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/worrell'>13; 31:11,13/type/worrell'>13; 48:15-16; 33:14; compare Isa 63:9; Ex 3:2,6,14; 23:20-22; Ac 27:23-24, compare Ac 23:11; Nu 22:22-35); accepting as His due the worship which angels reject as mere creatures (Re 19:10; 22:9); this manifestation was as man, an anticipation of the incarnation (Joh 1:18; Ge 18:2,22; 19:1; 32:24,30; Jos 5:13,15).
Angel, "Son of God," "Gods" (Elohim), "Holy One," in the fullest sense, are names of the divine Word alone. His incarnation is the center by reference to which all angelic ministration is best understood. Compare Joh 1:51, Greek (aparti), "from this time forth ye shall see heaven open" (heretofore shut, against man by sin: Heb 9:8; 10:19-20 "and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man," as the antitypical Jacob's ladder, the center of communication between men and God, the redeemed and the angelic world; Jesus' miracles, of which mention immediately follows (John 2), are firstfruit of this newly opened communion of earth and heaven (Ge 28:12-17). Secondarily, God's created messengers; as Israel (Isa 42:19), Haggai (Hag 1:13), John (Mal 3:1; 2:7), the priesthood, ministers (Ec 5:6), the rulers or angels of the Christian churches (Re 1:20), as Elohim, "gods" is applied to judges (Ps 82:6); compare Jesus' application, Joh 10:34-37.
As to the nature of "angels" in the limited sense, they are "spirits" (Heb 1:7,14), of wind-like velocity, subtle nature, capable of close communion with God; sharers in His truth, purity, and love, since they ever behold His face (Mt 18:10), even as the redeemed shall (1Jo 3:2); not necessarily incorporeal; Lu 20:36 (compare Php 3:21), 1Co 15:44, seemingly but not certainly imply their having bodies. Their glorious appearance (Da 10:6), like our Lord's when transfigured and afterward as the ascended Savior (Re 1:14-16), and their human form (Lu 24:4; Ac 1:10), favor the same view. Close kindred of nature between angels and men is implied in both being alike called "sons of God" (Job 1:6; 38:7; Da 3:25,28) and "gods" (Elohim) (Ps 8:5; Hebrew Elohim "angels," Ps 97:7; Lu 3:38).
Finite, but ever progressing in the participation of God's infinite perfection (Job 4:18; Mt 24:36; 1Pe 1:12). Our fellow servants, "sent forth unto ministry for the sake of them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Heb 1:14), i.e., on ministrations appointed by God and Christ for the good of them who shall be heirs of salvation. Worship and service are their twofold function; priests in the heavenly temple (Isa 6:1-3; 1Ki 22:19; Da 7:9-10; Re 5:11), and sent forth thence on God's missions of love and justice. As finite, and having liberty, they were capable of temptation. Some "kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation" (2Pe 2:4; Jg 1:6). "The elect angels" fell not; they take part, by act and sympathy, in our affairs, and shall witness the Judgment (Lu 15:10; 1Co 4:9).
The fallen are not yet actually confined in the bottomless pit, but are doomed to it, "reserved unto judgment," and though seeming free, and ranging in our air, under the prince of the powers of the air (Eph 2:2), are really in "chains of darkness" already, able only to hurt to the length of their chain. Satan is their prince, a liar, murderer, slanderer; and such are they (Joh 8:44). The probation of the elect angels is over; their crown is won, they are the "holy ones" now (Da 8:13), under the blessed necessity of sinning no more. "Watchers" of men, jealous for God's honor (Da 4:13,23). Bad angels are permitted to try believers now, as Job; good angels are God's ministers of vengeance on the bad (Re 12:8-9; 20:1-2). Such shall the saints be at last, "equal to the angels," holy, made perfect, judges of angels and the world, ministering mediators of blessing to subject creatures (Heb 12:23; 1Co 6:2-3; Re 5:10).
In the natural world angels minister, as in directing wind and flame (according to one translation of Ps 104:4; Heb 1:7): "the angel of Jehovah" wrought in the plague on the Egyptian firstborn (Ex 12:23; Heb 11:28), and on the rebels in the wilderness (1Co 10:10), on Israel under David (2Sa 24:16; 1Ch 21:16), on Sennacherib's army (2Ki 19:35), on Herod (Ac 12:23). An angel troubled the pool of Bethesda (the Alex. manuscript supports the verse, the Sin. and the Vat. manuscripts reject it), giving it a healing power, as in our mineral springs (Joh 5:4): They act, in an unknown way, in and through "nature's laws." In the spiritual world too: by their ministration the Sinaitic law was given, "ordained by angels" (Ga 3:19), "spoken" by them (Heb 2:2), by their "disposition" or appointment (Ac 7:53; compare De 33:2; Ps 68:17).
