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
But while he was thinking on these things, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take to thee Mary thy wife; for that which is begotten in her, is of the Holy Ghost.
For this is he of whom it is written, Behold I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.
So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just.
See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, that in heaven their angels continually behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
Then shall he say also to them on his left-hand, Depart from me, ye cursed into the everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.
Thinkest thou that I cannot now ask my Father, and he will presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Thinkest thou that I cannot now ask my Father, and he will presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
And the angel said to them, Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For to you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. read more. And this shall be a sign to you; ye shall find the babe, wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest;
And when the messengers of John were departed, he said to the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see?
And sent messengers before his face, and they went and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
I say to you, Thus joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, who do not need repentance.
Thus, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God, over one sinner that repenteth.
And the beggar died and was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died and was buried:
And forty years being expired, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, in the wilderness, in a flame of fire in a bush.
For there stood by me this night an angel of the God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul;
For this cause also the woman ought to have a veil upon her head, because of the angels.
For through him were created all things, that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible; whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him and for him.
Are they not all ministring spirits, sent forth to serve for them who shall inherit salvation?
Are they not all ministring spirits, sent forth to serve for them who shall inherit salvation?
But ye are come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,
But ye are come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company, To the general assembly of angels, and to the church of the first born, who are inrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, delivered them to chains of darkness,
To the angel of the church at Ephesus write, These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right-hand, that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.
And to the angel of the church of Smyrna write, These things saith the First and the Last, who was dead and is alive.
And to the angel of the church at Pergamos write, These things saith he who hath the sharp two-edged sword.
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof?
and the night likewise, And I saw and heard an angel flying in the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Wo, wo, wo to the inhabitants of the earth, by reason of the other voices of the trumpets of the three angels who are yet to sound.
And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels:
And the great dragon was cast out, the antient serpent, who is called the devil and satan, who deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out unto the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great mill-stone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall Babylon, the great city, be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
And I fell before his feet to worship him: but he saith to me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, Come, and gather yourselves together to the great supper of God,
And it was I John, who heard and saw these things; and when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who shewed me these things. But he saith to me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them who keep the sayings 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/wesley'>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
But while he was thinking on these things, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take to thee Mary thy wife; for that which is begotten in her, is of the Holy Ghost.
Then the devil leaveth him, and behold angels came and waited upon him.
The enemy that sowed them is the devil: the harvest is the end of the world; the reapers are the angels.
The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them that do iniquity.
So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just.
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels; and then shall he render to every man according to his work.
See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, that in heaven their angels continually behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, that in heaven their angels continually behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
And he shall send forth his angels, with a loud-sounding trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, neither the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Then shall he say also to them on his left-hand, Depart from me, ye cursed into the everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.
Thinkest thou that I cannot now ask my Father, and he will presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
And behold, there had been a great earthquake, and an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, had come and rolled away the stone from the door and sat upon it.
And behold, there had been a great earthquake, and an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, had come and rolled away the stone from the door and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled, and became as dead men.
And for fear of him the guards trembled, and became as dead men. But the angel answering said to the women, Fear not ye; for I know ye seek Jesus who was crucified.
But the angel answering said to the women, Fear not ye; for I know ye seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he is risen, as he said: come, see the place where the Lord lay. read more. And go quickly and tell the disciples, that he is risen from the dead. And behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him. Lo, I have told you. And departing quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy they ran to tell his disciples.
But of that day and hour knoweth no one, no, not the angels that are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
And the angel answering, said to him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God, and am sent to speak to thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God, to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin of the house of David, espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, and the virgin's name was Mary. read more. And the angel coming in to her, said, Hail, thou highly favoured; the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. But she seeing him, was troubled at his saying, and reasoned, what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give him the throne of his father David. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob; for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary to the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answering said to her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that Holy thing which shall be born, shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God, nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest;
the son of Cainan, The son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
And when the messengers of John were departed, he said to the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see?
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's and that of the holy angels.
And sent messengers before his face, and they went and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
Thus, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God, over one sinner that repenteth.
And the beggar died and was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died and was buried:
For neither can they die any more; for they are equal to angels, and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
For neither can they die any more; for they are equal to angels, and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
For neither can they die any more; for they are equal to angels, and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
And there appeared to him an angel from heaven strengthening him.
behold two men stood by them in shining garments.
she stooped down into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, where the body of Jesus had laid, one at the head, and one at the feet. And they said to her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith to them, They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
And while they were stedfastly looking up to heaven, as he went up,
And while they were stedfastly looking up to heaven, as he went up, behold two men, in white apparel, stood by them, Who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing into heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as ye have seen him going into heaven.
But an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors, by night, and bringing them forth,
And an angel of the Lord spake to Philip, saying, Arise and go toward the south by the way leading down from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is desert.
He saw plainly in a vision, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of the Lord coming in to him, and saying to him, Cornelius.
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood over him, and light shined in the house: and smiting Peter on the side he waked him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory; and being eaten by worms, he expired.
