Topical Bible: Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Law Given By

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In biblical theology, angels are often depicted as spiritual beings created by God to serve as His messengers and agents. One of the significant roles attributed to angels is their involvement in the delivery and administration of divine law. This function underscores their position as intermediaries between God and humanity, particularly in the context of the Old Testament.

Angelic Mediation in the Giving of the Law

The involvement of angels in the giving of the Law is most explicitly referenced in the New Testament, which provides insight into their role during the Mosaic covenant. In Acts 7:53, Stephen, in his speech before the Sanhedrin, states, "You who received the law ordained by angels, yet have not kept it." This passage suggests that angels played a part in the transmission of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, affirms this role by stating, "The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator" (Galatians 3:19). Here, Paul emphasizes the mediatory function of angels in the establishment of the covenant, highlighting their role as facilitators of God's commandments to His people.

The Purpose of Angelic Mediation

The mediation of angels in the giving of the Law serves several purposes. Firstly, it underscores the holiness and divine origin of the Law. By involving angels, God emphasizes the sacredness and authority of His commandments. The presence of these celestial beings signifies that the Law is not merely a human construct but a divine mandate.

Secondly, the involvement of angels highlights the separation between God and humanity due to sin. The need for intermediaries reflects the chasm that sin has created, necessitating a bridge between the divine and the human. Angels, as pure and obedient servants of God, fulfill this role, acting as conduits of His will.

Angels as Guardians and Enforcers of the Law

Beyond their role in the initial giving of the Law, angels are also depicted as guardians and enforcers of divine justice throughout Scripture. In various biblical narratives, angels are sent by God to execute judgment and uphold His statutes. For instance, in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, angels are dispatched to carry out God's judgment upon the cities (Genesis 19:1-13).

Moreover, angels are often portrayed as protectors of those who adhere to God's Law. Psalm 91:11-12 declares, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." This passage illustrates the protective role of angels for those who walk in obedience to God's commands.

Conclusion

In summary, angels serve a crucial function in the context of divine law. As mediators, they facilitate the transmission of God's commandments, underscoring the sacredness and authority of the Law. Their role as guardians and enforcers further emphasizes their commitment to upholding divine justice. Through their involvement, angels reflect the holiness of God and the seriousness with which He regards His covenant with humanity.

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Acts 7:53
Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
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Galatians 3:19
Why then serves the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
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Hebrews 2:2
For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;
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Library

On the Different Functions of Modesty. ...
... On the different functions of modesty. ... in her chamber, alone, she is saluted by the
angel, she is ... in the incorruptibility of a meek and quiet spirit, which is ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xviii on the different.htm

The Holy Spirit in the New Testament Other than in the Old.
... no creature, stone or animal, man or angel, is excluded ... muscles, and we know something
of their functions in the ... of the work of the Holy Spirit upon individual ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the holy spirit in.htm

Awake, Thou that Sleepest
... of a living Christian, than a dead body to perform the functions of a ... about religion,
as if there were "no resurrection, neither angel nor spirit;" and the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 3 awake thou that.htm

A Death in the Desert
... friends, visited by a great light of angel faces ... at the beginning of the resumption
of his functions by the ... of the separation between body and spirit is simply ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a death in the desert.htm

From St. Luke's Eleventh ChapterOther Evidence that Christ Comes ...
... beginning has beforehand condemned [4541] the angel tempter ... whose command [4556]
is also the unholy spirit. ... its boundaries, and laws, and functions, whom, even ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxvi from st lukes eleventh.htm

Eldad and Medad
... to forbid any preacher from exercising his functions on the ... things, 'Tis even as
if an angel shook his ... The same Divine Spirit who qualifies for religious work ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/eldad and medad.htm

The Third Part of the Articles.
... Here comes the fiery angel, St. ... prophet neither Elijah nor Elisha, received the Spirit
without the ... and condemn those who discharge these functions, having been ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the smalcald articles/the third part of the.htm

Book ii. Believers have Always Found their Satisfaction in that ...
... Spirit Who inspired the prophet, the heralding Angel, the light ... the Apostle's account
of the powers and functions of this ... many as are led by the Spirit of God ...
/.../book ii believers have always.htm

The Same Conclusion Supported by the Transfiguration Marcion ...
... Not an ambassador, nor an angel, but He ... believed that the true prophets, who were
filled with the Spirit of God, discharged their prophetic functions with a ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxii the same conclusion supported.htm

Acts VI
... not prevent them from discharging any other functions for which ... I suppose Luke refers
to the Holy Spirit, who supplied ... it were the face of an angel." There is ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vi.htm