Topical Encyclopedia Angels, as divine messengers, play a crucial role in communicating the will of God and Christ to humanity. Throughout the Scriptures, these celestial beings are depicted as intermediaries who deliver divine messages, provide guidance, and execute God's commands. Their involvement underscores the importance of their role in the divine order and the unfolding of God's plan.Old Testament Instances In the Old Testament, angels frequently appear as messengers of God, conveying His will to His chosen people. One of the earliest instances is found in Genesis 16:7-12, where the Angel of the LORD appears to Hagar, instructing her to return to her mistress Sarai and promising that her descendants will be too numerous to count. This encounter highlights the angel's role in delivering God's promises and guidance. Another significant example is in Genesis 22:11-18, where an angel intervenes to stop Abraham from sacrificing his son Isaac. The angel communicates God's command and reaffirms the covenant blessings due to Abraham's obedience. This event illustrates the angel's function in conveying God's will and ensuring the fulfillment of His promises. In the book of Daniel, angels are depicted as interpreters of visions and dreams, providing insight into God's plans. Daniel 9:21-23 describes the angel Gabriel coming to Daniel to give him understanding of the vision concerning the future of Israel. Gabriel's role as a communicator of divine revelation is further emphasized in Daniel 10:10-14, where he explains the spiritual warfare affecting the fulfillment of God's purposes. New Testament Instances The New Testament continues to portray angels as vital communicators of God's will, particularly in relation to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In Luke 1:26-38, the angel Gabriel is sent to Mary to announce the miraculous conception of Jesus, the Son of God. Gabriel's message is pivotal in revealing God's plan for the incarnation and the salvation of humanity. Angels also play a significant role in the events surrounding the birth of Christ. In Luke 2:8-14, an angel appears to shepherds in the fields, proclaiming the good news of Jesus' birth and glorifying God. This announcement underscores the angelic role in heralding the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Furthermore, angels minister to Jesus during His earthly life, as seen in Matthew 4:11, where angels attend to Him after His temptation in the wilderness. This service highlights their role in supporting and executing God's will concerning His Son. In the book of Acts, angels continue to communicate God's directives to the early Church. Acts 8:26 records an angel instructing Philip to go to the desert road, leading to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. Similarly, in Acts 10:3-6, an angel appears to Cornelius, directing him to send for Peter, which results in the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Angels in Revelation The book of Revelation is replete with angelic activity, emphasizing their role in communicating God's eschatological purposes. Angels are depicted as delivering messages, sounding trumpets, and pouring out bowls of judgment, as seen in Revelation 8:6-13 and Revelation 16:1-21. Their involvement in the apocalyptic visions underscores their function as executors of God's final will and judgment. Conclusion Throughout the biblical narrative, angels are consistently portrayed as messengers and agents of God's will. Their appearances and actions serve to communicate divine instructions, reveal God's plans, and ensure the fulfillment of His purposes. As such, angels are integral to the unfolding of God's redemptive history and the communication of His will to humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 8:16,17And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 9:21-23 Daniel 10:11 Daniel 12:6,7 Matthew 2:13,20 Luke 1:19,28 Acts 5:20 Acts 8:26 Acts 10:5 Acts 27:23 Revelation 1:1 Library Whether the Angels Know the Mysteries of Grace? It Cannot Possibly be Proved from the Sacred Writings, that the ... The Angels of the Seven Churches. Twenty-Seventh Day. Holiness and Service. The Holy Spirit -56 and the Church (57-60) On Creation The End of Theology That Many Good Gifts are Bestowed Upon those who Communicate ... The Works of James Arminius, Vol. 1 God Seeks Intercessors Resources Questions about Angels & Demons (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of angels? | GotQuestions.org Do angels appear to people today? | GotQuestions.org Angels: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Angels are Examples of Meekness Angels are Ministering Spirits Angels are of Different Orders Angels: Announced: The Ascension and Second Coming of Christ Angels: Announced: The Birth of Christ Angels: Announced: The Conception of Christ Angels: Announced: The Conception of John the Baptist Angels: Announced: The Resurrection of Christ Angels: Celebrate the Praises of God Angels: Communicate the Will of God and Christ Angels: Created by God and Christ Angels: Execute the Judgments of God Angels: Execute the Purposes of God Angels: Have Charge Over the Children of God Angels: Know and Delight in the Gospel of Christ Angels: Ministration of, Obtained by Prayer Angels: Rejoice Over Every Repentant Sinner Angels: Shall Attend Christ at his Second Coming Angels: Shall Execute the Purposes of Christ Angels: The Law Given by the Ministration of Angels: Worship God and Christ Related Terms |