and saw the hillside covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Esther the queen, answered: If I have your approval, O king, and if it is the king's pleasure, let my life be given to me in answer to my petition. My people at my request:
The day came when heavenly beings appeared before Jehovah (YHWH). Satan was there among them.
One day when the sons of God came to present themselves in front of Jehovah, Satan the Accuser came along with them.
You see God does not trust his own servants. He accuses his angels of making mistakes.
He draws near to the pit and to the messengers of death. Yet if there is an angel on his side as a mediator, one out of a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him,
He made the darkness his hiding place, his pavilion round about, the dark rain clouds his covering.
([Psalm of David]) Give to Jehovah, you sons of the mighty ones. Give to Jehovah glory and power.
Taste and see that Jehovah is good. Blessed is the person who takes refuge in him.
Let their path be dark and slippery as the angel of Jehovah pursues them.
He sent his fierce burning anger, his rage and fury against them. He sent an army of destroying angels.
He is a God greatly reverenced in the council of the holy ones. He is awesome above all those who are around Him?
He will put his angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways.
Bless Jehovah you angels of his, you who excel in strength, who obey his command, and listen to the voice of his Word.
You make the winds your messengers, the flaming fire your ministers.
Anger from a king is the messenger of death, but a wise man will placate it.
I heard the voice of Jehovah. He said: Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said: Here I am. Send me!
Jehovah rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. The idols of Egypt tremble before him. The hearts of the Egyptians melt (their courage fails) within them.
That day Jehovah will punish the host of heaven on high and the kings of the earth below.
Their brave men cry aloud in the streets; the messengers (ambassadors) of peace weep bitterly.
To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look to the heavens. Who created all these? The being that brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name created all these! Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem. They will never be silent day or night. Whoever calls on Jehovah, do not allow yourselves any rest,
I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem. They will never be silent day or night. Whoever calls on Jehovah, do not allow yourselves any rest,
The Spirit entered me when he spoke to me. He stood me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. He said: Son of man, I am sending you to the people of Israel. They are people from a nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this day. read more. I am sending you to these defiant and stubborn children. Tell them: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says:
Jehovah said to me: Son of man, eat what you find. Eat this scroll. Then speak to the people of Israel. I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. read more. He said: Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you, and fill your stomach with it. So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. He then said to me: Son of man, go to the people of Israel and speak my words to them. I am not sending you to people whose language is hard to understand or difficult to speak. I am sending you to Israel. I am not sending you to nations whose language is hard to understand, difficult to speak, or whose words you cannot understand. If I send you to those nations they will certainly listen to you.
Then the Spirit lifted me, and behind me I heard a loud thundering voice say: Blessed is Jehovah's glory from this place.
Son of man, take a clay tablet and put it in front of you. Draw the city of Jerusalem on it.
On the fifth day of the sixth month in the sixth year, I was sitting in my home. Judah's older men were sitting in front of me. The power of the Lord Jehovah came over me.
I heard God say to the other men: Follow him through the city and kill. Spare no one! Have mercy on no one.
Then the person dressed in linen who was carrying the writing case (inkhorn) reported: I did everything you commanded.
Jehovah's Spirit came to me and told me to say: This is what Jehovah says: 'You are saying these things, nation of Israel. But I know what is going through your mind.
It was the tenth day of the month in the beginning of the twenty-fifth year of our captivity and fourteen years after Jerusalem was captured. At that time Jehovah's power came over me, and he brought me to Jerusalem.
He brought me closer. I saw a man who looked like he was covered with bronze. The man was holding a linen tape measure and a measuring stick, and he stood in a gateway.
These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the blazing furnace.
I saw in the visions of my head: Behold, a watcher and a holy one came down from heaven. He cried aloud: 'Chop down the tree, and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from its branches.
He cried aloud: 'Chop down the tree, and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from its branches.
