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/tcv'>13; 31:11,13/type/tcv'>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
See Verses Found in Dictionary
He had been dwelling upon this, when an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "do not be afraid to take Mary for your wife, for her child has been conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit.
He had been dwelling upon this, when an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "do not be afraid to take Mary for your wife, for her child has been conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit.
"If you are God's Son, throw yourself down, for Scripture says- -'He will give his angels commands about thee, And on their hands they will upbear thee, Lest ever thou shouldst strike thy foot against a stone.'"
"If you are God's Son, throw yourself down, for Scripture says- -'He will give his angels commands about thee, And on their hands they will upbear thee, Lest ever thou shouldst strike thy foot against a stone.'"
Then the Devil left him alone, and angels came and ministered to him.
Then the Devil left him alone, and angels came and ministered to him.
And the enemy who sowed them is the Devil. The harvest-time is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels.
And the enemy who sowed them is the Devil. The harvest-time is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels.
The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather from his kingdom all that hinders and those who live in sin,
The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather from his kingdom all that hinders and those who live in sin,
So will it be at the close of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous,
So will it be at the close of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous,
For the Son of Man is to come in his Father's Glory, with his angels, and then he 'will give to every man what his actions deserve.'
For the Son of Man is to come in his Father's Glory, with his angels, and then he 'will give to every man what his actions deserve.'
Beware of despising one of these lowly ones, for in Heaven, I tell you, their angels always see the face of my Father who is in Heaven.
Beware of despising one of these lowly ones, for in Heaven, I tell you, their angels always see the face of my Father who is in Heaven.
Beware of despising one of these lowly ones, for in Heaven, I tell you, their angels always see the face of my Father who is in Heaven.
Beware of despising one of these lowly ones, for in Heaven, I tell you, their angels always see the face of my Father who is in Heaven.
And he will send his angels, with a great trumpet, and they will gather his People round him from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
And he will send his angels, with a great trumpet, and they will gather his People round him from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
But about that Day and Hour, no one knows--not even the angels of Heaven, nor yet the Son--but only the Father himself.
But about that Day and Hour, no one knows--not even the angels of Heaven, nor yet the Son--but only the Father himself.
When suddenly a great earthquake occurred. For an angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and seated himself upon it.
When suddenly a great earthquake occurred. For an angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and seated himself upon it.
So, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of God's angels over one outcast that repents."
So, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of God's angels over one outcast that repents."
So, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of God's angels over one outcast that repents."
So, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of God's angels over one outcast that repents."
After a time the beggar died, and was taken by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.
After a time the beggar died, and was taken by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.
Nor indeed can they die again, for they are like angels and, having shared in the resurrection, they are God's Sons.
Nor indeed can they die again, for they are like angels and, having shared in the resurrection, they are God's Sons.
Nor indeed can they die again, for they are like angels and, having shared in the resurrection, they are God's Sons.
Nor indeed can they die again, for they are like angels and, having shared in the resurrection, they are God's Sons.
[Presently there appeared to him an angel from Heaven, who strengthened him.
[Presently there appeared to him an angel from Heaven, who strengthened him.
While they were at a loss to account for this, all at once two men stood beside them, in dazzling clothing.
While they were at a loss to account for this, all at once two men stood beside them, in dazzling clothing.
While they were at a loss to account for this, all at once two men stood beside them, in dazzling clothing.
While they were at a loss to account for this, all at once two men stood beside them, in dazzling clothing.
No man has ever yet seen God; God the Only Son, who is ever with the Father--He has revealed him.
No man has ever yet seen God; God the Only Son, who is ever with the Father--He has revealed him.
In truth I tell you," he added, "you shall all see Heaven open, and 'the angels of God ascending and descending' upon the Son of Man."
In truth I tell you," he added, "you shall all see Heaven open, and 'the angels of God ascending and descending' upon the Son of Man."
As for you, you are children of your Father the Devil, and you are determined to do what your father loves to do. He was a murderer from the first, and did not stand by the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he does what is natural to him; because he is a liar, and the father of lying.
As for you, you are children of your Father the Devil, and you are determined to do what your father loves to do. He was a murderer from the first, and did not stand by the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he lies, he does what is natural to him; because he is a liar, and the father of lying.
"Are there not," replied Jesus, "these words in your Law--'I said "Ye are gods"'?
