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/wnt'>13; 31:11,13/type/wnt'>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
But while he was contemplating this step, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to bring home your wife Mary, for she is with child through the Holy Spirit.
But while he was contemplating this step, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to bring home your wife Mary, for she is with child through the Holy Spirit.
and said, "If you are God's Son, throw yourself down; for it is written, "'To His angels He will give orders concerning thee, and on their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any moment thou shouldst strike thy foot against a stone.'"
and said, "If you are God's Son, throw yourself down; for it is written, "'To His angels He will give orders concerning thee, and on their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any moment thou shouldst strike thy foot against a stone.'"
Thereupon the Devil left Him, and angels at once came and ministered to Him.
Thereupon the Devil left Him, and angels at once came and ministered to Him.
The enemy who sows the darnel is *the Devil*; the harvest is the Close of the Age; the reapers are the angels.
The enemy who sows the darnel is *the Devil*; the harvest is the Close of the Age; the reapers are the angels.
The Son of Man will commission His angels, and they will gather out of His Kingdom all causes of sin and all who violate His laws;
The Son of Man will commission His angels, and they will gather out of His Kingdom all causes of sin and all who violate His laws;
So will it be at the Close of the Age. The angels will go forth and separate the wicked from among the righteous,
So will it be at the Close of the Age. The angels will go forth and separate the wicked from among the righteous,
For the Son of Man is soon to come in the glory of the Father with His angels, and then will He requite every man according to his actions.
For the Son of Man is soon to come in the glory of the Father with His angels, and then will He requite every man according to his actions.
"Beware of ever despising one of these little ones, for I tell you that in Heaven their angels have continual access to my Father who is in Heaven.
"Beware of ever despising one of these little ones, for I tell you that in Heaven their angels have continual access to my Father who is in Heaven.
"Beware of ever despising one of these little ones, for I tell you that in Heaven their angels have continual access to my Father who is in Heaven.
"Beware of ever despising one of these little ones, for I tell you that in Heaven their angels have continual access to my Father who is in Heaven.
And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet-blast, and they will bring together His own People to Him from north, south, east and west--from one extremity of the world to the other.
And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet-blast, and they will bring together His own People to Him from north, south, east and west--from one extremity of the world to the other.
"But as to that day and the exact time no one knows--not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.
"But as to that day and the exact time no one knows--not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.
But to their amazement there had been a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord had descended from Heaven, and had come and rolled back the stone, and was sitting upon it.
But to their amazement there had been a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord had descended from Heaven, and had come and rolled back the stone, and was sitting upon it.
"I tell you that in the same way there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one repentant sinner."
"I tell you that in the same way there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one repentant sinner."
"I tell you that in the same way there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one repentant sinner."
"I tell you that in the same way there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one repentant sinner."
"But in course of time the beggar died; and he was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died, and had a funeral.
"But in course of time the beggar died; and he was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died, and had a funeral.
For indeed they cannot die again; they are like angels, and are sons of God through being sons of the Resurrection.
For indeed they cannot die again; they are like angels, and are sons of God through being sons of the Resurrection.
For indeed they cannot die again; they are like angels, and are sons of God through being sons of the Resurrection.
For indeed they cannot die again; they are like angels, and are sons of God through being sons of the Resurrection.
And there appeared to Him an angel from Heaven, strengthening Him;
And there appeared to Him an angel from Heaven, strengthening Him;
At this they were in great perplexity, when suddenly there stood by them two men whose raiment flashed like lightning.
At this they were in great perplexity, when suddenly there stood by them two men whose raiment flashed like lightning.
At this they were in great perplexity, when suddenly there stood by them two men whose raiment flashed like lightning.
At this they were in great perplexity, when suddenly there stood by them two men whose raiment flashed like lightning.
No human eye has ever seen God: the only Son, who is in the Father's bosom--He has made Him known.
No human eye has ever seen God: the only Son, who is in the Father's bosom--He has made Him known.
"I tell you all in most solemn truth," He added, "that you shall see Heaven opened wide, and God's angels going up, and coming down to the Son of Man."
"I tell you all in most solemn truth," He added, "that you shall see Heaven opened wide, and God's angels going up, and coming down to the Son of Man."
The father whose sons you are is the Devil; and you desire to do what gives him pleasure. *He* was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand firm in the truth--for there is no truth in him. Whenever he utters his lie, he utters it out of his own store; for he is a liar, and the father of lies.
