Reference: Angels
Fausets
("messengers".) Often with "of God" or "Jehovah" added. Sometimes called the "holy ones," "saints." The "Angel of God" often means the Divide Word, "the Image of the invisible God," God Himself manifested (Col 1:15; Ge 22:11-12; 16:7,13/type/anderson'>13; 31:11,13/type/anderson'>13; 48:15-16; 33:14; compare Isa 63:9; Ex 3:2,6,14; 23:20-22; Ac 27:23-24, compare Ac 23:11; Nu 22:22-35); accepting as His due the worship which angels reject as mere creatures (Re 19:10; 22:9); this manifestation was as man, an anticipation of the incarnation (Joh 1:18; Ge 18:2,22; 19:1; 32:24,30; Jos 5:13,15).
Angel, "Son of God," "Gods" (Elohim), "Holy One," in the fullest sense, are names of the divine Word alone. His incarnation is the center by reference to which all angelic ministration is best understood. Compare Joh 1:51, Greek (aparti), "from this time forth ye shall see heaven open" (heretofore shut, against man by sin: Heb 9:8; 10:19-20 "and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man," as the antitypical Jacob's ladder, the center of communication between men and God, the redeemed and the angelic world; Jesus' miracles, of which mention immediately follows (John 2), are firstfruit of this newly opened communion of earth and heaven (Ge 28:12-17). Secondarily, God's created messengers; as Israel (Isa 42:19), Haggai (Hag 1:13), John (Mal 3:1; 2:7), the priesthood, ministers (Ec 5:6), the rulers or angels of the Christian churches (Re 1:20), as Elohim, "gods" is applied to judges (Ps 82:6); compare Jesus' application, Joh 10:34-37.
As to the nature of "angels" in the limited sense, they are "spirits" (Heb 1:7,14), of wind-like velocity, subtle nature, capable of close communion with God; sharers in His truth, purity, and love, since they ever behold His face (Mt 18:10), even as the redeemed shall (1Jo 3:2); not necessarily incorporeal; Lu 20:36 (compare Php 3:21), 1Co 15:44, seemingly but not certainly imply their having bodies. Their glorious appearance (Da 10:6), like our Lord's when transfigured and afterward as the ascended Savior (Re 1:14-16), and their human form (Lu 24:4; Ac 1:10), favor the same view. Close kindred of nature between angels and men is implied in both being alike called "sons of God" (Job 1:6; 38:7; Da 3:25,28) and "gods" (Elohim) (Ps 8:5; Hebrew Elohim "angels," Ps 97:7; Lu 3:38).
Finite, but ever progressing in the participation of God's infinite perfection (Job 4:18; Mt 24:36; 1Pe 1:12). Our fellow servants, "sent forth unto ministry for the sake of them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Heb 1:14), i.e., on ministrations appointed by God and Christ for the good of them who shall be heirs of salvation. Worship and service are their twofold function; priests in the heavenly temple (Isa 6:1-3; 1Ki 22:19; Da 7:9-10; Re 5:11), and sent forth thence on God's missions of love and justice. As finite, and having liberty, they were capable of temptation. Some "kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation" (2Pe 2:4; Jg 1:6). "The elect angels" fell not; they take part, by act and sympathy, in our affairs, and shall witness the Judgment (Lu 15:10; 1Co 4:9).
The fallen are not yet actually confined in the bottomless pit, but are doomed to it, "reserved unto judgment," and though seeming free, and ranging in our air, under the prince of the powers of the air (Eph 2:2), are really in "chains of darkness" already, able only to hurt to the length of their chain. Satan is their prince, a liar, murderer, slanderer; and such are they (Joh 8:44). The probation of the elect angels is over; their crown is won, they are the "holy ones" now (Da 8:13), under the blessed necessity of sinning no more. "Watchers" of men, jealous for God's honor (Da 4:13,23). Bad angels are permitted to try believers now, as Job; good angels are God's ministers of vengeance on the bad (Re 12:8-9; 20:1-2). Such shall the saints be at last, "equal to the angels," holy, made perfect, judges of angels and the world, ministering mediators of blessing to subject creatures (Heb 12:23; 1Co 6:2-3; Re 5:10).