The decision is by the decree of the watchers. The sentence by the word of the holy ones! It is to the intent that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever he will, and sets over it the lowest of men.
I heard a man's voice from the banks of the Ulai River. He called to Gabriel: Make this man understand the vision of the time of the end.
The prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me twenty-one days but lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
The prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me twenty-one days but lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
Then he said: Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. The prince of Greece will also come. But I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. There is no one standing firmly with me against these, but Michael your prince.
Hurry and come all you nations round about. Gather yourselves there and cause your mighty ones to come down, O Jehovah.
Hurry and come all you nations round about. Gather yourselves there and cause your mighty ones to come down, O Jehovah.
He said: I had a vision in the night. I saw someone riding a red horse. He stopped among some myrtle trees in a valley, and behind him were other horses, red, speckled, and white. I asked him, Sir, what do these horses mean? He answered: I will show you what they mean.
I asked him, Sir, what do these horses mean? He answered: I will show you what they mean. The man answered: These are they whom Jehovah sent to inspect the earth.
In that day Jehovah will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem. He that is feeble among them will be like David. For the house of David will be like God, like the angel of Jehovah before them.
You will flee by the valley of my mountains. For the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel. Yes you will flee the same as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Jehovah my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.
This is Jehovah's (YHWH) Word, a divine revelation to Israel through His Messenger, Malachi:
Joseph had this in mind when God's angel appeared to him in a dream. The angel said to him: Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She is pregnant by Holy Spirit.
They were overwhelmed with joy to see the star.
Then the Devil left Jesus, and the angels came and served him.
The enemy that sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age. The reapers are angels.
The Son of man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels. He will then reward each man according to his deeds.
Do not treat these little ones badly. I tell you that angels represent them in the presence of my Father in heaven.
Do not treat these little ones badly. I tell you that angels represent them in the presence of my Father in heaven.
In the resurrection they will not marry nor be given in marriage. They will be like the angels in heaven.
He will send his angels with a great trumpet sound. They will gather together the anointed from the four winds, from one end of the sky (horizon) to the other.
No one knows the day and the hour (the period of time). The angels of heaven do not know. The Son does not know. Only the Father knows!
When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.
Then he will tell those on his left: 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the ever-burning fire that is prepared for the Devil and his [fallen] angels.
Do you think I cannot ask my Father for help? He would send me more than twelve legions of angels.
The angel spoke to the women: I know you seek Jesus who has been impaled; do not fear.
Satan tempted Jesus. This lasted forty days. The angels took care of Jesus.
For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man will also be ashamed of him, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Gabriel appeared to her and said: Greetings highly favored one. God is with you.
When the devil had completed every temptation he departed from him for a season.
If any man is ashamed of my teachings, and of me the Son of man will be ashamed of that person. This will happen when he comes in his own glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels.
I tell you, every one who confesses me before men; the Son of man will also confess him before the angels of God. He who denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of the angels of God.
I tell you, it is the same for the angels of God who rejoice over one sinner who repents.
The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man died and was buried.
They cannot die anymore for they are equal to the angels. They are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
They did not find his body. They said that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.
Jesus continued: You will see the heavens opened and you will see the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Jesus continued: You will see the heavens opened and you will see the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
During the night God's angel opened the prison doors, brought them out and said:
During the night God's angel opened the prison doors, brought them out and said: Go stand in the temple and speak to the people all the sayings about this life.
At the end of forty years, Jehovah's angel appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai in a flame of fire in a bush. (Exodus 3:3)
God's angel said to Philip: Arise, and go toward the south the way that goes from Jerusalem unto Gaza through the desert.
Who are you Lord? He asked. The Lord said: I am Jesus whom you persecute.
About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw a vision. An angel of God came to him and said, Cornelius.
He showed us how he had seen an angel in his house that stood and said to him, 'Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter.'
Suddenly God's angel came to him. A light shined in the prison. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up saying: Get up quickly. And his chains fell off of his hands. The angel said: Dress yourself and put on sandals. Put on your coat and follow me. So Peter did as he was told.