The father whose sons you are is the Devil; and you desire to do what gives him pleasure. *He* was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand firm in the truth--for there is no truth in him. Whenever he utters his lie, he utters it out of his own store; for he is a liar, and the father of lies.
"Does it not stand written in your Law," replied Jesus, "'I said, you are gods'? If those to whom God's word was addressed are called gods (and the Scripture cannot be annulled)
If those to whom God's word was addressed are called gods (and the Scripture cannot be annulled) how is it that you say to one whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am God's Son'?
how is it that you say to one whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am God's Son'? If the deeds I do are not my Father's deeds, do not believe me.
If the deeds I do are not my Father's deeds, do not believe me.
and saw two angels clothed in white raiment, sitting one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been.
and saw two angels clothed in white raiment, sitting one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been.
But, while they stood intently gazing into the sky as He went, suddenly there were two men in white garments standing by them,
But, while they stood intently gazing into the sky as He went, suddenly there were two men in white garments standing by them,
But, while they stood intently gazing into the sky as He went, suddenly there were two men in white garments standing by them,
But, while they stood intently gazing into the sky as He went, suddenly there were two men in white garments standing by them, who said, "Galilaeans, why stand looking into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken up from you into Heaven will come in just the same way as you have seen Him going into Heaven."
who said, "Galilaeans, why stand looking into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken up from you into Heaven will come in just the same way as you have seen Him going into Heaven."
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,
you who received the Law given through angels, and yet have not obeyed it."
you who received the Law given through angels, and yet have not obeyed it."
And an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and proceed south to the road that runs down from Jerusalem to Gaza, crossing the Desert."
And an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and proceed south to the road that runs down from Jerusalem to Gaza, crossing the Desert."
About three o'clock one afternoon he had a vision, and distinctly saw an angel of God enter his house, who called him by name, saying, "Cornelius!"
About three o'clock one afternoon he had a vision, and distinctly saw an angel of God enter his house, who called him by name, saying, "Cornelius!"
Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell; and, striking Peter on the side, he woke him and said, "Rise quickly." Instantly the chains dropped off his wrists.
Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell; and, striking Peter on the side, he woke him and said, "Rise quickly." Instantly the chains dropped off his wrists.
Instantly an angel of the Lord struck him, because he had not given the glory to God, and being eaten up by worms, he died.
Instantly an angel of the Lord struck him, because he had not given the glory to God, and being eaten up by worms, he died.
The following night the Lord came and stood at Paul's side, and said, "Be of good courage, for as you have borne faithful witness about me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome."
The following night the Lord came and stood at Paul's side, and said, "Be of good courage, for as you have borne faithful witness about me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome."
For there stood by my side, last night, an angel of the God to whom I belong, and whom also I worship,
For there stood by my side, last night, an angel of the God to whom I belong, and whom also I worship,
For there stood by my side, last night, an angel of the God to whom I belong, and whom also I worship,
For there stood by my side, last night, an angel of the God to whom I belong, and whom also I worship, and he said, "'Dismiss all fear, Paul, for you must stand before Caesar; and God has granted you the lives of all who are sailing with you.'
and he said, "'Dismiss all fear, Paul, for you must stand before Caesar; and God has granted you the lives of all who are sailing with you.'
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither the lower ranks of evil angels nor the higher, neither things present nor things future, nor the forces of nature,
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither the lower ranks of evil angels nor the higher, neither things present nor things future, nor the forces of nature,
And do not be discontented, as some of them were, and they were destroyed by the Destroyer.
And do not be discontented, as some of them were, and they were destroyed by the Destroyer.
That is why a woman ought to have on her head a symbol of subjection, because of the angels.
That is why a woman ought to have on her head a symbol of subjection, because of the angels.
There are bodies which are celestial and there are bodies which are earthly, but the glory of the celestial ones is one thing, and that of the earthly ones is another.
There are bodies which are celestial and there are bodies which are earthly, but the glory of the celestial ones is one thing, and that of the earthly ones is another. There is one glory of the sun, another of the moon, and another of the stars; for star differs from star in glory.