"Are there not," replied Jesus, "these words in your Law--'I said "Ye are gods"'? If those to whom God's word were addressed were said to be 'gods'--and Scripture cannot be set aside--
If those to whom God's word were addressed were said to be 'gods'--and Scripture cannot be set aside-- Do you say of one whom the Father has consecrated and sent as his Messenger to the world 'You are blaspheming,' because I said 'I am God's Son'?
Do you say of one whom the Father has consecrated and sent as his Messenger to the world 'You are blaspheming,' because I said 'I am God's Son'? If I am not doing the work that my Father is doing, do not believe me;
If I am not doing the work that my Father is doing, do not believe me;
And perceived two angels clothed in white sitting there, where the body of Jesus had been lying, one where the head and the other where the feet had been.
And perceived two angels clothed in white sitting there, where the body of Jesus had been lying, one where the head and the other where the feet had been.
While they were still gazing up into the heavens, as he went, suddenly two men, clothed in white, stood beside them,
While they were still gazing up into the heavens, as he went, suddenly two men, clothed in white, stood beside them,
While they were still gazing up into the heavens, as he went, suddenly two men, clothed in white, stood beside them,
While they were still gazing up into the heavens, as he went, suddenly two men, clothed in white, stood beside them, And said: "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the heavens? This very Jesus, who has been taken from you into the heavens, will come in the very way in which you have seen him go into the heavens."
And said: "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the heavens? This very Jesus, who has been taken from you into the heavens, will come in the very way in which you have seen him go into the heavens."
An angel of the Lord, however, opened the prison doors at night and led them out.
An angel of the Lord, however, opened the prison doors at night and led them out.
You who received the Law as transmitted by angels and yet failed to keep it."
You who received the Law as transmitted by angels and yet failed to keep it."
Meanwhile an angel of the Lord had said to Philip: "Set out on a journey southwards, along the road that runs down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (It is now deserted).
Meanwhile an angel of the Lord had said to Philip: "Set out on a journey southwards, along the road that runs down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (It is now deserted).
One afternoon, about three o'clock, he distinctly saw in a vision an angel from God come to him, and call him by name.
One afternoon, about three o'clock, he distinctly saw in a vision an angel from God come to him, and call him by name.
Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter on the side, and roused him with the words: "Get up quickly."
Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter on the side, and roused him with the words: "Get up quickly."
Instantly an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give God the glory; and he was attacked with worms, and died.
Instantly an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give God the glory; and he was attacked with worms, and died.
That night the Lord came and stood by Paul, and said: "Courage! You have borne witness for me in Jerusalem and you must bear witness in Rome also."
That night the Lord came and stood by Paul, and said: "Courage! You have borne witness for me in Jerusalem and you must bear witness in Rome also."
For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong, and whom I serve, stood by me, and said--
For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong, and whom I serve, stood by me, and said--
For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong, and whom I serve, stood by me, and said--
For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong, and whom I serve, stood by me, and said-- 'Have no fear, Paul; you must appear before the Emperor, and God himself has given you the lives of all your fellow-voyagers.'
'Have no fear, Paul; you must appear before the Emperor, and God himself has given you the lives of all your fellow-voyagers.'
For I am persuaded that neither Death, nor Life, nor Angels, nor Archangels, nor the Present, nor the Future, nor any Powers,
For I am persuaded that neither Death, nor Life, nor Angels, nor Archangels, nor the Present, nor the Future, nor any Powers,
And do not murmur, as some of them murmured, and so 'were destroyed by the Angel of Death.'
And do not murmur, as some of them murmured, and so 'were destroyed by the Angel of Death.'
And, therefore, a woman ought to wear on her head a symbol of her subjection, because of the presence of the angels.
And, therefore, a woman ought to wear on her head a symbol of her subjection, because of the presence of the angels.
There are heavenly bodies, and earthly bodies; but the beauty of the heavenly bodies is not the beauty of the earthly.
There are heavenly bodies, and earthly bodies; but the beauty of the heavenly bodies is not the beauty of the earthly. There is a beauty of the sun, and a beauty of the moon, and a beauty of the stars; for even star differs from star in beauty.