In the natural world angels minister, as in directing wind and flame (according to one translation of Ps 104:4; Heb 1:7): "the angel of Jehovah" wrought in the plague on the Egyptian firstborn (Ex 12:23; Heb 11:28), and on the rebels in the wilderness (1Co 10:10), on Israel under David (2Sa 24:16; 1Ch 21:16), on Sennacherib's army (2Ki 19:35), on Herod (Ac 12:23). An angel troubled the pool of Bethesda (the Alex. manuscript supports the verse, the Sin. and the Vat. manuscripts reject it), giving it a healing power, as in our mineral springs (Joh 5:4): They act, in an unknown way, in and through "nature's laws." In the spiritual world too: by their ministration the Sinaitic law was given, "ordained by angels" (Ga 3:19), "spoken" by them (Heb 2:2), by their "disposition" or appointment (Ac 7:53; compare De 33:2; Ps 68:17).
From the first creation of our world they took the liveliest interest in the earth (Job 38:7). When man fell by evil angels, with beautiful propriety it was ordered that other angels, holy and unfallen, should minister for God in His reparation of the evil caused to man by their fallen fellow spirits. They rescued at Jehovah's command righteous Lot from doomed Sodom, Jacob from his murderous brother (Genesis 19; 32). "Manna" is called "angels' food," "the grain of heaven"; not that angels eat it, but it came from above whence angels come, and through their ministry (Ps 78:25). When Elisha was in Dothan, surrounded by Syrian hosts, and his servant cried, "Alas! how shall we do?" the Lord opened his eyes to see the mount full of chariots and horses of fire round about (2Ki 6:15,17, compare Ps 94:7). By God's angel Daniel was saved in the lions' den (Da 6:22); compare Da 3:28 as to the fiery furnace.
Michael (whom some questionably identify with the Son of God) is represented as Israel's champion against Israel's (the literal and the spiritual) accuser, Satan (Da 12:1, compare Re 12:7-10). Daniel 10 unfolds the mysterious truth that there are angel princes in the spirit world, answering to the God-opposed leaders of kingdoms in the political world, the prince of Persia and the prince of Grecia standing in antagonism to Michael. In patriarchal times their ministry is more familiar, and less awful, than in after times. Compare Ge 24:7,40 (the angelic guidance of Abraham's servant in choosing a wife for Isaac, and encouraging Jacob in his loneliness at Bethel on first leaving home, Genesis 28) with Jg 6:21-22; 13:16,22. They appear, like the prophets and kings in subsequent times, in the character of God's ministers, carrying out God's purposes in relation to Israel and the pagan world powers (Zechariah 1; 2; 3; 4, etc.).
When the Lord of angels became flesh, they ministered before and at His birth (Luke 1; 2; Mt 1:20), after the temptation (Mt 4:11), in the agony of Gethsemane (Lu 22:43), at His resurrection and ascension (Mt 28:2; Lu 24:4; Joh 20:12; Ac 1:10-11). Their previous and subsequent ministrations to men (Ac 5:19; 8:26; 10:3; 12:7, Peter's deliverance, Ac 27:23) all hinge on their intimate connection with and ministry to Him, redeemed man's divine Head (Ps 91:11; Mt 4:6), Hence they are the guardians of Christ's little ones, not thinking it beneath their dignity to minister to them (Mt 18:10); not attached singly to single individuals, but all or one ready at God's bidding to minister to each. (In Acts 12, the remark, "it is his Peter's angel," receives no countenance from Peter or the inspired writer of Acts, Luke; but is the uninspired guess of those in Mary's house.)
Rejoice over each recovered penitent (Lu 15:10); are present in Christian congregations (1Co 11:10); exercising some function in presenting the saints' prayers, incensed by Christ's merits, the one Mediator, before God (Re 8:3; 5:8); not to be prayed to, which is thrice forbidden (Re 19:10; 22:9; Col 2:18): when we send an offering to the King, the King's messenger durst not appropriate the King's exclusive due. Ministers of grace now, and at the dying hour carrying the believer's soul to paradise (Lu 16:22), but ministers of judgment, and gathering the elect, in the great day (Mt 13:39,41,49; 16:27; 24:31). Their
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But while he was thinking of these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take home Mary your wife; for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit.