There is one glory of the sun, another of the moon, and another of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. It is the same with the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in a state of decay, it is raised free from decay;
It is the same with the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in a state of decay, it is raised free from decay; 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; an animal body is sown, a spiritual body is raised. As surely as there is an animal body, so there is also a spiritual body.
an animal body is sown, a spiritual body is raised. As surely as there is an animal body, so there is also a spiritual body.
an animal body is sown, a spiritual body is raised. As surely as there is an animal body, so there is also a spiritual body.
an animal body is sown, a spiritual body is raised. As surely as there is an animal body, so there is also a spiritual body. In the same way also it is written, "The first man Adam became a living animal"; the last Adam is a life-giving Spirit.
In the same way also it is written, "The first man Adam became a living animal"; the last Adam is a life-giving Spirit. Nevertheless, it is not what is spiritual that came first, but what is animal; what is spiritual came afterwards.
Nevertheless, it is not what is spiritual that came first, but what is animal; what is spiritual came afterwards.
Why then was the Law given? It was imposed later on for the sake of defining sin, until the seed should come to whom God had made the promise; and its details were laid down by a mediator with the help of angels.
Why then was the Law given? It was imposed later on for the sake of defining sin, until the seed should come to whom God had made the promise; and its details were laid down by a mediator with the help of angels.
God has put all things under His feet, and has appointed Him universal and supreme Head of the Church, which is His Body,
God has put all things under His feet, and has appointed Him universal and supreme Head of the Church, which is His Body,
which were once habitual to you while you walked in the ways of this world and obeyed the Prince of the powers of the air, the spirits that are now at work in the hearts of the sons of disobedience--to you God has given Life.
which were once habitual to you while you walked in the ways of this world and obeyed the Prince of the powers of the air, the spirits that are now at work in the hearts of the sons of disobedience--to you God has given Life.
concealed in order that the Church might now be used to display to the powers and authorities in the heavenly realms the innumerable aspects of God's wisdom.
concealed in order that the Church might now be used to display to the powers and authorities in the heavenly realms the innumerable aspects of God's wisdom.
For ours is not a conflict with mere flesh and blood, but with the despotisms, the empires, the forces that control and govern this dark world--the spiritual hosts of evil arrayed against us in the heavenly warfare.
For ours is not a conflict with mere flesh and blood, but with the despotisms, the empires, the forces that control and govern this dark world--the spiritual hosts of evil arrayed against us in the heavenly warfare.
We, however, are free citizens of Heaven, and we are waiting with longing expectation for the coming from Heaven of a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,
We, however, are free citizens of Heaven, and we are waiting with longing expectation for the coming from Heaven of a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, in the exercise of the power which He has even to subject all things to Himself, will transform this body of our humiliation until it resembles His own glorious body.
who, in the exercise of the power which He has even to subject all things to Himself, will transform this body of our humiliation until it resembles His own glorious body.
who, in the exercise of the power which He has even to subject all things to Himself, will transform this body of our humiliation until it resembles His own glorious body.
who, in the exercise of the power which He has even to subject all things to Himself, will transform this body of our humiliation until it resembles His own glorious body.
Christ is the visible representation of the invisible God, the Firstborn and Lord of all creation.
Christ is the visible representation of the invisible God, the Firstborn and Lord of all creation. For in Him was created the universe of things in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, thrones, dominions, princedoms, powers--all were created, and exist through and for Him.
For in Him was created the universe of things in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, thrones, dominions, princedoms, powers--all were created, and exist through and for Him.
Let no one defraud you of your prize, priding himself on his humility and on his worship of the angels, and taking his stand on the visions he has seen, and idly puffed up with his unspiritual thoughts.
Let no one defraud you of your prize, priding himself on his humility and on his worship of the angels, and taking his stand on the visions he has seen, and idly puffed up with his unspiritual thoughts.
And with him I send our dear and trusty brother Onesimus, who is one of yourselves. They will inform you of everything here.
And with him I send our dear and trusty brother Onesimus, who is one of yourselves. They will inform you of everything here.
Moreover of the angels He says, "He changes His angels into winds, and His ministering servants into a flame of fire."
Moreover of the angels He says, "He changes His angels into winds, and His ministering servants into a flame of fire."
Moreover of the angels He says, "He changes His angels into winds, and His ministering servants into a flame of fire."
Moreover of the angels He says, "He changes His angels into winds, and His ministering servants into a flame of fire."
Are not all angels spirits that serve Him--whom He sends out to render service for the benefit of those who, before long, will inherit salvation?
Are not all angels spirits that serve Him--whom He sends out to render service for the benefit of those who, before long, will inherit salvation?