There is a beauty of the sun, and a beauty of the moon, and a beauty of the stars; for even star differs from star in beauty. It is the same with the resurrection of the dead. Sown a mortal body, it rises immortal; sown disfigured, it rises beautiful;
It is the same with the resurrection of the dead. Sown a mortal body, it rises immortal; sown disfigured, it rises beautiful; Sown weak, it rises strong; sown a human body, it rises a spiritual body.
Sown weak, it rises strong; sown a human body, it rises a spiritual body. As surely as there is a human body, there is also a spiritual body.
As surely as there is a human body, there is also a spiritual body.
As surely as there is a human body, there is also a spiritual body.
As surely as there is a human body, there is also a spiritual body. That is what is meant by the words-'Adam, the first man, became a human being'; the last Adam became a Life-giving spirit.
That is what is meant by the words-'Adam, the first man, became a human being'; the last Adam became a Life-giving spirit. That which comes first is not the spiritual, but the human; afterwards comes the spiritual;
That which comes first is not the spiritual, but the human; afterwards comes the spiritual;
What, then, you ask, was the use of the Law? It was a later addition, to make men conscious of their wrong-doings, and intended to last only till the coming of that 'offspring' to whom the promise had been made; and it was delivered through angels by a mediator.
What, then, you ask, was the use of the Law? It was a later addition, to make men conscious of their wrong-doings, and intended to last only till the coming of that 'offspring' to whom the promise had been made; and it was delivered through angels by a mediator.
And God placed 'all things under Christ's feet,' and gave him to the Church as its supreme Head;
And God placed 'all things under Christ's feet,' and gave him to the Church as its supreme Head;
For at one time you lived in sin, following the ways of the world, in subjection to the Ruler of the Powers of the air--the Spirit who is still at work among the disobedient.
For at one time you lived in sin, following the ways of the world, in subjection to the Ruler of the Powers of the air--the Spirit who is still at work among the disobedient.
So that now to the Archangels and to all the Powers on high should be made known, through the Church, the all-embracing wisdom of God,
So that now to the Archangels and to all the Powers on high should be made known, through the Church, the all-embracing wisdom of God,
For ours is no struggle against enemies of flesh and blood, but against all the various Powers of Evil that hold sway in the Darkness around us, against the Spirits of Wickedness on high.
For ours is no struggle against enemies of flesh and blood, but against all the various Powers of Evil that hold sway in the Darkness around us, against the Spirits of Wickedness on high.
But the State of which we are citizens is in Heaven; and it is from Heaven that we are eagerly looking for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
But the State of which we are citizens is in Heaven; and it is from Heaven that we are eagerly looking for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Who, by the exercise of his power to bring everything into subjection to himself, will make this body that we have in our humiliation like to that body which he has in his Glory.
Who, by the exercise of his power to bring everything into subjection to himself, will make this body that we have in our humiliation like to that body which he has in his Glory.
Who, by the exercise of his power to bring everything into subjection to himself, will make this body that we have in our humiliation like to that body which he has in his Glory.
Who, by the exercise of his power to bring everything into subjection to himself, will make this body that we have in our humiliation like to that body which he has in his Glory.
For Christ is the very incarnation of the invisible God-- First-born and Head of all creation;
For Christ is the very incarnation of the invisible God-- First-born and Head of all creation; For in him was created all that is in Heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible--Angels and Archangels and all the Powers of Heaven.
For in him was created all that is in Heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible--Angels and Archangels and all the Powers of Heaven.
Do not let any one defraud you of the reality by affecting delight in so-called 'humility' and angel-worship. Such a man busies himself with his visions, and without reason is rendered conceited by his merely human intellect.
Do not let any one defraud you of the reality by affecting delight in so-called 'humility' and angel-worship. Such a man busies himself with his visions, and without reason is rendered conceited by his merely human intellect.
With him will be Onesimus, our dear faithful Brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you all that is going on here.
With him will be Onesimus, our dear faithful Brother, who is one of yourselves. They will tell you all that is going on here.
Speaking of the angels, he said-- 'He makes the winds his angels and the fiery flames his servants';
Speaking of the angels, he said-- 'He makes the winds his angels and the fiery flames his servants';
Speaking of the angels, he said-- 'He makes the winds his angels and the fiery flames his servants';
Speaking of the angels, he said-- 'He makes the winds his angels and the fiery flames his servants';
Are not all the angels spirits in the service of God, sent out to minister for the sake of those who are destined to obtain Salvation?