From the first creation of our world they took the liveliest interest in the earth (Job 38:7). When man fell by evil angels, with beautiful propriety it was ordered that other angels, holy and unfallen, should minister for God in His reparation of the evil caused to man by their fallen fellow spirits. They rescued at Jehovah's command righteous Lot from doomed Sodom, Jacob from his murderous brother (Genesis 19; 32). "Manna" is called "angels' food," "the grain of heaven"; not that angels eat it, but it came from above whence angels come, and through their ministry (Ps 78:25). When Elisha was in Dothan, surrounded by Syrian hosts, and his servant cried, "Alas! how shall we do?" the Lord opened his eyes to see the mount full of chariots and horses of fire round about (2Ki 6:15,17, compare Ps 94:7). By God's angel Daniel was saved in the lions' den (Da 6:22); compare Da 3:28 as to the fiery furnace.
Michael (whom some questionably identify with the Son of God) is represented as Israel's champion against Israel's (the literal and the spiritual) accuser, Satan (Da 12:1, compare Re 12:7-10). Daniel 10 unfolds the mysterious truth that there are angel princes in the spirit world, answering to the God-opposed leaders of kingdoms in the political world, the prince of Persia and the prince of Grecia standing in antagonism to Michael. In patriarchal times their ministry is more familiar, and less awful, than in after times. Compare Ge 24:7,40 (the angelic guidance of Abraham's servant in choosing a wife for Isaac, and encouraging Jacob in his loneliness at Bethel on first leaving home, Genesis 28) with Jg 6:21-22; 13:16,22. They appear, like the prophets and kings in subsequent times, in the character of God's ministers, carrying out God's purposes in relation to Israel and the pagan world powers (Zechariah 1; 2; 3; 4, etc.).
When the Lord of angels became flesh, they ministered before and at His birth (Luke 1; 2; Mt 1:20), after the temptation (Mt 4:11), in the agony of Gethsemane (Lu 22:43), at His resurrection and ascension (Mt 28:2; Lu 24:4; Joh 20:12; Ac 1:10-11). Their previous and subsequent ministrations to men (Ac 5:19; 8:26; 10:3; 12:7, Peter's deliverance, Ac 27:23) all hinge on their intimate connection with and ministry to Him, redeemed man's divine Head (Ps 91:11; Mt 4:6), Hence they are the guardians of Christ's little ones, not thinking it beneath their dignity to minister to them (Mt 18:10); not attached singly to single individuals, but all or one ready at God's bidding to minister to each. (In Acts 12, the remark, "it is his Peter's angel," receives no countenance from Peter or the inspired writer of Acts, Luke; but is the uninspired guess of those in Mary's house.)
Rejoice over each recovered penitent (Lu 15:10); are present in Christian congregations (1Co 11:10); exercising some function in presenting the saints' prayers, incensed by Christ's merits, the one Mediator, before God (Re 8:3; 5:8); not to be prayed to, which is thrice forbidden (Re 19:10; 22:9; Col 2:18): when we send an offering to the King, the King's messenger durst not appropriate the King's exclusive due. Ministers of grace now, and at the dying hour carrying the believer's soul to paradise (Lu 16:22), but ministers of judgment, and gathering the elect, in the great day (Mt 13:39,41,49; 16:27; 24:31). Their
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And, while thinking of these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, fear not to take to yourself Mary your wife; for that which was begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit.
And, while thinking of these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, fear not to take to yourself Mary your wife; for that which was begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit.
and says to Him, "If Thou art a Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it has been written, 'He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee; and on their hands they shall bear Thee up; lest at any time Thou shouldest dash Thy foot against a stone.'"
and says to Him, "If Thou art a Son of God, cast Thyself down; for it has been written, 'He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee; and on their hands they shall bear Thee up; lest at any time Thou shouldest dash Thy foot against a stone.'"
Then the Devil leaves Him; and, behold, angels came and were ministering to Him.
Then the Devil leaves Him; and, behold, angels came and were ministering to Him.
and the enemy that sowed them is the Devil; and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.
and the enemy that sowed them is the Devil; and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.
The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of the Kingdom all the stumbling-blocks, and those who do iniquity;
The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of the Kingdom all the stumbling-blocks, and those who do iniquity;
So will it be at the end of the age. The angels will go forth, and will separate the wicked from the midst of the righteous,
So will it be at the end of the age. The angels will go forth, and will separate the wicked from the midst of the righteous,
For the Son of Man is about to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then will He render to each one according to his work.