They said to her: You are mad. But she kept insisting that it was so. Then they said: It must be his angel.
Immediately the angel of God killed him, because he did not give God the glory. He was eaten by worms and died.
The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit. The Pharisees believe both. There arose a great cry. The scribes who were on the Pharisees' side arose and spoke, We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
Last night an angel of the God of whom I serve stood beside me. He said, Paul, do not be afraid. You must stand before Caessar and God has graciously given you the lives of you and all who sail with you.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
For I think that God has placed us apostles last as men appointed to death. We are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men.
You cannot drink the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons. You cannot be partakers of the Jehovah's Table and of the table of demons. (Malachi 1:12)
That is why the woman should have a sign of authority on her head because of the angels.
I did not receive it from man. I was not taught it! It came to me through revelation from Jesus Christ.
All things in the heavens and upon the earth where created through him. The things visible and invisible were created through him. Whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him.
Let no man rob you of your prize by a self-abasement and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things that he has seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Let no man rob you of your prize by a self-abasement and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things that he has seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
You who are afflicted rest with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire.
Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil disputed about the body of Moses. He did not speak evil judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: Jehovah rebukes you. (Zechariah 3:2)
I John saw these things and heard them. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. He said to me: Do not do that, for I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and of those who obey the words of this book: worship God.
Watsons
ANGEL, a spiritual, intelligent substance, the first in rank and dignity among created beings The word angel, ???????, is not properly a denomination of nature but of office; denoting as much as nuncius, messenger, a person employed to carry one's orders, or declare his will. Thus it is St. Paul represents angels, Heb 1:14, where he calls them "ministering spirits;" and yet custom has prevailed so much, that angel is now commonly taken for the denomination of a particular order of spiritual beings, of great understanding and power, superior to the souls or spirits of men. Some of these are spoken of in Scripture in such a manner as plainly to signify that they are real beings, of a spiritual nature, of high power, perfection, dignity, and happiness. Others of them are distinguished as not having kept their first station, Jude 1:6. These are represented as evil spirits, enemies of God, and intent on mischief. The devil as the head of them, and they as his angels, are represented as the rulers of the darkness of this world, or spiritual wickednesses, or wicked spirits, ?? ?????????? ??? ???????? ?? ???? ???????????, Eph 6:12; which may not be unfitly rendered, "the spiritual managers of opposition to the kingdom of God." The existence of angels is supposed in all religions, though it is incapable of being proved a priori. Indeed, the ancient Sadducees are represented as denying all spirits; and yet the Samaritans, and Caraites, who are reputed Sadducees, openly allowed them: witness Abusaid, the author of an Arabic version of the Pentateuch; and Aaron, a Caraite Jew, in his comment on the Pentateuch; both extant in manuscript in the king of France's library. In the Alcoran we find frequent mention of angels. The Mussulmen believe them of different orders or degrees, and to be destined for different employments both in heaven and on earth. They attribute exceedingly great power to the angel Gabriel, as that he is able to descend in the space of an hour from heaven to earth; to overturn a mountain with a single feather of his wing, &c. The angel Asrael, they suppose, is appointed to take the souls of such as die; and another angel, named Esraphil, they tell us, stands with a trumpet ready in his mouth to proclaim the day of judgment.
The Heathen philosophers and poets were also agreed as to the existence of intelligent beings, superior to man; as is shown by St. Cyprian in his treatise of the vanity of idols; from the testimonies of Plato, Socrates, Trismegistus, &c. They were acknowledged under different appellations; the Greeks calling them daemons, and the Romans genii, or lares. Epicurus seems to have been the only one among the old philosophers who absolutely rejected them.