Are not all the angels spirits in the service of God, sent out to minister for the sake of those who are destined to obtain Salvation?
Are not all the angels spirits in the service of God, sent out to minister for the sake of those who are destined to obtain Salvation?
Are not all the angels spirits in the service of God, sent out to minister for the sake of those who are destined to obtain Salvation?
For, if the Message which was delivered by angels had its authority confirmed, so that every offence against it, or neglect of it, met with a fitting requital,
For, if the Message which was delivered by angels had its authority confirmed, so that every offence against it, or neglect of it, met with a fitting requital,
By this the Holy Spirit is teaching that the way into the Sanctuary was hidden, as long as the outer part of the Tabernacle still remained.
By this the Holy Spirit is teaching that the way into the Sanctuary was hidden, as long as the outer part of the Tabernacle still remained.
Therefore, Brothers, since we may enter the Sanctuary with confidence, in virtue of the blood of Jesus,
Therefore, Brothers, since we may enter the Sanctuary with confidence, in virtue of the blood of Jesus, by the way which he inaugurated for us--a new and living way, a way through the Sanctuary Curtain (that is, his human nature);
by the way which he inaugurated for us--a new and living way, a way through the Sanctuary Curtain (that is, his human nature);
Faith led him to institute the Passover and the Sprinkling of the Blood, so that the Destroyer might not touch the eldest children of the Israelites.
Faith led him to institute the Passover and the Sprinkling of the Blood, so that the Destroyer might not touch the eldest children of the Israelites.
No, but it is to Mount Zion that you have drawn near, the City of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to countless hosts of angels,
No, but it is to Mount Zion that you have drawn near, the City of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to countless hosts of angels, to the festal gathering and assemblage of God's Eldest Sons whose names are enrolled in Heaven, to God the Judge of all men, to the spirits of the righteous who have attained perfection,
to the festal gathering and assemblage of God's Eldest Sons whose names are enrolled in Heaven, to God the Judge of all men, to the spirits of the righteous who have attained perfection,
Remember, God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them down to Tartarus, and committed them to caverns of darkness, to be kept under guard for judgment.
Remember, God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them down to Tartarus, and committed them to caverns of darkness, to be kept under guard for judgment.
Dear friends, we are God's Children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is that, when it is revealed, we shall be like Christ; because we shall see him as he is.
Dear friends, we are God's Children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is that, when it is revealed, we shall be like Christ; because we shall see him as he is.
'The hair of his head was as white as wool, as white as snow; his eyes were like flaming fire;
'The hair of his head was as white as wool, as white as snow; his eyes were like flaming fire; and his feet were like brass' as when molten in a furnace; 'his voice was like the sound of many streams,'
and his feet were like brass' as when molten in a furnace; 'his voice was like the sound of many streams,' in his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like 'the sun in the fulness of its power.'
in his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like 'the sun in the fulness of its power.'
the mystic meaning of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamps. The seven stars are the Angels of the seven Churches, and the seven lamps are the seven Churches.
the mystic meaning of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamps. The seven stars are the Angels of the seven Churches, and the seven lamps are the seven Churches.
And, when he had taken the book, the four Creatures and the twenty-four Councillors prostrated themselves before the Lamb, each of them holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense. (These are the prayers of Christ's People.)
And, when he had taken the book, the four Creatures and the twenty-four Councillors prostrated themselves before the Lamb, each of them holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense. (These are the prayers of Christ's People.)
and didst make them a Kingdom of Priests in the service of our God, and they are reigning upon the earth.'
and didst make them a Kingdom of Priests in the service of our God, and they are reigning upon the earth.' Then, in my vision, I heard the voices of many angels round the throne, and of the Creatures, and of the Councillors. In number they were 'ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands,'
Then, in my vision, I heard the voices of many angels round the throne, and of the Creatures, and of the Councillors. In number they were 'ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands,'
Then, in my vision, I heard the voices of many angels round the throne, and of the Creatures, and of the Councillors. In number they were 'ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands,'
Then, in my vision, I heard the voices of many angels round the throne, and of the Creatures, and of the Councillors. In number they were 'ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands,'
Next, another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer in his hand; and a great quantity of incense was given to him, to mingle with the prayers of all Christ's People upon the golden altar before the throne.
Next, another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer in his hand; and a great quantity of incense was given to him, to mingle with the prayers of all Christ's People upon the golden altar before the throne.