For the Son of Man is about to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then will He render to each one according to his work.
"See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, that their angels in Heaven do always behold the face of My Father Who is in Heaven.
"See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, that their angels in Heaven do always behold the face of My Father Who is in Heaven.
"See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, that their angels in Heaven do always behold the face of My Father Who is in Heaven.
"See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, that their angels in Heaven do always behold the face of My Father Who is in Heaven.
And He will send forth His angels, with the sound of a great trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
And He will send forth His angels, with the sound of a great trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
But concerning that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels of Heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only.
But concerning that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels of Heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only.
And, behold, there occurred a great commotion; for an angel of the Lord, descending out of Heaven, and coming near, rolled away the stone, and was sitting upon it.
And, behold, there occurred a great commotion; for an angel of the Lord, descending out of Heaven, and coming near, rolled away the stone, and was sitting upon it.
So, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents."
So, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents."
So, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents."
So, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents."
And it came to pass that the poor man died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham's bosom. And the rich man also died, and was buried;
And it came to pass that the poor man died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham's bosom. And the rich man also died, and was buried;
for neither can they die any more; for they are equal to the angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
for neither can they die any more; for they are equal to the angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
for neither can they die any more; for they are equal to the angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
for neither can they die any more; for they are equal to the angels, and are sons of God, 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.
And it came to pass, while they were perplexed about this, behold, also two men stood near them in dazzling apparel.
And it came to pass, while they were perplexed about this, behold, also two men stood near them in dazzling apparel.
And it came to pass, while they were perplexed about this, behold, also two men stood near them in dazzling apparel.
And it came to pass, while they were perplexed about this, behold, also two men stood near them in dazzling apparel.
No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, Who is in the bosom of the Father, He declared Him.
No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, Who is in the bosom of the Father, He declared Him.
And He saith to him, "Verily, verily, I say to you, ye shall see Heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
And He saith to him, "Verily, verily, I say to you, ye shall see Heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
for an angel of the Lord went down at a certain period into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever, therefore, first, after the troubling of the water, stepped in, was healed of whatsoever disease he had].
for an angel of the Lord went down at a certain period into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever, therefore, first, after the troubling of the water, stepped in, was healed of whatsoever disease he had].
Ye are of your father the Devil; and the desires of your father ye wish to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own; because he is a liar, and the father of it.
Ye are of your father the Devil; and the desires of your father ye wish to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own; because he is a liar, and the father of it.
Jesus answered them, "Has it not been written in your law, 'I said, ye are gods?'
Jesus answered them, "Has it not been written in your law, 'I said, ye are gods?' If He called them gods to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken),
If He called them gods to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), say ye of Him Whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest, because I said, I am the Son of God?
say ye of Him Whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest, because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not;
If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not;
and she beholds two angels in white, sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
and she beholds two angels in white, sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
And, as they were gazing intently into the heaven, while He was ascending, behold, also two men stood by them in white apparel,
And, as they were gazing intently into the heaven, while He was ascending, behold, also two men stood by them in white apparel,
And, as they were gazing intently into the heaven, while He was ascending, behold, also two men stood by them in white apparel,
And, as they were gazing intently into the heaven, while He was ascending, behold, also two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do ye stand looking into the heaven? This Jesus, Who was taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye beheld Him ascending into Heaven."
who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do ye stand looking into the heaven? This Jesus, Who was taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye beheld Him ascending into Heaven."
But an angel of the Lord, by night, opened the prison doors; and, having led them out, said,
But an angel of the Lord, by night, opened the prison doors; and, having led them out, said,
who, indeed, received the law as the ministrations of angels, and did not keep it."
who, indeed, received the law as the ministrations of angels, and did not keep it."
But an angel of the Lord spake to Philip, saying, "Arise, and go toward the south, on the way that leads down from Jerusalem to Gaza:" this is a wilderness.
But an angel of the Lord spake to Philip, saying, "Arise, and go toward the south, on the way that leads down from Jerusalem to Gaza:" this is a wilderness.
And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell; and, smiting the side of Peter, he raised him up, saying, "Rise up quickly!" And his chains fell off from his hands.
And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell; and, smiting the side of Peter, he raised him up, saying, "Rise up quickly!" And his chains fell off from his hands.
And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not give God the glory; and, having been eaten by worms, he expired.
And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not give God the glory; and, having been eaten by worms, he expired.