But while he was thinking of these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take home Mary your wife; for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit.
and said to him: If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written: He will give his angels charge concerning you; and in their hands shall they take you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
and said to him: If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written: He will give his angels charge concerning you; and in their hands shall they take you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.
Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.
Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.
the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.
the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.
The Son of man will send forth his angels, and collect out of his kingdom all things that offend, and those who work iniquity,
The Son of man will send forth his angels, and collect out of his kingdom all things that offend, and those who work iniquity,
So shall it be in the end of the age: the angels shall come forth and separate the wicked from among the just,
So shall it be in the end of the age: the angels shall come forth and separate the wicked from among the just,
For the Son of man will come in the glory of his Father, with his angels; and then he will reward every one according to his deeds.
For the Son of man will come in the glory of his Father, with his angels; and then he will reward every one according to his deeds.
Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, That their angels in heaven do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, That their angels in heaven do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, That their angels in heaven do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, That their angels in heaven do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
And he will send his angels with a trumpet of great voice, and they shall gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
And he will send his angels with a trumpet of great voice, and they shall gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
And behold, there had been a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord having descended from heaven, came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
And behold, there had been a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord having descended from heaven, came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
So, I say to you, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.
So, I say to you, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.
So, I say to you, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.
So, I say to you, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.
And it came to pass, that the poor man died, and was carried by angels to Abra ham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried;
And it came to pass, that the poor man died, and was carried by angels to Abra ham's bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried;
For they can die no more; for they are like the angels, and are the sons of God, being the sons of the resurrection.
For they can die no more; for they are like the angels, and are the sons of God, being the sons of the resurrection.
For they can die no more; for they are like the angels, and are the sons of God, being the sons of the resurrection.
For they can die no more; for they are like the angels, and are the sons of God, being the sons of the resurrection.
And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, to strengthen him.
And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, to strengthen him.
And it came to pass, while they were much perplexed at this, behold, two men stood by them in shining raiment.
And it came to pass, while they were much perplexed at this, behold, two men stood by them in shining raiment.
And it came to pass, while they were much perplexed at this, behold, two men stood by them in shining raiment.
And it came to pass, while they were much perplexed at this, behold, two men stood by them in shining raiment.
No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has revealed him.
No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has revealed him.
Jesus answered and said to him: Do you believe, be cause I said to you, I saw you under the fig-tree? You shall see greater things than these. And he said to him: Verily, verily I say to you, From this time you shall see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Jesus answered and said to him: Do you believe, be cause I said to you, I saw you under the fig-tree? You shall see greater things than these. And he said to him: Verily, verily I say to you, From this time you shall see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and stirred the water. Then he who entered first after the motion of the water, was cured of whatever disease he had.
For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and stirred the water. Then he who entered first after the motion of the water, was cured of whatever disease he had.
You are of your father, the devil; and the desires of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the be ginning, and stood not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks that which is false, he speaks from what is his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it.
You are of your father, the devil; and the desires of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the be ginning, and stood not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks that which is false, he speaks from what is his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Jesus answered them: Is it not written in your law, I said, you are gods? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God was committed, (and the scripture can not be made void,)
If he called them gods, to whom the word of God was committed, (and the scripture can not be made void,) do you say of him, whom the Father has sanctified, and sent into the world, You speak impiously, because I said, I am the Son of God?
do you say of him, whom the Father has sanctified, and sent into the world, You speak impiously, because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not;
If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not;
and saw two angels in white raiment, sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the foot, where the body of Jesus had lain.
and saw two angels in white raiment, sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the foot, where the body of Jesus had lain.
And while they were looking earnestly to ward heaven, as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white raiment,
And while they were looking earnestly to ward heaven, as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white raiment,
And while they were looking earnestly to ward heaven, as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white raiment,
And while they were looking earnestly to ward heaven, as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white raiment, who also said: Men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, shall come in the same manner in which you saw him go into heaven.
who also said: Men of Galilee, why stand you gazing up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, shall come in the same manner in which you saw him go into heaven.
