Definition and Nature:

Angels are celestial beings created by God, serving as His messengers and ministers. They are spiritual entities, distinct from humans, and possess intelligence, will, and power. Angels are often depicted as executing God's will, delivering divine messages, and providing guidance and protection to believers.

Biblical References:

The Bible provides numerous references to angels, highlighting their roles and characteristics. In the Old Testament, angels appear frequently as messengers of God. For instance, Genesis 28:12 describes Jacob's vision of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. In the New Testament, angels announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds (Luke 2:9-14) and minister to Him after His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11).

Hierarchy and Hosts:

Scripture suggests a hierarchy among angels, with certain angels holding specific titles and roles. Michael is referred to as an archangel in Jude 1:9, indicating a position of authority. Similarly, Gabriel is known for delivering important messages, such as the announcement of Jesus' birth to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).

The term "hosts" often refers to the vast number of angels serving God. Psalm 103:20-21 states, "Bless the LORD, all His angels mighty in strength, who carry out His word, who hearken to the voice of His command. Bless the LORD, all His hosts, you servants who do His will." This passage emphasizes the angels' role as obedient servants of God, executing His commands with strength and diligence.

Roles and Functions:

1. Messengers: Angels frequently act as divine messengers, conveying God's instructions and revelations to humans. This is evident in the angelic announcements to Mary and Joseph regarding the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:20-21; Luke 1:26-38).

2. Protectors: Angels are often depicted as protectors of God's people. Psalm 91:11 assures believers, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

3. Worshipers: Angels are depicted as worshipers of God, continually praising and glorifying Him. Revelation 5:11-12 describes a vision of countless angels around the throne, singing, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!"

4. Warriors: Angels also serve as warriors in spiritual battles. Revelation 12:7 recounts a war in heaven, where "Michael and his angels fought against the dragon."

Conclusion:

Angels, as celestial spirits, play a significant role in the biblical narrative. They are depicted as powerful, obedient servants of God, fulfilling various functions such as messengers, protectors, worshipers, and warriors. Their presence in Scripture underscores the majesty and sovereignty of God, who commands a vast host of heavenly beings to accomplish His divine purposes.Genesis 2:1
Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 32:2
And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 5:14
And he said, No; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said to him, What said my Lord to his servant?
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 12:22
For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host, like the host of God.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 33:6
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
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Psalm 103:21
Bless you the LORD, all you his hosts; you ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
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Luke 2:13
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Nave's Topical Index

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
... in rhapsody divine, and in ecstasy celestial, we enjoy ... show the absolute necessity
of the Spirit's work in ... Talk about tying angel's wings with green withes, or ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the outpouring of the holy.htm

Alive or Dead --Which?
... glass," and tune their tongues to the music of celestial hosts. ... conscience; he has
done despite to the Spirit of grace ... if by some touch of an angel's wand our ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 13 1867/alive or deadwhich.htm

The Last visit.
... of his loving, forgiving, unselfish Spirit"was the ... to all nations." The Great
Mission-Angel was to ... His ear"the air thronged with celestial hosts waiting as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xxi the last visit.htm

The Sympathy of the Two Worlds
... not that thou art cut off from the celestial world, while he ... bedside, who noted well
that tear; an angel, who had ... flying up to the pearly gates a spirit like a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the sympathy of the two.htm

The Origin of Evil.
... a note of discord now marred the celestial harmonies ... "Why," questioned this mighty
angel, "should Christ ... been fully destroyed, nor would the spirit of rebellion ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /29 the origin of evil.htm

The Origin of Evil
... a note of discord now marred the celestial harmonies ... "Why," questioned this mighty
angel, "should Christ ... been fully destroyed, nor would the spirit of rebellion ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 29 the origin of.htm

Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
... of the great prophet, on whom his spirit in a ... gazed with wide-opened eyes on the
burning angel-hosts, and saw ... and swept with it and all the celestial pomp, by ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/elijahs translation and elishas deathbed.htm

The Saviour's Many Crowns
... glory, nor has my ear heard the celestial song, I ... it does not bow before him, no
angel so bright ... heart obeys; he willeth, and the rebellious spirit bends its ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the saviours many crowns.htm

Index to First Lines
... salvation See, God shall charge his angel legions (415 ... of love (213) [2382]371 Holy
Spirit, Truth divine ... 39) (325) [2459]100 Light's abode, celestial Salem (399 ...
/.../index to first lines.htm

The Talking Book
... of the Spirit, the witness of thine own spirit that thou ... It is not written in the
celestial tongue, but in ... stern perfection, as if it were an angel and could ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the talking book.htm

Is there an angel named Raphael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Was Satan an angel? | GotQuestions.org

Is there an archangel (or angel) named Uriel? | GotQuestions.org

Angel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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