Authors are not so unanimous about the nature as about the existence of angels. Clemens Alexandrinus believed they had bodies; which was also the opinion of Origen, Caesarius, Tertullian, and several others. Athanasius, St. Basil, St. Gregory Nicene, St. Cyril, St. Chrysostom, &c, held them to be mere spirits. It has been the more current opinion, especially in later times, that they are substances entirely spiritual, who can, at any time, assume bodies, and appear in human or other shapes. Ecclesiastical writers make a hierarchy of nine orders of angels. Others have distributed angels into nine orders, according to the names by which they are called in Scripture, and reduced these orders into three hierarchies; to the first of which belong seraphim, cherubim, and thrones; to the second, dominions, virtues, and powers; and to the third, principalities, archangels, and angels. The Jews reckon four orders or companies of angels, each headed by an archangel; the first order being that of Michael; the second, of Gabriel; the third, of Uriel; and the fourth, of Raphael. Following the Scripture account, we shall find mention made of different orders of these superior beings; for such a distinction of orders seems intimated in the names given to different classes. Thus we have thrones, dominions, principalities, or princedoms, powers, authorities, living ones, cherubim and seraphim. That some of these titles may indicate the same class of angels is probable; but that they all should be but different appellations of one common and equal order is improbable. We learn also from Scripture, that they dwell in the immediate presence of God; that they "excel in strength;" that they are immortal; and that they are the agents through which God very often accomplishes his special purposes of judgment and mercy. Nothing is more frequent in Scripture than the missions and appearances of good and bad angels, whom God employed to declare his will; to correct, teach, reprove, and comfort. God gave the law to Moses, and appeared to the old patriarchs, by the mediation of angels, who represented him, and spoke in his name, Ac 7:30,35; Ga 3:19; Heb 13:2.
Though the Jews, in general, believed the existence of angels, there was a sect among them, namely, the Sadducees, who denied the existence of all spirits whatever, God only excepted, Ac 23:8. Before the Babylonish captivity, the Hebrews seem not to have known the names of any angel. The Talmudists say they brought the names of angels from Babylon. Tobit, who is thought to have resided in Nineveh some time before the captivity, mentions the angel Raphael, Tob. 3:17; 11:2, 7; and Daniel, who lived at Babylon some time after Tobit, has taught us the names of Michael and Gabriel, Da 8:16; 9:21; 10:21. In the New Testament, we find only the two latter mentioned by name.
There are various opinions as to the time when the angels were created. Some think this took place when our heavens and the earth were made. For this opinion, however, there is no just foundation in the Mosaic account. Others think that angels existed long before the formation of our solar system; and Scripture seems to favour this opinion, Job 38:4,7, where God says, "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?
See Verses Found in Dictionary
The sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful. They married any of them they chose.
Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand.
while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
The chariots of God are myriads in number, thousands upon thousands. Jehovah is among them. The God of Sinai is in his holy place.
A fiery stream issued from before him. Thousands of thousands ministered to him. Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The judgment was set and the books were opened.
I heard a man's voice from the banks of the Ulai River. He called to Gabriel: Make this man understand the vision of the time of the end.
While I was speaking in prayer, the spirit person [who looked like a man] Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, was inspired to come quickly and touch me. It was about the time of the evening offering.
But I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. There is no one standing firmly with me against these, but Michael your prince.
Do you think I cannot ask my Father for help? He would send me more than twelve legions of angels.
At the end of forty years, Jehovah's angel appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai in a flame of fire in a bush. (Exodus 3:3)
This Moses whom they refused, saying: Who made you ruler and judge? God sent him to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush.
They said to her: You are mad. But she kept insisting that it was so. Then they said: It must be his angel.
The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit. The Pharisees believe both.
What then is the law? It was added (to cause awareness of sin) because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places.
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for those who will be heirs of salvation?
Show hospitality to strangers, for some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Angels who did not keep their position left their proper habitation. He has kept them in everlasting bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day.
Angels who did not keep their position left their proper habitation. He has kept them in everlasting bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day.