What Does the Bible Say About Angels?

The Bible provides various insights about angels, describing their nature, roles, and interactions with humans. Angels are spiritual beings created by God, and they serve a variety of purposes according to the Bible. Below is a comprehensive look at what the Bible says about angels:

1. Angels Are Created Beings

Created by God: Angels were created by God to serve His purposes. They are not eternal like God but were made at a specific time, likely before the creation of the world. (Colossians 1:16: “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.”)

Not to be Worshiped: Angels, while powerful and holy, are not to be worshiped. They are servants of God and point all glory back to Him. (Revelation 22:8-9: “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!”)

2. Angels Are Spirit Beings

Without Physical Bodies: Angels are spirits (Hebrews 1:14: "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"), though they sometimes appear in physical form to interact with humans (Genesis 19:1-2; Luke 1:11-13).

Immortal: Angels do not die and are eternal beings in the sense that, after their creation, they live forever. (Luke 20:36: “...and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels.”)

3. Angels Serve as Messengers

The word “angel” comes from the Greek word angelos, meaning “messenger.” Throughout the Bible, angels are often sent by God to deliver messages to humans:

To Mary: The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).

To Shepherds: Angels announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds in the fields (Luke 2:8-14).

To Zechariah: Gabriel informed Zechariah that he and Elizabeth would have a son, John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20).

4. Angels Worship and Serve God

Angels are constantly involved in worshiping and praising God. In the book of Revelation, they are depicted as surrounding God’s throne and worshiping Him day and night:

In Heaven: Angels sing praises to God (Isaiah 6:3: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory!”).

In Revelation: Thousands of angels are described as worshiping God (Revelation 5:11-12: “...and I heard the voice of many angels...saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain...’”).

5. Angels Are Guardians and Protectors

Guardian Angels: Some scriptures suggest that angels are assigned to protect and watch over humans, especially those who belong to God:

Psalm 91:11: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

Matthew 18:10: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven.”

Protection and Deliverance: Angels often intervene to protect and deliver God’s people from danger:

In the story of Daniel in the lions' den, an angel shut the mouths of the lions, sparing Daniel’s life (Daniel 6:22).

6. Angels Execute God’s Judgment

In addition to delivering messages and protecting God’s people, angels also carry out God's judgments:

Sodom and Gomorrah: Two angels were sent to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1-29).

In Revelation: Angels play a significant role in the events of the end times, executing God’s judgments upon the earth (Revelation 8:6-13).

7. Angels Rejoice Over Repentance

The Bible tells us that angels rejoice when sinners repent and turn to God:

Luke 15:10: “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

8. Angels Can Appear in Human Form

Although they are spiritual beings, angels have been known to take on human form, especially when interacting with humans on missions from God.

Abraham’s Visitors: Three men, later revealed to be angels, visited Abraham to tell him that his wife Sarah would have a son (Genesis 18:1-15).

Lot’s Visitors: Angels appeared as men when they came to rescue Lot from Sodom (Genesis 19:1-22).

Hebrews 13:2 encourages believers to show hospitality, noting, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

9. Angels Engage in Spiritual Warfare

Angels are part of the spiritual warfare between good and evil. The Bible describes a war between God's angels and Satan's forces:

Michael the Archangel: Michael, one of the most powerful angels, leads God’s army against Satan’s forces (Revelation 12:7-9).

Angels vs. Demons: Ephesians 6:12 suggests that angels engage in spiritual battles on behalf of God’s people against dark forces: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against...the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

10. Satan and Fallen Angels

Lucifer (Satan): Satan, also known as Lucifer, was once a high-ranking angel who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17 describe his fall.

Fallen Angels: Along with Satan, other angels followed in rebellion and became demons, working against God’s purposes (Revelation 12:4). These fallen angels are considered adversaries of God’s faithful angels.

Summary of Biblical Roles and Characteristics of Angels

Created Beings: Angels were made by God and serve His will.

Messengers: They deliver important messages from God to humans.

Worshipers of God: They continuously worship and praise God in heaven.

Guardians and Protectors: Angels are tasked with protecting and guiding God’s people.

Executors of Judgment: They carry out God’s judgments, including punishments during the end times.

Spiritual Warriors: Angels engage in spiritual warfare on behalf of God’s people, particularly against demonic forces.

Rejoice in Repentance: Angels celebrate whenever a sinner turns back to God.

Appear in Human Form: Angels sometimes take on human form to interact with people.

Not to Be Worshiped: Angels themselves reject worship and direct it toward God.

In the Bible, angels are portrayed as powerful, holy beings who serve God’s purposes. They act as messengers, protectors, warriors, and worshipers of God. While they play important roles in the spiritual realm and interact with humanity, their primary function is to fulfill God's will and point people toward God, never to draw attention or worship to themselves.