Then a battle took place in the heavens. Michael and his angels fought with the Dragon. But though the Dragon, with his angels, fought,
Then a battle took place in the heavens. Michael and his angels fought with the Dragon. But though the Dragon, with his angels, fought, he did not prevail; and there was no place left for them any longer in the heavens.
he did not prevail; and there was no place left for them any longer in the heavens.
he did not prevail; and there was no place left for them any longer in the heavens.
he did not prevail; and there was no place left for them any longer in the heavens. Then the great Dragon, the primeval Serpent, known as the 'Devil' and 'Satan,' who deceives all the world, was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.
Then the great Dragon, the primeval Serpent, known as the 'Devil' and 'Satan,' who deceives all the world, was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.
Then the great Dragon, the primeval Serpent, known as the 'Devil' and 'Satan,' who deceives all the world, was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.
Then the great Dragon, the primeval Serpent, known as the 'Devil' and 'Satan,' who deceives all the world, was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him. And I heard a loud voice in Heaven which said-- 'Now has begun the day of the Salvation, and Power, and Dominion of our God, and the Rule of his Christ; for the Accuser of our Brothers has been hurled down, he who has been accusing them before our God day and night.
And I heard a loud voice in Heaven which said-- 'Now has begun the day of the Salvation, and Power, and Dominion of our God, and the Rule of his Christ; for the Accuser of our Brothers has been hurled down, he who has been accusing them before our God day and night.
I prostrated myself at the feet of him who spoke to worship him, but he said to me- - 'Forbear; I am your fellow-servant, and the fellow-servant of your Brothers who bear their testimony to Jesus. Worship God. For to bear testimony to Jesus needs the inspiration of the Prophets.'
I prostrated myself at the feet of him who spoke to worship him, but he said to me- - 'Forbear; I am your fellow-servant, and the fellow-servant of your Brothers who bear their testimony to Jesus. Worship God. For to bear testimony to Jesus needs the inspiration of the Prophets.'
I prostrated myself at the feet of him who spoke to worship him, but he said to me- - 'Forbear; I am your fellow-servant, and the fellow-servant of your Brothers who bear their testimony to Jesus. Worship God. For to bear testimony to Jesus needs the inspiration of the Prophets.'
I prostrated myself at the feet of him who spoke to worship him, but he said to me- - 'Forbear; I am your fellow-servant, and the fellow-servant of your Brothers who bear their testimony to Jesus. Worship God. For to bear testimony to Jesus needs the inspiration of the Prophets.'
Then I saw an angel coming down from Heaven, with the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
Then I saw an angel coming down from Heaven, with the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He seized the Dragon, the primeval Serpent (who is the 'Devil' or 'Satan'), and bound him in chains for a thousand years.
He seized the Dragon, the primeval Serpent (who is the 'Devil' or 'Satan'), and bound him in chains for a thousand years.
But he said to me-- 'Forbear; I am your fellow-servant, and the fellow-servant of your Brothers, the Prophets, and of all who lay to heart the words in this book. Worship God.'
But he said to me-- 'Forbear; I am your fellow-servant, and the fellow-servant of your Brothers, the Prophets, and of all who lay to heart the words in this book. Worship God.'
But he said to me-- 'Forbear; I am your fellow-servant, and the fellow-servant of your Brothers, the Prophets, and of all who lay to heart the words in this book. Worship God.'
But he said to me-- 'Forbear; I am your fellow-servant, and the fellow-servant of your Brothers, the Prophets, and of all who lay to heart the words in 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.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Then the Devil left him alone, and angels came and ministered to him.
Then he will say to those on his left 'Go from my presence, accursed, into the 'aeonian fire which has been prepared for the Devil and his angels.'
Do you think that I cannot ask my Father for help, when he would at once send to my aid more than twelve legions of angels?
When suddenly a great earthquake occurred. For an angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and seated himself upon it.
And he was there in the Wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and among the wild beasts, while the angels ministered to him.
Whoever is ashamed of me and of my teaching, in this unfaithful and wicked generation, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed, when he comes in his Father's Glory with the holy angels."
When men rise from the dead, there is no marrying or being married; but they are as angels in Heaven.
