An angel, in biblical terms, is a celestial being created by God to serve as His messengers and to execute His will. The term "angel" is derived from the Greek word "angelos," meaning "messenger." Angels are spiritual beings who exist in a realm beyond the physical, yet they frequently interact with the human world as recorded in the Scriptures.

Nature and Characteristics

Angels are described as spirits (Hebrews 1:14) and are often depicted as possessing great power and wisdom. They are immortal beings who do not marry or reproduce (Matthew 22:30). While they are generally invisible to human eyes, they can manifest in physical form when necessary, often appearing as men (Genesis 18:2, Luke 24:4).

Orders and Hierarchies

The Bible suggests a hierarchy among angels, with different orders or classes. The most commonly mentioned orders include:

1. Archangels: The term "archangel" implies a chief or leading angel. Michael is the only angel explicitly referred to as an archangel in the Bible (Jude 1:9). He is depicted as a warrior angel, leading the heavenly armies against the forces of evil (Revelation 12:7).

2. Cherubim: These are often associated with the presence and glory of God. They are depicted as guardians of sacred spaces, such as the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24) and the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-22).

3. Seraphim: Mentioned in Isaiah 6:2-3, seraphim are described as having six wings and are seen in the presence of God, proclaiming His holiness.

Functions and Roles

Angels serve various roles as outlined in the Bible:

- Messengers: Angels frequently deliver messages from God to humans. The angel Gabriel, for instance, announced the births of John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1:11-38).

- Protectors: Angels are often depicted as protectors of individuals and nations. Psalm 91:11 states, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

- Worshipers: Angels continually worship and glorify God. Revelation 5:11-12 describes a multitude of angels praising the Lamb.

- Warriors: Angels engage in spiritual warfare, battling against the forces of darkness. Michael and his angels fight against the dragon in Revelation 12:7.

Angelic Appearances in Scripture

Angels appear throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Notable appearances include:

- The Angel of the Lord: This figure appears in several Old Testament narratives, often speaking as God Himself (Exodus 3:2-6).

- Jacob's Ladder: Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth (Genesis 28:12).

- The Annunciation: Gabriel's announcement to Mary of the birth of Jesus is one of the most significant angelic messages (Luke 1:26-38).

Conclusion

Angels are integral to the biblical narrative, serving as God's messengers, protectors, and warriors. They are a testament to the divine order and the unseen spiritual realm that interacts with humanity. While their full nature and hierarchy remain a mystery, their presence in Scripture underscores the majesty and sovereignty of God.Isaiah 6:2
Above it stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he did fly.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Nave's Topical Index

1 Peter 3:22
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.
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Jude 1:9
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke you.
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Revelation 12:7
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Nave's Topical Index

Concerning "Good," "Light," "Beautiful," "Desire," "Ecstasy ...
... [248] Moreover all things appertaining to the Celestial Hierarchy, the angelic
Purifications ... "Yearning (be it in God or Angel, or Spirit, or Animal Life, or ...
/.../rolt/dionysius the areopagite/chapter iv concerning good light.htm

On Faith
... he told him plainly, "I am of thy fellow-servants, the Prophets;" [Rev.22] not God,
not an angel, not a human spirit. ... May they celestial joys rehearse,. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 122 on faith.htm

On the Angels.
... 2061] and there must also be some angel that encampeth ... or inspiration of the Holy
Spirit, not having ... order of rational creatures among celestial existences is ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter viii on the angels.htm

Gifts no Certain Evidence of Grace.
... divine councils represented as written in celestial records"Then ... can transform himself
into an angel of light ... the operation of the divine Spirit, they boast ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xiv gifts no certain.htm

The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ...
... that the angel who sends the other angel is immediately ... the essence of the Son and
Spirit; otherwise the ... to the Father; but having obtained celestial glory, he ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 the unity of.htm

Abram's Horror of Great Darkness.
... Thus Daniel, when the angel Gabriel was sent to solve ... fear at the approach of the
celestial messenger, could ... have the first fruits of the spirit, groan within ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon v abrams horror of.htm

Letter cxxiv. To Avitus.
... has finally reasoned with much diffuseness that an angel, a human ... from their earliest
years with the spirit of a ... law and the rites of the celestial worship are ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiv to avitus.htm

The Being of God
... The soul has a celestial brightness in it; as Damascene says, It is a diamond set
in a ... What can an ambitious spirit ask? ... What angel can measure these pyramids? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the being of god.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... an angelical sacrifice had been offered by an angel for him ... by the virtue of his
Holy Spirit, he has ... wife," on her introduction into the celestial bride-chamber ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich
... later in life, more surprised at these celestial visits, for ... led on this journey
by her guardian angel, who told ... that she had been ravished in body and spirit. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/the life of anne catherine.htm

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