For there stood by me this night an angel of the God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul;
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
For through him were created all things, that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible; whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him and for him.
Let none defraud you of your reward by a voluntary humility and worship of angels, intruding into the things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudging, doing nothing by partiality.
Being made so much higher than the angels, as he hath by inheritance a more excellent name than they.
Are they not all ministring spirits, sent forth to serve for them who shall inherit salvation?
Are they not all ministring spirits, sent forth to serve for them who shall inherit salvation?
By faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the first born should touch them.
But ye are come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company, To the general assembly of angels, and to the church of the first born, who are inrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, delivered them to chains of darkness,
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil, he disputed concerning the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
The mystery of the stars which thou sawest in my right hand and of the seven golden candlesticks. The stars are angels of the churches: and the candlesticks are seven churches.
And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels:
And the great dragon was cast out, the antient serpent, who is called the devil and satan, who deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out unto the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And I fell before his feet to worship him: but he saith to me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Hastings
ANGEL
1. Old Testament.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
But while he was thinking on these things, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take to thee Mary thy wife; for that which is begotten in her, is of the Holy Ghost.
And seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Then the devil leaveth him, and behold angels came and waited upon him.
The enemy that sowed them is the devil: the harvest is the end of the world; the reapers are the angels.
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels; and then shall he render to every man according to his work.
See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, that in heaven their angels continually behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, that in heaven their angels continually behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
And he shall send forth his angels, with a loud-sounding trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, neither the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.
Then shall he say also to them on his left-hand, Depart from me, ye cursed into the everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.
Thinkest thou that I cannot now ask my Father, and he will presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
But the angel answering said to the women, Fear not ye; for I know ye seek Jesus who was crucified.
tempted by Satan, and was with the wild-beasts; and the angels served him.
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father, with the holy angels.
And the angel coming in to her, said, Hail, thou highly favoured; the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
And the devil, having ended all the temptation, departed from him till a convenient season.
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's and that of the holy angels.
Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. And I say to you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God. But he that denieth me before man, shall be denied before the angels of God.
Thus, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God, over one sinner that repenteth.
And the beggar died and was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died and was buried:
For neither can they die any more; for they are equal to angels, and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
And not finding his body, they came, saying, That they had seen also a vision of angels, who say, he is alive.
Verily, verily I say to you, Hereafter ye shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of man.
Verily, verily I say to you, Hereafter ye shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of man.
But an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors, by night, and bringing them forth,
But an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors, by night, and bringing them forth, said, Go, stand and speak in the temple the words of this life.
And forty years being expired, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, in the wilderness, in a flame of fire in a bush.
And an angel of the Lord spake to Philip, saying, Arise and go toward the south by the way leading down from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is desert.
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee, to kick against the goads.
He saw plainly in a vision, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of the Lord coming in to him, and saying to him, Cornelius.
And he told us, how he had seen an angel standing in his house, and saying to him, Send men to Joppa, and call Simon,
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood over him, and light shined in the house: and smiting Peter on the side he waked him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said to him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals; and he did so. And he saith to him, Throw thy garment about thee, and follow me.
And they said to her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed, it was so. Then they said, It is his angel.
And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory; and being eaten by worms, he expired.
For the Saducees say, there is no resurrection, neither angel nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. And there was a great clamour: and the scribes of the Pharisees side arising, contended, saying, We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
For there stood by me this night an angel of the God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be presented before Cesar: and lo God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers,
For I think God hath set forth us the apostles last, as appointed to death; for we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.
Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils; ye cannot be partakers of the table of the Lord, and the table of devils.
For this cause also the woman ought to have a veil upon her head, because of the angels.
For neither did I receive it from man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
For through him were created all things, that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible; whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him and for him.
Let none defraud you of your reward by a voluntary humility and worship of angels, intruding into the things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Let none defraud you of your reward by a voluntary humility and worship of angels, intruding into the things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
And to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his mighty angels,
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil, he disputed concerning the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
And it was I John, who heard and saw these things; and when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who shewed me these things. But he saith to me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them who keep the sayings 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?
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Thinkest thou that I cannot now ask my Father, and he will presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
And forty years being expired, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, in the wilderness, in a flame of fire in a bush.
This Moses, whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a prince and a judge, the same did God send, to be a ruler and a deliverer, by the hand of the Angel, who appeared to him in the bush.
And they said to her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed, it was so. Then they said, It is his angel.
For the Saducees say, there is no resurrection, neither angel nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.
Wherefore then was the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made: and it was ordained by angels, in the hand of a mediator.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the world, of the darkness of this age, against wicked spirits in heavenly places.
Are they not all ministring spirits, sent forth to serve for them who shall inherit salvation?
Forget not to entertain strangers, for hereby some have entertained angels unawares.
And the angels, who kept not their first dignity, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness to the judgment of the great day.
And the angels, who kept not their first dignity, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness to the judgment of the great day.