"I am Gabriel," the angel answered, "who stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
Six months later the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,
In that same country-side were shepherds out in the open fields, watching their flocks that night, When an angel of the Lord suddenly stood by them, and the Glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were seized with fear. read more. "Have no fear," the angel said. "For I bring you good news of a great joy in store for all the nation. This day there has been born to you, in the town of David, a Savior, who is Christ and Lord. And this shall be the sign for you. You will find the infant swathed, and lying in a manger." Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly Host, praising God, and singing-- "Glory to God on high, And on earth peace among men in whom he finds pleasure."
[Presently there appeared to him an angel from Heaven, who strengthened him.
And perceived two angels clothed in white sitting there, where the body of Jesus had been lying, one where the head and the other where the feet had been.
You who received the Law as transmitted by angels and yet failed to keep it."
"You are mad!" they exclaimed. But, when she persisted that it was so, they said: "It must be his spirit!"
Do not you know that we are to try angels-to say nothing of the affairs of this life?
What, then, you ask, was the use of the Law? It was a later addition, to make men conscious of their wrong-doings, and intended to last only till the coming of that 'offspring' to whom the promise had been made; and it was delivered through angels by a mediator.
And, by your union with him, you also are filled with it. He is the Head of all Archangels and Powers of Heaven.
Do not let any one defraud you of the reality by affecting delight in so-called 'humility' and angel-worship. Such a man busies himself with his visions, and without reason is rendered conceited by his merely human intellect.
For, with a loud summons, with the shout of an archangel, and with the trumpet-call of God, the Lord himself will come down from Heaven.
And to give relief to you who are suffering, as well as to us, at the Appearing of the Lord Jesus from Heaven with his mighty angels, 'in flaming fire.'
Speaking of the angels, he said-- 'He makes the winds his angels and the fiery flames his servants';
Are not all the angels spirits in the service of God, sent out to minister for the sake of those who are destined to obtain Salvation?
God has not given to angels the control of that Future World of which we are speaking! No; a writer has declared somewhere-- 'What is Man that thou shouldst remember him? Or a Son of Man that thou shouldst regard him? read more. Thou hast made him, for a while, lower than angels; With glory and honour thou hast crowned him; Thou hast set him over all that thy hands have made;
Thou hast made him, for a while, lower than angels; With glory and honour thou hast crowned him; Thou hast set him over all that thy hands have made; Thou hast placed all things beneath his feet.' This 'placing of everything' under man means that there was nothing which was not placed under him. As yet, however, we do not see everything placed under man.
No, but it is to Mount Zion that you have drawn near, the City of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to countless hosts of angels,
And it was revealed to them that it was not for themselves, but for you, that they were acting as Ministers of the truths which have now been told to you, by those who, with the help of the Holy Spirit sent from Heaven, have brought you the Good News--truths into which even angels long to look.
Remember, God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them down to Tartarus, and committed them to caverns of darkness, to be kept under guard for judgment.
especially those who, following the promptings of their lower nature, indulge their polluting passions and despise all control. Audacious and self-willed, they feel no awe of the Mighty, maligning them,
and that even those angels, who did not keep to their appointed spheres, but left their proper homes, have been kept by him for the judgment of the Great Day in everlasting chains and black darkness.
and that even those angels, who did not keep to their appointed spheres, but left their proper homes, have been kept by him for the judgment of the Great Day in everlasting chains and black darkness. Like Sodom and Gomorrah and the towns near them, which gave themselves up to fornication, and fell into unnatural vice, these angels now stand out as a warning, undergoing, as they are, the punishment of aeonian fire. read more. Yet in the very same way these men, too, cherishing vain dreams, pollute our human nature, reject control, and malign the Mighty. Yet even Michael, the Archangel, when, in his dispute with the Devil, he was arguing about the body of Moses, did not venture to charge him with maligning, but said merely 'The Lord rebuke you!'
To the Angel of the Church in Ephesus write:-- "These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, and walks among the seven golden lamps:--
To the Angel of the Church in Sardis write:-- "These are the words of him who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars;--I know your life, and that men say of you that you are living, though you are dead.
Then, in my vision, I heard the voices of many angels round the throne, and of the Creatures, and of the Councillors. In number they were 'ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands,'
They have as their king the Angel of the bottomless pit, whose name, in Hebrew, is 'Abaddon,' while, in Greek, his name is 'Apollyon' (the Destroyer).