And, on the following night, the Lord, standing by him, said, "Be of good courage; for, as you fully testified as to the things concerning Me at Jerusalem, so you must testify at Rome also."
And, on the following night, the Lord, standing by him, said, "Be of good courage; for, as you fully testified as to the things concerning Me at Jerusalem, so you must testify at Rome also."
For there stood by me this night an angel of the God Whose I am, and Whom I serve,
For there stood by me this night an angel of the God Whose I am, and Whom I serve,
For there stood by me this night an angel of the God Whose I am, and Whom I serve,
For there stood by me this night an angel of the God Whose I am, and Whom I serve, saying, 'Fear not, Paul; it is necessary that you should stand before Caesar, and, behold, God has granted to you as a favor all those sailing with you.'
saying, 'Fear not, Paul; it is necessary that you should stand before Caesar, and, behold, God has granted to you as a favor all those sailing with you.'
For I am persuaded that, neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
For I am persuaded that, neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
Neither murmur ye, as some of them murmured, and perished by the destroyer.
Neither murmur ye, as some of them murmured, and perished by the destroyer.
for this cause ought the woman to have a sign of authority on her head because of the angels.
for this cause ought the woman to have a sign of authority on her head because of the angels.
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial; but the glory of the celestial is one, and that of the terrestrial another.
There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial; but the glory of the celestial is one, and that of the terrestrial another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory.
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption;
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;
it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So also it has been written, "The first man Adam was a living soul"; the last Adam, a life-giving Spirit.
So also it has been written, "The first man Adam was a living soul"; the last Adam, a life-giving Spirit. And the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual.
And the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual.
What, then, is the law? It was added because of the transgressions, until the Seed should come to Whom it had been promised; having been arranged through angels in the hand of a mediator.
What, then, is the law? It was added because of the transgressions, until the Seed should come to Whom it had been promised; having been arranged through angels in the hand of a mediator.
and He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as Head over all things to the assembly,
and He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as Head over all things to the assembly,
in which ye once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the authority of the air, the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience;
in which ye once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the authority of the air, the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience;
in order that now might be made known to the principalities and authorities in the heavenly places, through the assembly, the manifold wisdom of God,
in order that now might be made known to the principalities and authorities in the heavenly places, through the assembly, the manifold wisdom of God,
because to us the struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the principalities, against the authorities, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
because to us the struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the principalities, against the authorities, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
For our citizenship is in Heaven, whence also we are waiting for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;
For our citizenship is in Heaven, whence also we are waiting for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; Who will transform the body of our humiliation into conformity to the body of His glory, according to the working whereby He is able also to subject all things to Himself.
Who will transform the body of our humiliation into conformity to the body of His glory, according to the working whereby He is able also to subject all things to Himself.
Who will transform the body of our humiliation into conformity to the body of His glory, according to the working whereby He is able also to subject all things to Himself.
Who will transform the body of our humiliation into conformity to the body of His glory, according to the working whereby He is able also to subject all things to Himself.
Who is the image of the invisible God, Primal Source of all creation;
Who is the image of the invisible God, Primal Source of all creation; because in Him were all things created, in the heavens, and upon the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers??ll things have been created through Him, and for Him;
because in Him were all things created, in the heavens, and upon the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers??ll things have been created through Him, and for Him;
Let no one rob you of your prize, wishing to do it in humility and in a worshipping of angels, speculating about the things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his flesh,
Let no one rob you of your prize, wishing to do it in humility and in a worshipping of angels, speculating about the things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his flesh,
together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is from among you; they will make known to you all things here.
together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is from among you; they will make known to you all things here.
And respecting the angels He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire";
And respecting the angels He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire";
And respecting the angels He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire";
And respecting the angels He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire";
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth for service, for the sake of those about to inherit salvation?
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth for service, for the sake of those about to inherit salvation?
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth for service, for the sake of those about to inherit salvation?
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth for service, for the sake of those about to inherit salvation?
For, if the word spoken through angels became steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a righteous recompense,
For, if the word spoken through angels became steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a righteous recompense,
the Holy Spirit signifying this, that the way into the Holies has not yet been made manifest, while the first tabernacle is yet standing;
the Holy Spirit signifying this, that the way into the Holies has not yet been made manifest, while the first tabernacle is yet standing;
Having, therefore, brethren, boldness for the entrance into the holy places by the blood of Jesus,
Having, therefore, brethren, boldness for the entrance into the holy places by the blood of Jesus, which He dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is, His flesh;
which He dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is, His flesh;
By faith he has instituted the passover, and the applying of the blood, lest the destroyer of the first-born should touch them.