But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison by night, and brought them out, and said:
But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison by night, and brought them out, and said:
who received the law by the appointment of angels, and have not kepi, it.
who received the law by the appointment of angels, and have not kepi, it.
And an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying: Arise, and go toward the south, to the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza; this is desert.
And an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying: Arise, and go toward the south, to the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza; this is desert.
He distinctly saw, in a vision, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying to him, Cornelius.
He distinctly saw, in a vision, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying to him, Cornelius.
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison. And he gently struck Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying: Arise quickly; and his chains fell from his hands.
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison. And he gently struck Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying: Arise quickly; and his chains fell from his hands.
And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not give God the glory. And having been eaten by worms, he expired.
And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not give God the glory. And having been eaten by worms, he expired.
And on the following night, the Lord stood by him, and said: Take courage; for as you have testified of me in Jerusalem, so must you testify also in Rome.
And on the following night, the Lord stood by him, and said: Take courage; for as you have testified of me in Jerusalem, so must you testify also in Rome.
For there stood by me this night an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
For there stood by me this night an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
For there stood by me this night an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
For there stood by me this night an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, and said, Fear not, Paul; you must stand in the presence of Caesar; and behold, God has given you all that are sailing with you.
and said, Fear not, Paul; you must stand in the presence of Caesar; and behold, God has given you all that are sailing 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 am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor do you murmur, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
Nor do you murmur, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
For this reason ought the woman to have a token of subjection on her head, on account of the angels.
For this reason ought the woman to have a token of subjection on her head, on account of the angels.
There are also bodies celestial, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and that of the terrestrial is another.
There are also bodies celestial, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and that of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory.
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So, also, is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption:
So, also, is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power:
it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power: it is sown an animal body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is an animal body, and there is a spiritual body.
it is sown an animal body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is an animal body, and there is a spiritual body.
it is sown an animal body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is an animal body, and there is a spiritual body.
it is sown an animal body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is an animal body, and there is a spiritual body. So, also, it is written: The first man Adam became a living soul, the last Adam a life-giving spirit.
So, also, it is written: The first man Adam became a living soul, the last Adam a life-giving spirit. But that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is animal; and afterward that which is spiritual.
But that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is animal; and afterward that which is spiritual.
What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added on account of transgressions, (till the offspring should come, to whom the promise was made,) having been appointed through the service of angels, in the hand of a mediator.
What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added on account of transgressions, (till the offspring should come, to whom the promise was made,) having been appointed through the service of angels, in the hand of a mediator.
and subjected all things under his feet, and made him head over all things for the church,
and subjected all things under his feet, and made him head over all things for the church,
in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is actively at work in the sons of disobedience:
in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is actively at work in the sons of disobedience:
to the end that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known, through the church, to the principalities and authorities in the heavenly regions,
to the end that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known, through the church, to the principalities and authorities in the heavenly regions,
for our conflict is not with flesh and blood, but with the principalities, with the authorities, with the rulers of the darkness of this world, with the wicked spirits in the heavenly regions.
for our conflict is not with flesh and blood, but with the principalities, with the authorities, with the rulers of the darkness of this world, with the wicked spirits in the heavenly regions.
But our citizenship is in heaven, whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
But our citizenship is in heaven, whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our humbled body, and make it like his glorious body, according to that power by which he is able to subdue all things to himself.
who will transform our humbled body, and make it like his glorious body, according to that power by which he is able to subdue all things to himself.
who will transform our humbled body, and make it like his glorious body, according to that power by which he is able to subdue all things to himself.
who will transform our humbled body, and make it like his glorious body, according to that power by which he is able to subdue all things to himself.
who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature;
who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature; for by him were all things created, things in heaven and things in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or lordships, or principalities, or authorities; all things were created by him, and for him:
for by him were all things created, things in heaven and things in earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or lordships, or principalities, or authorities; all things were created by him, and for him:
Let no one gain his purpose in depriving you of the palm by an affected humility and worship of angels, prying into things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Let no one gain his purpose in depriving you of the palm by an affected humility and worship of angels, prying into things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
I have sent him with Onesimus, my faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known all things that are done here.
I have sent him with Onesimus, my faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known all things that are done here.
And of the angels he says: Who makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.