Then I saw another mighty angel, descending from Heaven. His robe was a cloud; over his head was the rainbow; his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire; in his hand he held a little book open. He set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land; read more. and he cried in a loud voice like the roaring of a lion. At his cry the seven peals of thunder spoke, each with its own voice.
Then a battle took place in the heavens. Michael and his angels fought with the Dragon. But though the Dragon, with his angels, fought, he did not prevail; and there was no place left for them any longer in the heavens. read more. Then the great Dragon, the primeval Serpent, known as the 'Devil' and 'Satan,' who deceives all the world, was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.
I prostrated myself at the feet of him who spoke to worship him, but he said to me- - 'Forbear; I am your fellow-servant, and the fellow-servant of your Brothers who bear their testimony to Jesus. Worship God. For to bear testimony to Jesus needs the inspiration of the Prophets.'
But he said to me-- 'Forbear; I am your fellow-servant, and the fellow-servant of your Brothers, the Prophets, and of all who lay to heart the words in 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
And the enemy who sowed them is the Devil. The harvest-time is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels.
The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather from his kingdom all that hinders and those who live in sin,
So will it be at the close of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous,
For the Son of Man is to come in his Father's Glory, with his angels, and then he 'will give to every man what his actions deserve.'
Beware of despising one of these lowly ones, for in Heaven, I tell you, their angels always see the face of my Father who is in Heaven.
And he will send his angels, with a great trumpet, and they will gather his People round him from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
When the Son of Man has come in his glory and all the angels with him, then he 'will take his seat on his throne of glory';
Then he will say to those on his left 'Go from my presence, accursed, into the 'aeonian fire which has been prepared for the Devil and his angels.'
Do you think that I cannot ask my Father for help, when he would at once send to my aid more than twelve legions of angels?
Do you think that I cannot ask my Father for help, when he would at once send to my aid more than twelve legions of angels?
When suddenly a great earthquake occurred. For an angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and seated himself upon it. His appearance was as dazzling as lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow; read more. And, in their terror of him, the men on guard trembled violently and became like dead men. But the angel, addressing the women, said; "You need not be afraid. I now that it is Jesus, who was crucified, for whom you are looking. He is not here; for he has risen, as he said he would. Come, and see the place where he was lying; And then go quickly and say to him disciples 'He has risen from the dead, and is going before you into Galilee; there you will see him.' Remember, I have told you."
Nor indeed can they die again, for they are like angels and, having shared in the resurrection, they are God's Sons.
For I am persuaded that neither Death, nor Life, nor Angels, nor Archangels, nor the Present, nor the Future, nor any Powers,
And above every name that can be named, whether in the present age, or in the age to come.
Are not all the angels spirits in the service of God, sent out to minister for the sake of those who are destined to obtain Salvation?
It was, indeed, fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, should, when leading many sons to glory, make the author of their Salvation perfect through suffering.
and, being made perfect, he became to all those who obey him the source of eternal Salvation,
No, but it is to Mount Zion that you have drawn near, the City of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to countless hosts of angels, to the festal gathering and assemblage of God's Eldest Sons whose names are enrolled in Heaven, to God the Judge of all men, to the spirits of the righteous who have attained perfection,
Dear friends, we are God's Children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is that, when it is revealed, we shall be like Christ; because we shall see him as he is.
the mystic meaning of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamps. The seven stars are the Angels of the seven Churches, and the seven lamps are the seven Churches.
and I saw a mighty angel who was proclaiming in a loud voice-- 'Who is worthy to open the book and break its seals?'
Then to each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to rest yet a little longer, till the number of their fellow-servants and of their Brothers who were about to be put to death, as they had been, should be complete.
And, in my vision, I heard an eagle flying in mid-heaven and crying in a loud voice--'Woe, woe, woe for all who live on the earth, at the other trumpet-blasts of the three angels who have yet to blow.'
Then I saw another mighty angel, descending from Heaven. His robe was a cloud; over his head was the rainbow; his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire; in his hand he held a little book open. He set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land;
Then a battle took place in the heavens. Michael and his angels fought with the Dragon. But though the Dragon, with his angels, fought,
Then the great Dragon, the primeval Serpent, known as the 'Devil' and 'Satan,' who deceives all the world, was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.
Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and threw it into the sea, crying-- 'So shall Babylon, the Great City, be violently overthrown, never more to be seen.