Are not all angels spirits that serve Him--whom He sends out to render service for the benefit of those who, before long, will inherit salvation?
Are not all angels spirits that serve Him--whom He sends out to render service for the benefit of those who, before long, will inherit salvation?
For if the message delivered through angels proved to be true, and every transgression and act of disobedience met with just retribution,
For if the message delivered through angels proved to be true, and every transgression and act of disobedience met with just retribution,
And the lesson which the Holy Spirit teaches is this--that the way into the true Holy place is not yet open so long as the outer tent still remains in existence.
And the lesson which the Holy Spirit teaches is this--that the way into the true Holy place is not yet open so long as the outer tent still remains in existence.
Since then, brethren, we have free access to the Holy place through the blood of Jesus,
Since then, brethren, we have free access to the Holy place through the blood of Jesus, by the new and ever-living way which He opened up for us through the rending of the veil--that is to say, of His earthly nature--
by the new and ever-living way which He opened up for us through the rending of the veil--that is to say, of His earthly nature--
Through faith he instituted the Passover, and the sprinkling with blood so that the destroyer of the firstborn might not touch the Israelites.
Through faith he instituted the Passover, and the sprinkling with blood so that the destroyer of the firstborn might not touch the Israelites.
On the contrary you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the ever-living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to countless hosts of angels,
On the contrary you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the ever-living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to countless hosts of angels, to the great festal gathering and Church of the first-born, whose names are recorded in Heaven, and to a Judge who is God of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect,
to the great festal gathering and Church of the first-born, whose names are recorded in Heaven, and to a Judge who is God of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect,
For God did not spare angels when they had sinned, but hurling them down to Tartarus consigned them to caves of darkness, keeping them in readiness for judgement.
For God did not spare angels when they had sinned, but hurling them down to Tartarus consigned them to caves of darkness, keeping them in readiness for judgement.
Dear friends, we are now God's children, but what we are to be in the future has not yet been fully revealed. We know that if Christ reappears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.
Dear friends, we are now God's children, but what we are to be in the future has not yet been fully revealed. We know that if Christ reappears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.
His head and His hair were white, like white wool--as white as snow; and His eyes resembled a flame of fire.
His head and His hair were white, like white wool--as white as snow; and His eyes resembled a flame of fire. His feet were like silver-bronze, when it is white-hot in a furnace; and His voice resembled the sound of many waters.
His feet were like silver-bronze, when it is white-hot in a furnace; and His voice resembled the sound of many waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and a sharp, two-edged sword was seen coming from His mouth; and His glance resembled the sun when it is shining with its full strength.
In His right hand He held seven stars, and a sharp, two-edged sword was seen coming from His mouth; and His glance resembled the sun when it is shining with its full strength.
the secret meaning of the seven stars which you have seen in My right hand, and of the seven lampstands of gold. The seven stars are the ministers of the seven Churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven Churches.
the secret meaning of the seven stars which you have seen in My right hand, and of the seven lampstands of gold. The seven stars are the ministers of the seven Churches, and the seven lampstands 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 a harp and bringing golden bowls full of incense, which represent the prayers of God's people.
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 a harp and bringing golden bowls full of incense, which represent the prayers of God's people.
And hast formed them into a Kingdom to be priests to our God, And they reign over the earth."
And hast formed them into a Kingdom to be priests to our God, And they reign over the earth." And I looked, and heard what seemed to be the voices of countless angels on every side of the throne, and of the living creatures and the Elders. Their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
And I looked, and heard what seemed to be the voices of countless angels on every side of the throne, and of the living creatures and the Elders. Their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
And I looked, and heard what seemed to be the voices of countless angels on every side of the throne, and of the living creatures and the Elders. Their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
And I looked, and heard what seemed to be the voices of countless angels on every side of the throne, and of the living creatures and the Elders. Their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
And another angel came and stood close to the altar, carrying a censer of gold; and abundance of incense was given to him that he might place it with the prayers of all God's people upon the golden altar which was in front of the throne.
And another angel came and stood close to the altar, carrying a censer of gold; and abundance of incense was given to him that he might place it with the prayers of all God's people upon the golden altar which was in front of the throne.
And war broke out in Heaven, Michael and his angels engaging in battle with the Dragon.