By faith he has instituted the passover, and the applying of the blood, lest the destroyer of the first-born should touch them.
But ye have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the Living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
But ye have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the Living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general festal throng, and assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in Heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous ones made perfect;
to the general festal throng, and assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in Heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous ones made perfect;
For, if God spared not angels that sinned, but, hurling them down to Hell, delivered them up to pits of darkness, kept for judgment;
For, if God spared not angels that sinned, but, hurling them down to Hell, delivered them up to pits of darkness, kept for judgment;
Beloved, now are we children of God, and never yet was it manifested what we shall be. We know that, if He shall be manifested, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.
Beloved, now are we children of God, and never yet was it manifested what we shall be. We know that, if He shall be manifested, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.
And His head and hair were white as white wool, as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire;
And His head and hair were white as white wool, as snow; and His eyes were as a flame of fire; and His feet like burnished brass, as if glowing in a furnace; and His voice as the voice of many waters;
and His feet like burnished brass, as if glowing in a furnace; and His voice as the voice of many waters; and having in His right hand seven stars; and a sharp, two-edged sword proceeding out of His mouth; and His countenance was as the sun shining in his power.
and having in His right hand seven stars; and a sharp, two-edged sword proceeding out of His mouth; and His countenance was as the sun shining in his power.
the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of seven assemblies; and the seven candlesticks are seven assemblies."
the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of seven assemblies; and the seven candlesticks are seven assemblies."
And, when He took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having, each, a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
And, when He took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having, each, a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
and didst make them, to our God, a Kingdom and priests, and they reign on the earth."
and didst make them, to our God, a Kingdom and priests, and they reign on the earth." And I saw, and heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and of the living creatures, and of the elders, (and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands);
And I saw, and heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and of the living creatures, and of the elders, (and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands);
And I saw, and heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and of the living creatures, and of the elders, (and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands);
And I saw, and heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and of the living creatures, and of the elders, (and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands);
And another angel came, and stood over the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given to him much incense, that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
And another angel came, and stood over the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given to him much incense, that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
And there was war in the heaven; Michael and his angels went forth to war with the dragon. And the dragon made war, and his angels;
And there was war in the heaven; Michael and his angels went forth to war with the dragon. And the dragon made war, and his angels; and they prevailed not, nor was their place found any more in the heaven.
and they prevailed not, nor was their place found any more in the heaven. And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole habitable earth; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.
And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole habitable earth; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.
And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole habitable earth; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.
And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole habitable earth; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him. And I heard a great voice in Heaven, saying, "Now came the salvation, and the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ; because the accuser of our brethren was cast down, he who accused them before our God day and night;
And I heard a great voice in Heaven, saying, "Now came the salvation, and the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ; because the accuser of our brethren was cast down, he who accused them before our God day and night;
And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he says to me, "See that you do it not: I am a fellow-servant of you and of your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he says to me, "See that you do it not: I am a fellow-servant of you and of your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he says to me, "See that you do it not: I am a fellow-servant of you and of your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he says to me, "See that you do it not: I am a fellow-servant of you and of your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
And I saw an angel coming down out of Heaven, having the key of the abyss, and a great chain upon his hand.
And I saw an angel coming down out of Heaven, having the key of the abyss, and a great chain upon his hand. And he seized the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,
And he seized the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years,
And he says, "See that you do it not. I am a fellow-servant with you and with your brethren the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book: worship God."
And he says, "See that you do it not. I am a fellow-servant with you and with your brethren the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book: worship God."
And he says, "See that you do it not. I am a fellow-servant with you and with your brethren the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book: worship God."
And he says, "See that you do it not. I am a fellow-servant with you and with your brethren the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book: worship God."
Morish
The words malac ggelo", -->???????, signify 'messenger.'
1. It is used for the mystic representation of the divine presence, as in Ge 31:11-13. "The angel of God" spake unto Jacob saying, "I am the God of Bethel." "The angel of Jehovah" spake to Hagar and said, "I will multiply thy seed exceedingly that it shall not be numbered for multitude." Ge 16:7-11. "The angel of Jehovah" spake to Abraham saying, "By myself have I sworn," etc. Ge 22:11,15,Ge 22:16. Three 'men' drew near to Abraham's tent. One said Sarah should have a son: at which Sarah laughed, and Jehovah said, "Wherefore did Sarah laugh?" Two of the three left, and were called 'angels' at the gate of Sodom, while Jehovah, the third, talked with Abraham. Ge 18: cf. also Ex 3:2,6-15; Nu 22:22-35. Jacob, in blessing the sons of Joseph, said, "The Angel which redeemed me from all evil bless the lads." Ge 48:16. It is generally believed that it was the second person in the Trinity who appeared as a man in the O.T. It is no doubt the same who is called 'the mighty angel' in Re 10:1-3.
