A Biblical Study on Angels

Since there seems to be so much controversy right now over the issue of angels (particularly with regards to one person's ministry) I thought it might be helpful to post a study I did a number of years ago on the subject. While there are number of additional sources that have long been accepted within Christian tradition regarding angels, the scope of this study was strictly biblical.

Note: this thread is about the biblical function/role of angels and NOT about any particular ministry and I ask staff to remove any posts that debate the validity (or lack thereof) of any individual/ministry.

Existence of angels

1. Angels are found in thirty-four books of the Bible in two hundred seventy-five references.
2. Christ taught the existence of angels (Matt. 18:10; 26:53).
3. The angels are a distinct order of creation and have been given a heavenly position, or sphere, above the sphere of man (Heb. 2:7-9 and Rev. 5:11; 7; 11).
4. Angel means "messenger." In the New Testament, they are always referred to in the masculine gender

Creation of Angels

-- Colossians 1: 15-17
Angels are not a race but a host. They are the sons of God (Job 1:6), not of other angels. They were created (Job 38:6,7) at some point in time before the creation of the physical world. The angels were created in a state of holiness (Jude 6). They are innumerable (Heb. 12:22).

The personality of angels:

Angels have distinct personalities, each possesses:

1. Intellect (I Pet. 1:12).
2. Emotions (Luke 2:13).
3. Will (Jude 6) -- able to leave their first estate.

The nature of angels:

1. They are spirit beings (Heb. 1:14).
2. They do not reproduce (Mark 12:25).
3. They are masculine (except in Zech.5:9 )
4. They do not lie (Luke 20:36).
5. They have great power (II Pet. 2:11).



The Ministry of Angels

1. To Christ:

a. Predicted His birth (Luke 1:26-33).
b. Announced His birth (Luke 2:13).
c. Protected Him as a baby (Matt. 2:13).
d. Strengthened him after His temptation (Matt. 4:11).
e. Prepared to defend Him (Matt. 26:53).
f. Rolled away the stone and announced His resurrection (Matt. 28:2,6).
g. At Christ's ascension (Acts 1).

2. To believers:

a. Help believers in general (Heb. 1:14).
b. Involved in answering prayer (Acts 12; 7).
c. Give encouragement (Acts 27:23-24).
d. Guardian angels (Heb. 1:14; Matt. 18:10).
e. Observe Christians' experiences (I Cor. 4:9; I Tim 5:21).
f. Interested in evangelistic efforts (Luke 15:10; Acts 8:26).
g. Care for believers at death (Luke 16:2; Jude 9).

3. To unbelievers:

a. Involved in executing the judgments of the tribulation period (Rev. 8,9 and 16).
b. Bring punishment to unbelievers (Acts 12:23).
c. Involved when the Lord returns to establish His kingdom (Matt. 13:39).

Classification of Angels

1. Archangel-Michael whose name means "Who is like unto God" (Jude 9).

2. Elect angels (I Tim. 5:21).

3. Principalities and powers -- used of all angels and sometimes of only the fallen angels (Eph. 1:21; 3:10).

4. Gabriel (Luke 1:19). While commonly thought to be an archangel, scripture does not specifically state this. __________________