And war broke out in Heaven, Michael and his angels engaging in battle with the Dragon. The Dragon fought and so did his angels; but they were defeated, and there was no longer any room found for them in Heaven.
The Dragon fought and so did his angels; but they were defeated, and there was no longer any room found for them in Heaven.
The Dragon fought and so did his angels; but they were defeated, and there was no longer any room found for them in Heaven.
The Dragon fought and so did his angels; but they were defeated, and there was no longer any room found for them in Heaven. The great Dragon, the ancient serpent, he who is called 'the Devil' and 'the Adversary' and leads the whole earth astray, was hurled down: he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.
The great Dragon, the ancient serpent, he who is called 'the Devil' and 'the Adversary' and leads the whole earth astray, was hurled down: he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.
The great Dragon, the ancient serpent, he who is called 'the Devil' and 'the Adversary' and leads the whole earth astray, was hurled down: he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.
The great Dragon, the ancient serpent, he who is called 'the Devil' and 'the Adversary' and leads the whole earth astray, was hurled down: he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him. Then I heard a loud voice speaking in Heaven. It said, "The salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God have now come, and the sovereignty of His Christ; for the accuser of our brethren has been hurled down--he who, day after day and night after night, was wont to accuse them in the presence of God.
Then I heard a loud voice speaking in Heaven. It said, "The salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God have now come, and the sovereignty of His Christ; for the accuser of our brethren has been hurled down--he who, day after day and night after night, was wont to accuse them in the presence of God.
Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he exclaimed, "Oh, do not do that. I am a fellow bondservant of yours and a fellow bondservant of your brethren who have borne testimony to Jesus. Worship God." Testimony to Jesus is the spirit which underlies Prophecy.
Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he exclaimed, "Oh, do not do that. I am a fellow bondservant of yours and a fellow bondservant of your brethren who have borne testimony to Jesus. Worship God." Testimony to Jesus is the spirit which underlies Prophecy.
Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he exclaimed, "Oh, do not do that. I am a fellow bondservant of yours and a fellow bondservant of your brethren who have borne testimony to Jesus. Worship God." Testimony to Jesus is the spirit which underlies Prophecy.
Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he exclaimed, "Oh, do not do that. I am a fellow bondservant of yours and a fellow bondservant of your brethren who have borne testimony to Jesus. Worship God." Testimony to Jesus is the spirit which underlies Prophecy.
Then I saw an angel coming down from Heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit, and upon his arm he carried a great chain.
Then I saw an angel coming down from Heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit, and upon his arm he carried a great chain. He laid hold of the Dragon--the ancient serpent--who is the Devil and the Adversary, and bound him for a thousand years, and hurled him into the bottomless pit.
He laid hold of the Dragon--the ancient serpent--who is the Devil and the Adversary, and bound him for a thousand years, and hurled him into the bottomless pit.
But he said to me, "Oh, do not do that. I am a fellow bondservant of yours, and a fellow bondservant of your brethren the Prophets and of those who are mindful of the teachings of this book. Worship God."
But he said to me, "Oh, do not do that. I am a fellow bondservant of yours, and a fellow bondservant of your brethren the Prophets and of those who are mindful of the teachings of this book. Worship God."
But he said to me, "Oh, do not do that. I am a fellow bondservant of yours, and a fellow bondservant of your brethren the Prophets and of those who are mindful of the teachings of this book. Worship God."
But he said to me, "Oh, do not do that. I am a fellow bondservant of yours, and a fellow bondservant of your brethren the Prophets and of those who are mindful of the teachings 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.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Thereupon the Devil left Him, and angels at once came and ministered to Him.
"Then will He say to those at His left, "'Begone from me, with the curse resting upon you, into the Fire of the Ages, which has been prepared for the Devil and his angels.
Or do you suppose I cannot entreat my Father and He would instantly send to my help more than twelve legions of angels?
But to their amazement there had been a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord had descended from Heaven, and had come and rolled back the stone, and was sitting upon it.
where He remained for forty days, tempted by Satan; and He was among the wild beasts, but the angels waited upon Him.
Every one, however, who has been ashamed of me and of my teachings in this faithless and sinful age, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in His Father's glory with the holy angels."
For when they have risen from among the dead, men do not marry and women are not given in marriage, but they are as angels are in Heaven.
"I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God," answered the angel, "and I have been sent to talk with you and tell you this good news.