And of the angels he says: Who makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.
And of the angels he says: Who makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.
And of the angels he says: Who makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to those who shall inherit salvation?
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to those who shall inherit salvation?
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to those who shall inherit salvation?
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to those who shall inherit salvation?
For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment,
For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment,
the Holy Spirit signifying this, that the way into the most holy was not yet made manifest, while the first tabernacle was still standing,
the Holy Spirit signifying this, that the way into the most holy was not yet made manifest, while the first tabernacle was still standing,
Having therefore, brethren, confidence to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Having therefore, brethren, confidence to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he has dedicated for us, through the vail, that is, his flesh;
by a new and living way which he has dedicated for us, through the vail, that is, his flesh;
By faith he kept the passover, and the affusion of blood, that he who destroyed the first-born might not touch them.
By faith he kept the passover, and the affusion of blood, that he who destroyed the first-born might not touch them.
But you have come to Mount Zion, and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels;
But you have come to Mount Zion, and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels; to the general assembly and church of the first-born, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
to the general assembly and church of the first-born, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus, and delivered them over to chains of darkness, to be kept for judgment;
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus, and delivered them over to chains of darkness, to be kept for judgment;
Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
His head and his hair were white as white wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
His head and his hair were white as white wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; and his feet were like fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace: and his voice was like the voice of many waters.
and his feet were like fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace: and his voice was like the voice of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars; and out of his mouth went a sharp, two-edged sword: arid his face was as the sun when it shines in its strength.
And he had in his right hand seven stars; and out of his mouth went a sharp, two-edged sword: arid his face was as the sun when it shines in its strength.
the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven candle sticks are the seven churches.
the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven candle sticks are the seven churches.
And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures, and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having, each of them, harps, and golden cups full of incense, which is the prayers of the saints.
And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures, and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having, each of them, harps, and golden cups full of incense, which is the prayers of the saints.
and hast made us to our God kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth.
and hast made us to our God kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth. And I saw, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands.
And I saw, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands.
And I saw, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands.
And I saw, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands.
And another angel came, and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, that he might offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar that is before the throne.
And another angel came, and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, that he might offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar that is before the throne.
And there was war in heaven; Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,
And there was war in heaven; Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, and prevailed not: nor was their place found any more in heaven.
and prevailed not: nor was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world, was cast into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And the great dragon, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world, was cast into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And the great dragon, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world, was cast into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And the great dragon, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world, was cast into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying: Now has come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren, he that accused them before our God day and night, is cast down.
And I heard a great voice in heaven, saying: Now has come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren, he that accused them before our God day and night, is cast down.
And I fell at his feet to worship him; and he said to me: See that you do it not; I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren that have the testimony of Jesus; worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
And I fell at his feet to worship him; and he said to me: See that you do it not; I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren that have the testimony of Jesus; worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
And I fell at his feet to worship him; and he said to me: See that you do it not; I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren that have the testimony of Jesus; worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
And I fell at his feet to worship him; and he said to me: See that you do it not; I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren that have the testimony of Jesus; worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the abyss, and a great chain in his hand.
And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the abyss, and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold of the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,
And he laid hold of the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,
And he said to me: See that you do it not; I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book: worship God.
And he said to me: See that you do it not; I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book: worship God.
And he said to me: See that you do it not; I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book: worship God.
And he said to me: See that you do it not; I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book: worship God.
Morish
The words malac ggelo", -->???????, signify 'messenger.'
1. It is used for the mystic representation of the divine presence, as in Ge 31:11-13. "The angel of God" spake unto Jacob saying, "I am the God of Bethel." "The angel of Jehovah" spake to Hagar and said, "I will multiply thy seed exceedingly that it shall not be numbered for multitude." Ge 16:7-11. "The angel of Jehovah" spake to Abraham saying, "By myself have I sworn," etc. Ge 22:11,15,Ge 22:16. Three 'men' drew near to Abraham's tent. One said Sarah should have a son: at which Sarah laughed, and Jehovah said, "Wherefore did Sarah laugh?" Two of the three left, and were called 'angels' at the gate of Sodom, while Jehovah, the third, talked with Abraham. Ge 18: cf. also Ex 3:2,6-15; Nu 22:22-35. Jacob, in blessing the sons of Joseph, said, "The Angel which redeemed me from all evil bless the lads." Ge 48:16. It is generally believed that it was the second person in the Trinity who appeared as a man in the O.T. It is no doubt the same who is called 'the mighty angel' in Re 10:1-3.