2. The intelligent spiritual beings who are constantly referred to in scripture as God's messengers both as carrying good tidings and, as executors of God's judgements. We know little of their nature: "of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire," Heb 1:7; and man is described as being a little inferior to the angels. Ps 8:5; Heb 2:7. There are apparently gradations in rank among them, described as principalities and powers, of which Christ as Man is now the head. Col 2:10. Twice we meet with 'archangel:' an archangel's voice will accompany the rapture of the church, 1Th 4:16; and 'Michael the archangel' contended with Satan about the body of Moses. Jude 1:9. He with his angels will fight with the dragon and his angels and cast them out of heaven. Re 12:7-8. Gabriel is the only other name of an angel revealed to us: he appeared to Daniel, to Zacharias, and to Mary: he said that he stood in the presence of God. Da 8:16; 9:21; Lu 1:19,26.
Though we are unconscious of the presence of angels we know that they are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall inherit salvation, Heb 1:14: cf. Ps 34:7; and we read also that they ministered to the Lord when He was here. Mt 4:11; Mr 1:13; Lu 22:43. There are 'myriads' of these angels, Mt 26:53; Heb 12:22; Re 5:11; and they are described as 'mighty,' 'holy,' 'elect,' 2Th 1:7; Mr 8:38; 1Ti 5:21: they do not marry, Mr 12:25. We are not told when they were created, but doubtless they are referred to as 'the sons of God' who shouted for joy when God created the earth. Job 38:4-7.
The law was given by their ministry, Ac 7:53; Ga 3:19; Ps 68:17; and they had to do with proclaiming the birth of the Saviour, Lu 2:8-14; and they attended at the resurrection. Mt 28:2; Joh 20:12. Angels are not the depositaries of the revelation and counsels of God. They desire to look into the things testified by the Spirit of Christ in the prophets, and now reported by the apostles in the power of the same Spirit. 1Pe 1:12. The world to come is not to be put in subjection to them, but to man in the person of the Son of man, Heb 2:5-8; and the saints will judge angels. 1Co 6:3. It is therefore only a false humility that would teach the worshipping of angels. Col 2:18. When John fell down to worship the angel in the Revelation, being overpowered by reason of the stupendous things revealed, he was on two occasions restrained from worshipping his 'fellow servant,' as in Re 19:10; 22:9.
In Ps 8:5 the word is elohim, 'God:' the name of God being given to the angels as His representatives: cf. Ps 82:6. In Ps 68:17 it is shinan 'repetition;' reading "even thousands upon thousands." In Ps 78:25 it is abbir, 'mighty:' "every one did eat the bread of the mighty" margin.
3. FALLEN ANGELS.
a. We read of angels who kept not their first estate,' but left their own habitation, and are kept in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day. Jude 1:6. God spared not the angels who sinned. 2Pe 2:4. The nature of their sin may be referred to in Ge 6:2. Their punishment and that of Sodom and Gomorrah is held up as a warning against fleshly indulgence, and despising government. 2Pe 2:10; Jude 1:6-8.
b. Besides the above which are kept in chains we read of angels connected with Satan. The great dragon and his angels will be subdued by Michael and his angels, and be cast out of heaven. Re 12:9. The lake of fire, or Gehenna, has been specially prepared for the devil and his angels, though, alas, man will also be cast therein. Mt 25:41. Abaddon or Apollyon is the name of 'the angel of the bottomless pit,' Re 9:11, that is, 'the abyss,' not hell, which, as seen above, is the place of punishment. Isa 14:12-16 and Eze 28:14-19, may throw some light on the fall of Satan, but whether the fall of those called 'his angels' was brought about by the same cause and at the same time is not revealed. Scripture is quite clear that all of them will be overcome and eternally punished.
4. The term 'angel' is used metaphorically for a mystical representative. When Peter was delivered from prison, and knocked at the door, those who had been praying for his release said, "It is his angel." Ac 12:15. They supposed Peter was still in prison, and that the one at the door was his representative, his spirit personified, perhaps with very vague ideas of what they really meant. In Re 2:1; 3:1, the addresses to the seven churches are made to the angel of each. It signifies the spirit and character of the assembly personified in its mystical representative, each one differing from the others, according to the state of the assembly. The messages, though addressed to churches existing at the time, no doubt set forth the state of the church in its varied phases ever since apostolic times down to its entire rejection as the responsible witness for Christ at the close of the dispensation.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Then the Devil leaves Him; and, behold, angels came and were ministering to Him.