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,
Now there were shepherds in the same part of the country, keeping watch over their sheep by night in the open fields, when suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round them; and they were filled with terror. read more. But the angel said to them, "Put away all fear; for I am bringing you good news of great joy--joy for all the People. For a Saviour who is the Anointed Lord is born to you to-day, in the town of David. And this is the token for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And immediately there was with the angel a multitude of the army of Heaven praising God and saying, "Glory be to God in the highest Heavens, And on earth peace among men who please Him!"
And there appeared to Him an angel from Heaven, strengthening Him;
and saw two angels clothed in white raiment, sitting one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been.
you who received the Law given through angels, and yet have not obeyed it."
"You are mad," they said. But she strenuously maintained that it was true. "It is his guardian angel," they said.
Do you not know that we are to sit in judgement upon angels--to say nothing of things belonging to this life?
Why then was the Law given? It was imposed later on for the sake of defining sin, until the seed should come to whom God had made the promise; and its details were laid down by a mediator with the help of angels.
and He is the Lord of all princes and rulers.
Let no one defraud you of your prize, priding himself on his humility and on his worship of the angels, and taking his stand on the visions he has seen, and idly puffed up with his unspiritual thoughts.
For the Lord Himself will come down from Heaven with a loud word of command, and with an archangel's voice and the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
and to requite with rest you who are suffering affliction now--rest with us at the re-appearing of the Lord Jesus from Heaven, attended by His mighty angels.
Moreover of the angels He says, "He changes His angels into winds, and His ministering servants into a flame of fire."
Are not all angels spirits that serve Him--whom He sends out to render service for the benefit of those who, before long, will inherit salvation?
It is not to angels that God has assigned the sovereignty of that coming world, of which we speak. But, as we know, a writer has solemnly said, "How poor a creature is man, and yet Thou dost remember him, and a son of man, and yet Thou dost come to him! read more. Thou hast made him only a little inferior to the angels; with glory and honour Thou hast crowned him, and hast set him to govern the works of Thy hands.
Thou hast made him only a little inferior to the angels; with glory and honour Thou hast crowned him, and hast set him to govern the works of Thy hands. Thou hast put everything in subjection under his feet." For this subjecting of the universe to man implies the leaving nothing not subject to him. But we do not as yet see the universe subject to him.
On the contrary you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the ever-living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to countless hosts of angels,
To them it was revealed that they were serving not themselves but you, when they foretold the very things which have now been openly declared to you by those who, having been taught by the Holy Spirit which had been sent from Heaven, brought you the Good News. Angels long to stoop and look into these things.
For God did not spare angels when they had sinned, but hurling them down to Tartarus consigned them to caves of darkness, keeping them in readiness for judgement.
and especially those who are abandoned to sensuality--craving, as they do, for polluted things, and scorning control. Fool-hardy and self-willed, they do not tremble when speaking evil of glorious beings;
And angels--those who did not keep the position originally assigned to them, but deserted their own proper abode--He reserves in everlasting bonds, in darkness, in preparation for the judgement of the great day.
And angels--those who did not keep the position originally assigned to them, but deserted their own proper abode--He reserves in everlasting bonds, in darkness, in preparation for the judgement of the great day. So also Sodom and Gomorrah--and the neighboring towns in the same manner--having been guilty of gross fornication and having gone astray in pursuit of unnatural vice, are now before us as a specimen of the fire of the Ages in the punishment which they are undergoing. read more. Yet in just the same way these dreamers also pollute the body, while they set authority at naught and speak evil of dignities. But Michael the Archangel, when contending with the Devil and arguing with him about the body of Moses, did not dare to pronounce judgement on him in abusive terms, but simply said, "The Lord rebuke you."
"To the minister of the Church in Ephesus write as follows: "'This is what He who holds the seven stars in the grasp of His right hand says--He who walks to and fro among the seven lampstands of gold.
"To the minister of the Church at Sardis write as follows: "'This is what He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars says. I know your doings--you are supposed to be alive, but in reality you are dead.
And I looked, and heard what seemed to be the voices of countless angels on every side of the throne, and of the living creatures and the Elders. Their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
The locusts had a king over them--the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is 'Abaddon,' while in the Greek he is called 'Apollyon.'
Then I saw another strong angel coming down from Heaven. He was robed in a cloud, and over his head was the rainbow. His face was like the sun, and his feet resembled pillars of fire. In his hand he held a small scroll unrolled; and, planting his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, read more. he cried out in a loud voice which resembled the roar of a lion. And when he had cried out, each of the seven peals of thunder uttered its own message.