2. The intelligent spiritual beings who are constantly referred to in scripture as God's messengers both as carrying good tidings and, as executors of God's judgements. We know little of their nature: "of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire," Heb 1:7; and man is described as being a little inferior to the angels. Ps 8:5; Heb 2:7. There are apparently gradations in rank among them, described as principalities and powers, of which Christ as Man is now the head. Col 2:10. Twice we meet with 'archangel:' an archangel's voice will accompany the rapture of the church, 1Th 4:16; and 'Michael the archangel' contended with Satan about the body of Moses. Jude 1:9. He with his angels will fight with the dragon and his angels and cast them out of heaven. Re 12:7-8. Gabriel is the only other name of an angel revealed to us: he appeared to Daniel, to Zacharias, and to Mary: he said that he stood in the presence of God. Da 8:16; 9:21; Lu 1:19,26.
Though we are unconscious of the presence of angels we know that they are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall inherit salvation, Heb 1:14: cf. Ps 34:7; and we read also that they ministered to the Lord when He was here. Mt 4:11; Mr 1:13; Lu 22:43. There are 'myriads' of these angels, Mt 26:53; Heb 12:22; Re 5:11; and they are described as 'mighty,' 'holy,' 'elect,' 2Th 1:7; Mr 8:38; 1Ti 5:21: they do not marry, Mr 12:25. We are not told when they were created, but doubtless they are referred to as 'the sons of God' who shouted for joy when God created the earth. Job 38:4-7.
The law was given by their ministry, Ac 7:53; Ga 3:19; Ps 68:17; and they had to do with proclaiming the birth of the Saviour, Lu 2:8-14; and they attended at the resurrection. Mt 28:2; Joh 20:12. Angels are not the depositaries of the revelation and counsels of God. They desire to look into the things testified by the Spirit of Christ in the prophets, and now reported by the apostles in the power of the same Spirit. 1Pe 1:12. The world to come is not to be put in subjection to them, but to man in the person of the Son of man, Heb 2:5-8; and the saints will judge angels. 1Co 6:3. It is therefore only a false humility that would teach the worshipping of angels. Col 2:18. When John fell down to worship the angel in the Revelation, being overpowered by reason of the stupendous things revealed, he was on two occasions restrained from worshipping his 'fellow servant,' as in Re 19:10; 22:9.
In Ps 8:5 the word is elohim, 'God:' the name of God being given to the angels as His representatives: cf. Ps 82:6. In Ps 68:17 it is shinan 'repetition;' reading "even thousands upon thousands." In Ps 78:25 it is abbir, 'mighty:' "every one did eat the bread of the mighty" margin.
3. FALLEN ANGELS.
a. We read of angels who kept not their first estate,' but left their own habitation, and are kept in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day. Jude 1:6. God spared not the angels who sinned. 2Pe 2:4. The nature of their sin may be referred to in Ge 6:2. Their punishment and that of Sodom and Gomorrah is held up as a warning against fleshly indulgence, and despising government. 2Pe 2:10; Jude 1:6-8.
b. Besides the above which are kept in chains we read of angels connected with Satan. The great dragon and his angels will be subdued by Michael and his angels, and be cast out of heaven. Re 12:9. The lake of fire, or Gehenna, has been specially prepared for the devil and his angels, though, alas, man will also be cast therein. Mt 25:41. Abaddon or Apollyon is the name of 'the angel of the bottomless pit,' Re 9:11, that is, 'the abyss,' not hell, which, as seen above, is the place of punishment. Isa 14:12-16 and Eze 28:14-19, may throw some light on the fall of Satan, but whether the fall of those called 'his angels' was brought about by the same cause and at the same time is not revealed. Scripture is quite clear that all of them will be overcome and eternally punished.
