Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature Angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve as His messengers and to carry out His will. They are often depicted as having great power and wisdom, yet they remain subordinate to God. The term "angel" is derived from the Greek word "angelos," meaning "messenger." In the Hebrew Bible, the equivalent term is "mal'ak." Biblical Descriptions and Roles Angels are frequently mentioned throughout the Bible, fulfilling various roles and functions. They are described as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Angels are often depicted as worshipers of God, as seen in Isaiah 6:2-3, where the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." Messengers of God One of the primary roles of angels is to act as messengers of God. They deliver divine revelations and instructions to humans. For instance, the angel Gabriel announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah (Luke 1:11-20) and the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1:26-38). Protectors and Warriors Angels also serve as protectors and warriors. Psalm 91:11 states, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." In the Old Testament, angels are depicted as executing God's judgment, such as when an angel struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (2 Kings 19:35). Guides and Comforters Angels provide guidance and comfort to believers. In Acts 8:26 , an angel of the Lord instructs Philip to go to the desert road, leading to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. Angels also comforted Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11) and in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). Heavenly Hierarchy Scripture suggests a hierarchy among angels, with different orders and ranks. The archangel Michael is described as a chief prince and a protector of Israel (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1). Cherubim and seraphim are other classes of angels, each with distinct roles and appearances (Ezekiel 10:1-22; Isaiah 6:2-6). Angelic Appearances Angels often appear in human form, though their presence is sometimes accompanied by awe-inspiring phenomena. In Genesis 18, three men, later revealed as angels, visit Abraham. In the New Testament, angels appear at Jesus' tomb, described as having an appearance like lightning and clothing white as snow (Matthew 28:3). Fallen Angels The Bible also speaks of angels who rebelled against God, led by Satan. These fallen angels, or demons, oppose God's purposes and seek to lead humanity astray. Revelation 12:7-9 describes a war in heaven where Michael and his angels fight against the dragon, identified as Satan, who is cast down to earth with his angels. Eschatological Role In eschatological events, angels play significant roles. They will accompany Christ at His second coming (Matthew 25:31) and will gather the elect from the four winds (Matthew 24:31). Angels are also involved in the final judgment, separating the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 13:49). Worship and Reverence While angels are powerful and holy, Scripture warns against worshiping them. Colossians 2:18 cautions believers not to be disqualified by those who delight in the worship of angels. Instead, worship is due to God alone, as angels themselves worship Him and serve His purposes. Greek 32a. aggelos -- a messenger, angel ... 32, 32a. aggelos. 32b . a messenger, angel. Transliteration: aggelos Short Definition: angel. Word Origin a prim. word Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/32a.htm - 5k Library The Angel's Touch The Angel's Tidings. Whether the Angel's Intellect is Sometimes in Potentiality ... Whether an Angel's Act of Understanding is his Substance? Whether an Angel's Power of Intelligence is his Essence? Whether an Angel's Knowledge is Discursive? The Angel's Message and Song Of the Angel's Knowledge of Material Things (Five Articles) Of the Angel's Knowledge of Immaterial Things (Three Articles) Whether one Angel Moves Another Angel's Will? Thesaurus Angel's (3 Occurrences)...Angel's (3 Occurrences). Revelation 8:4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand. ... /a/angel's.htm - 7k Manoah (14 Occurrences) Wormwood (10 Occurrences) Tasted (18 Occurrences) Mingled (62 Occurrences) Belly (62 Occurrences) Ascended (48 Occurrences) Sweet (147 Occurrences) Sour (15 Occurrences) Smoke (98 Occurrences) Resources What is the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that angels are ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to “remember Lot's wife” in Luke 17:32? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Angel's (3 Occurrences)Revelation 8:4 Revelation 10:10 Revelation 21:17 Subtopics Related Terms |