Then will He say also to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, ye accursed! into the eternal fire which was prepared for the Devil and his angels;
Or do you think that I cannot call upon My Father, and He will place beside Me, even now, more than twelve legions of angels?
And, behold, there occurred a great commotion; for an angel of the Lord, descending out of Heaven, and coming near, rolled away the stone, and was sitting upon it.
And He was in the wilderness forty days tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts; and the angels were ministering to Him.
For whosoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him, when He cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."
For, when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels in Heaven.
And the angel, answering, said to him, "I am Gabriel, who have been standing near before God, and I was sent to speak to you, and to proclaim these glad tidings to you.
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, the name of which was Nazareth,
And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were greatly frightened. read more. And the angel said to them, "Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which, indeed, shall be to all the people; because there was born to-day, in the city of David, a Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign to you: ye will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly host, praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest; and, on earth, peace among men of good will!"
And there appeared to Him an angel from Heaven, strengthening Him.
and she beholds two angels in white, sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
who, indeed, received the law as the ministrations of angels, and did not keep it."
And they said to her, "You are mad!" But she kept confidently affirming that it was so. And they said, "It is his angel"
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more, then, things pertaining to this life?
What, then, is the law? It was added because of the transgressions, until the Seed should come to Whom it had been promised; having been arranged through angels in the hand of a mediator.
and ye have been made complete in Him, Who is the Head of all principality and power;
Let no one rob you of your prize, wishing to do it in humility and in a worshipping of angels, speculating about the things which he has seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his flesh,
because the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven, with a shout, with a voice of an archangel, and with a trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first;
and to you who suffer tribulation, relief with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from Heaven with the angels of His power, in flaming fire,
And respecting the angels He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire";
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth for service, for the sake of those about to inherit salvation?
For not to angels did He subject the future inhabited earth, of which we are speaking; but some one, somewhere, fully testified, saying, "What is man, that Thou rememberest him; or a son of man, that Thou visitest him? read more. Thou madest him a little less than angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor; and didst set him over the works of Thy hands;
Thou madest him a little less than angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor; and didst set him over the works of Thy hands; Thou didst put all things in subjection under his feet." For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing unsubjected to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him.
But ye have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the Living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
to whom it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to you they were ministering them; which things now were reported to you through those who proclaimed the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from Heaven; into which things angels desire to look carefully.
For, if God spared not angels that sinned, but, hurling them down to Hell, delivered them up to pits of darkness, kept for judgment;
but especially those who walk after the flesh in a desire for pollution, and despise dominion; daring, self-willed, they tremble not, when railing at dignities;
And angels who kept not their own principality, but left their proper habitation, He hath kept in everlasting bonds, under darkness, for the judgment of the great day.
And angels who kept not their own principality, but left their proper habitation, He hath kept in everlasting bonds, under darkness, for the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them, having in like manner with these given themselves over to fornication, and going away after other flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire. read more. Yet, in like manner, these also, indulging in dreams, defile, indeed, the flesh, and set at nought dominion, and rail at dignities. But Michael, the arch-angel, when contending with the Devil he was disputing about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring against him a railing judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you."
"To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write these things," saith He Who holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, He Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:
"And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write these things," saith He Who hath the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are living, and you are dead.
And I saw, and heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and of the living creatures, and of the elders, (and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands);
They have over them as king the angel of the abyss: his name in Hebrew is Abaddon; and, in the Greek, he has a name Apollyon.
And I saw another strong angel, descending out of Heaven, clothed with a cloud, and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire. And he had in his hand a little book opened; and he set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land; read more. and he cried with a great voice, as a lion roars; and, when he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices.
And there was war in the heaven; Michael and his angels went forth to war with the dragon. And the dragon made war, and his angels; and they prevailed not, nor was their place found any more in the heaven. read more. And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole habitable earth; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.
And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he says to me, "See that you do it not: I am a fellow-servant of you and of your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
And he says, "See that you do it not. I am a fellow-servant with you and with your brethren the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book: worship God."
Smith
Angels.