4. The term 'angel' is used metaphorically for a mystical representative. When Peter was delivered from prison, and knocked at the door, those who had been praying for his release said, "It is his angel." Ac 12:15. They supposed Peter was still in prison, and that the one at the door was his representative, his spirit personified, perhaps with very vague ideas of what they really meant. In Re 2:1; 3:1, the addresses to the seven churches are made to the angel of each. It signifies the spirit and character of the assembly personified in its mystical representative, each one differing from the others, according to the state of the assembly. The messages, though addressed to churches existing at the time, no doubt set forth the state of the church in its varied phases ever since apostolic times down to its entire rejection as the responsible witness for Christ at the close of the dispensation.
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Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.
Then will he say to those on his left hand: Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.
Do you think that I can not now call upon my Father, and he would cause more than twelve legions of angels to stand by me?
And behold, there had been a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord having descended from heaven, came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
And he was there in the wilderness forty days, to be tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to him.
For whoever will be ashamed of me, and my words, in this sinful and adulterous generation, of him the Son of man also will be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father, with the holy angels.
For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels in heaven.
And the angel answered and said to him: I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God; and I am sent to speak to you, and to announce to you this good news.
And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
And there were in the same country shepherds, living in the open field, and guarding their flock by night. And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were greatly afraid. read more. And the angel said to them: Be not afraid; for, behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which shall be for all people. For there is born for you this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this shall be to you the sign: you will find the babe wrapped in swathing-clothes, and lying in a stable. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men.
And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, to strengthen him.
and saw two angels in white raiment, sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the foot, where the body of Jesus had lain.
who received the law by the appointment of angels, and have not kepi, it.
And they said to her: You are mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. Then said hey: It is his angel.
Know you not that we shall judge angels? Much more then, things pertaining to this life.
What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added on account of transgressions, (till the offspring should come, to whom the promise was made,) having been appointed through the service of angels, in the hand of a mediator.
And you are complete in him who is the head of all principality and authority:
Let no one gain his purpose in depriving you of the palm by an affected humility and worship of angels, prying into things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
for the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall arise first;
and to you that are afflicted, rest with us, at the revelation of our Lord Jesus from heaven with his mighty angels,
And of the angels he says: Who makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to those who shall inherit salvation?
For not to angels has he subjected the world to come of which we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying: What is man, that thou art mindful of him; or the son of man, that thou dost visit him? read more. Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels; thou hast crowned him with glory and honor;
Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels; thou hast crowned him with glory and honor; thou hast put all things under his feet. For, in putting all things under him, he left nothing that is not put under him: but now we do not yet see all things put under him.
But you have come to Mount Zion, and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels;
to whom it was revealed, that, not for themselves, but for us, they ministered the things that are now preached to you by those who have made known to you the gospel, through the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; into which things angels desire to look.
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus, and delivered them over to chains of darkness, to be kept for judgment;
but especially those who walk after the flesh in unclean lust, and who despise government. Presumptuous, willful men! they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries:
The angels also that kept not their own dominion, but left their proper habitation, he has reserved, in eternal chains under darkness, to the judgment of the great day.
The angels also that kept not their own dominion, but left their proper habitation, he has reserved, in eternal chains under darkness, to the judgment of the great day. So Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities which were about them, in like manner giving themselves over to lewdness, and following after other flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire. read more. Yet, these dreamers also in like manner defile the flesh, despise government, and speak evil of dignitaries. But Michael the archangel, when, contending with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring a railing accusation, but said: The Lord rebuke you.
To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write: These things says he that holds the seven stars in his right hand, that walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
And to the angel of the church in Sardis, write: These things says he that has the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your works, that you have a name, that you live, and are dead.
And I saw, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands.
And they had over them a king, the angel of the abyss: his name, in Hebrew, is Abaddon, and, in Greek, he has the name Apollyon.
And I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. And he had in his hand a little book opened; and he placed his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land; read more. and he cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars: and when he had cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices.
And there was war in heaven; Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, and prevailed not: nor was their place found any more in heaven. read more. And the great dragon, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world, was cast into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And I fell at his feet to worship him; and he said to me: See that you do it not; I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren that have the testimony of Jesus; worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
And he said to me: See that you do it not; I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book: worship God.