And war broke out in Heaven, Michael and his angels engaging in battle with the Dragon. The Dragon fought and so did his angels; but they were defeated, and there was no longer any room found for them in Heaven. read more. The great Dragon, the ancient serpent, he who is called 'the Devil' and 'the Adversary' and leads the whole earth astray, was hurled down: he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.
Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he exclaimed, "Oh, do not do that. I am a fellow bondservant of yours and a fellow bondservant of your brethren who have borne testimony to Jesus. Worship God." Testimony to Jesus is the spirit which underlies Prophecy.
But he said to me, "Oh, do not do that. I am a fellow bondservant of yours, and a fellow bondservant of your brethren the Prophets and of those who are mindful of the teachings 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 who sows the darnel is *the Devil*; the harvest is the Close of the Age; the reapers are the angels.
The Son of Man will commission His angels, and they will gather out of His Kingdom all causes of sin and all who violate His laws;
So will it be at the Close of the Age. The angels will go forth and separate the wicked from among the righteous,
For the Son of Man is soon to come in the glory of the Father with His angels, and then will He requite every man according to his actions.
"Beware of ever despising one of these little ones, for I tell you that in Heaven their angels have continual access to my Father who is in Heaven.
And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet-blast, and they will bring together His own People to Him from north, south, east and west--from one extremity of the world to the other.
"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then will He sit upon His glorious throne,
"Then will He say to those at His left, "'Begone from me, with the curse resting upon you, into the Fire of the Ages, which has been prepared for the Devil and his angels.
Or do you suppose I cannot entreat my Father and He would instantly send to my help more than twelve legions of angels?
Or do you suppose I cannot entreat my Father and He would instantly send to my help more than twelve legions of angels?
But to their amazement there had been a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord had descended from Heaven, and had come and rolled back the stone, and was sitting upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. read more. For fear of him the guards trembled violently, and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "As for you, dismiss your fears. I know that it is Jesus that you are looking for--the crucified One. He is not here: He has come back to life, as He foretold. Come and see the place where He lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead and is going before you into Galilee: there you shall see Him. Remember, I have told you."
For indeed they cannot die again; they are like angels, and are sons of God through being sons of the Resurrection.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither the lower ranks of evil angels nor the higher, neither things present nor things future, nor the forces of nature,
high above all other government and authority and power and dominion, and every title of sovereignty used either in this Age or in the Age to come.
Are not all angels spirits that serve Him--whom He sends out to render service for the benefit of those who, before long, will inherit salvation?
For it was fitting that He for whom, and through whom, all things exist, after He had brought many sons to glory, should perfect by suffering the Prince Leader who had saved them.
and so, having been made perfect, He became to all who obey Him the source and giver of eternal salvation.
On the contrary you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the ever-living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to countless hosts of angels, to the great festal gathering and Church of the first-born, whose names are recorded in Heaven, and to a Judge who is God of all, and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect,
Dear friends, we are now God's children, but what we are to be in the future has not yet been fully revealed. We know that if Christ reappears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.
the secret meaning of the seven stars which you have seen in My right hand, and of the seven lampstands of gold. The seven stars are the ministers of the seven Churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven Churches.
And I saw a mighty angel who was exclaiming in a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book and break its seals?"
And there was given to each of them a long white robe, and they were bidden to wait patiently for a short time longer, until the full number of their fellow bondservants should also complete--namely of their brethren who were soon to be killed just as they had been.
Then I looked, and I heard a solitary eagle crying in a loud voice, as it flew across the sky, "Alas, alas, alas, for the inhabitants of the earth, because of the significance of the remaining trumpets which the three angels are about to blow!"
Then I saw another strong angel coming down from Heaven. He was robed in a cloud, and over his head was the rainbow. His face was like the sun, and his feet resembled pillars of fire. In his hand he held a small scroll unrolled; and, planting his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
And war broke out in Heaven, Michael and his angels engaging in battle with the Dragon.
The great Dragon, the ancient serpent, he who is called 'the Devil' and 'the Adversary' and leads the whole earth astray, was hurled down: he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him.
Then a single angel of great strength took a stone which resembled a huge millstone, and hurled it into the sea, saying, "So shall Babylon, that great city, be violently hurled down and never again be found.