By the word "angels" (i.e. "messengers" of God) we ordinarily understand a race of spiritual beings of a nature exalted far above that of man, although infinitely removed from that of God--whose office is "to do him service in heaven, and by his appointment to succor and defend men on earth. I. Scriptural use of the word. --There are many passages in which the expression "angel of God" is certainly used for a manifestation of God himself
with Gene 22:12 and Exod 3:2 with Exod 3:6 and Exod 3:14 It is to be observed, also, that side by side with these expressions we read of God's being manifested in the form of man--as to Abraham at Mamre,
comp. Gene 19:1 to Jacob at Penuel,
to Joshua at Gilgal,
etc. Besides this, which is the highest application of the word angel, we find the phrase used of any messengers of God, such as the prophets,
the priests,
and the rulers of the Christian churches.
II. Nature of angels--Angels are termed "spirits," as in
but it is not asserted that the angelic nature is incorporeal. the contrary seems expressly implied in
Lu 20:36; Phm 1:25
The angels are revealed to us as beings such as man might be, and will be when the power of sin and death is removed, because always beholding his face,
and therefore being "made like him."
Their number must be very large,
1Ki 22:19; Mt 26:53; Heb 12:22
their strength is great,
their activity marvelous
their appearance varied according to circumstances, but was often brilliant and dazzling.
Of the nature of "fallen angels," the circumstances and nature of the temptation by which they fell, we know absolutely nothing. All that is certain is that they "left their first estate" and that they are now "angels of the devil."
On the other hand the title especially assigned to the angels of God--that of the "holy ones," see
--is precisely the one which is given to those men who are renewed in Christ's image. Comp.
III. Office of the angels. Of their office in heaven we have only vague prophetic glimpses as in
1Ki 22:19; Isa 6:1-3; Da 7:9-10; Re 6:11
, etc., which show us nothing but a never-ceasing adoration. They are represented as being, in the widest sense, agents of God's providence, natural and supernatural, to the body and to the soul. In one word, they are Christ's ministers of grace now, and they shall be of judgment hereafter.
etc. That there are degrees of the angelic nature, both fallen and unfallen, and special titles and agencies belonging to each, is clearly declared by St. Paul,
but what their general nature is it is useless to speculate.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
and the enemy that sowed them is the Devil; and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels.
The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of the Kingdom all the stumbling-blocks, and those who do iniquity;
So will it be at the end of the age. The angels will go forth, and will separate the wicked from the midst of the righteous,
For the Son of Man is about to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then will He render to each one according to his work.
"See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say to you, that their angels in Heaven do always behold the face of My Father Who is in Heaven.
And He will send forth His angels, with the sound of a great trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
"And, when the Son of man cometh in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then will He sit on the throne of His glory;
Then will He say also to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, ye accursed! into the eternal fire which was prepared for the Devil and his angels;
Or do you think that I cannot call upon My Father, and He will place beside Me, even now, more than twelve legions of angels?
Or do you think that I cannot call upon My Father, and He will place beside Me, even now, more than twelve legions of angels?
And, behold, there occurred a great commotion; for an angel of the Lord, descending out of Heaven, and coming near, rolled away the stone, and was sitting upon it. And his appearance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow; read more. and, from fear of him, those keeping watch were shaken, and became as dead. And the angel, answering, said to the women, "Fear not; for I know that ye are seeking Jesus Who hath been crucified. He is not here; for He arose, as He said. Come! see the place where the Lord was lying; and, going quickly, say to His disciples, 'He arose from the dead;' and, behold, He is going before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him; behold, I told you."
for neither can they die any more; for they are equal to the angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.
For I am persuaded that, neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that to come;
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth for service, for the sake of those about to inherit salvation?
For it was becoming Him, on Whose account are all things, and through Whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to perfect, through suffering, the Captain of their salvation.
and, having been made perfect, He became the Author of eternal life to all who obey Him;
But ye have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the Living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general festal throng, and assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in Heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous ones made perfect;
Beloved, now are we children of God, and never yet was it manifested what we shall be. We know that, if He shall be manifested, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.
the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of seven assemblies; and the seven candlesticks are seven assemblies."
And I saw a strong angel, proclaiming with a great voice, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose its seals!"
And a white robe was given to each one of them; and it was said to them, that they should rest yet a little time, until their fellow-servants and their brethren, who were about to be slain, as they also had been, should fulfill their course.
And I saw, and heard an eagle flying in mid-heaven, saying with a great voice, "Woe, woe, woe, to those who dwell on the earth, by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!"
And I saw another strong angel, descending out of Heaven, clothed with a cloud, and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire. And he had in his hand a little book opened; and he set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land;
And there was war in the heaven; Michael and his angels went forth to war with the dragon. And the dragon made war, and his angels;
And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole habitable earth; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.
And a strong angel took up a stone, as it were a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence shall Babylon, the great city, be cast down, and in nowise be found any more!