Smith
Angels.
By the word "angels" (i.e. "messengers" of God) we ordinarily understand a race of spiritual beings of a nature exalted far above that of man, although infinitely removed from that of God--whose office is "to do him service in heaven, and by his appointment to succor and defend men on earth. I. Scriptural use of the word. --There are many passages in which the expression "angel of God" is certainly used for a manifestation of God himself
with Gene 22:12 and Exod 3:2 with Exod 3:6 and Exod 3:14 It is to be observed, also, that side by side with these expressions we read of God's being manifested in the form of man--as to Abraham at Mamre,
comp. Gene 19:1 to Jacob at Penuel,
to Joshua at Gilgal,
etc. Besides this, which is the highest application of the word angel, we find the phrase used of any messengers of God, such as the prophets,
the priests,
and the rulers of the Christian churches.
II. Nature of angels--Angels are termed "spirits," as in
but it is not asserted that the angelic nature is incorporeal. the contrary seems expressly implied in
Lu 20:36; Phm 1:25
The angels are revealed to us as beings such as man might be, and will be when the power of sin and death is removed, because always beholding his face,
and therefore being "made like him."
Their number must be very large,
1Ki 22:19; Mt 26:53; Heb 12:22
their strength is great,
their activity marvelous
their appearance varied according to circumstances, but was often brilliant and dazzling.
Of the nature of "fallen angels," the circumstances and nature of the temptation by which they fell, we know absolutely nothing. All that is certain is that they "left their first estate" and that they are now "angels of the devil."
On the other hand the title especially assigned to the angels of God--that of the "holy ones," see
--is precisely the one which is given to those men who are renewed in Christ's image. Comp.
III. Office of the angels. Of their office in heaven we have only vague prophetic glimpses as in
1Ki 22:19; Isa 6:1-3; Da 7:9-10; Re 6:11
, etc., which show us nothing but a never-ceasing adoration. They are represented as being, in the widest sense, agents of God's providence, natural and supernatural, to the body and to the soul. In one word, they are Christ's ministers of grace now, and they shall be of judgment hereafter.
etc. That there are degrees of the angelic nature, both fallen and unfallen, and special titles and agencies belonging to each, is clearly declared by St. Paul,
but what their general nature is it is useless to speculate.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.
The Son of man will send forth his angels, and collect out of his kingdom all things that offend, and those who work iniquity,
So shall it be in the end of the age: the angels shall come forth and separate the wicked from among the just,
For the Son of man will come in the glory of his Father, with his angels; and then he will reward every one according to his deeds.
Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, That their angels in heaven do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
And he will send his angels with a trumpet of great voice, and they shall gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
When the Son of man shall come in his own glory, and all the holy angels with him, then will he sit on the throne of his own glory;
Then will he say to those on his left hand: Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.
Do you think that I can not now call upon my Father, and he would cause more than twelve legions of angels to stand by me?
Do you think that I can not now call upon my Father, and he would cause more than twelve legions of angels to stand by me?
And behold, there had been a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord having descended from heaven, came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment was white as snow. read more. From fear of him the keepers did shake and become like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women: Fear not; for I know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples, that he has risen from the dead: and behold, he goes before you into Galilee. There you shall see him. Lo, I have told you.
For they can die no more; for they are like the angels, and are the sons of God, being the sons of the resurrection.
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
high above every principality and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come;
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to those who shall inherit salvation?
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
and, having been made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation to all that obey him,
But you have come to Mount Zion, and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels; to the general assembly and church of the first-born, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect,
Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven candle sticks are the seven churches.
And I saw a strong angel crying with a great voice: Who is worthy to open the book, and to break its seals?
And a white robe was given to each of them: and it was said to them, that they should yet rest for a time, till the number of their fellow-servants,, and of their brethren, who should be killed as they had been, should be completed.
And I saw, and heard an eagle, as he flew in mid-heaven, saying, with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining voices of the trumpets of the three angels which are yet to sound.
And I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. And he had in his hand a little book opened; and he placed his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land;
And there was war in heaven; Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,
And the great dragon, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world, was cast into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and threw it into the sea, saying: Thus, with violence shall Babylon, that great city, be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.