Definition and Nature:
Angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve as His messengers and to carry out His will. They are often depicted as having great power and wisdom, yet they remain subordinate to God. The term "angel" is derived from the Greek word "angelos," meaning "messenger." In the Hebrew Bible, the equivalent term is "mal'akh."

Biblical Descriptions and Roles:
Angels appear throughout the Bible, fulfilling various roles and functions. They are often seen delivering messages from God, executing divine judgment, providing guidance, and offering protection to God's people.

1. Messengers of God:
Angels frequently serve as intermediaries between God and humans. For instance, the angel Gabriel announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah (Luke 1:11-20) and the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).

2. Agents of Judgment:
Angels are sometimes depicted as executing God's judgment. In 2 Samuel 24:16, an angel is sent to destroy Jerusalem as a consequence of David's sin, but God relents and halts the destruction.

3. Protectors and Guides:
Angels are often seen providing protection and guidance to believers. Psalm 91:11 states, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." In Acts 12:7, an angel frees Peter from prison, demonstrating their role in delivering God's people.

4. Worshipers of God:
Angels are depicted as worshipers of God, continually praising 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!"

Hierarchy and Types:
The Bible suggests a hierarchy among angels, with different types and ranks. The archangel Michael is mentioned as a leader among angels (Jude 1:9). Cherubim and seraphim are specific types of angels associated with the presence and worship of God (Isaiah 6:2-3; Ezekiel 10:1-22).

Angelic Appearances:
Angels often appear in human form, though their presence is sometimes accompanied by awe-inspiring phenomena. In Genesis 18, three men, later revealed to be angels, visit Abraham. In contrast, the angelic appearance at Jesus' tomb is described with a countenance "like lightning" (Matthew 28:3).

Fallen Angels:
The Bible also speaks of angels who rebelled against God, led by Satan. These fallen angels, or demons, oppose God's purposes and seek to lead humanity astray. Revelation 12:7-9 describes a war in heaven, where Michael and his angels fight against the dragon (Satan) and his angels, who are ultimately defeated and cast out of heaven.

Angels in Eschatology:
In eschatological contexts, angels play significant roles in the unfolding of end-time events. They are involved in the gathering of the elect (Matthew 24:31), the sounding of trumpets (Revelation 8:6-13), and the execution of God's final judgments (Revelation 16:1).

Key Bible Verses:
· Hebrews 1:14: "Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"
· Psalm 34:7: "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them."
· Daniel 6:22: "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions, so that they have not hurt me."

Theological Significance:
Angels are integral to the biblical narrative, illustrating God's sovereignty, justice, and care for His creation. They serve as reminders of the spiritual realm and the ongoing battle between good and evil. While angels are revered for their role in God's plan, worship is reserved for God alone, as emphasized in Revelation 22:8-9, where John is instructed not to worship the angel but to worship God.A word signifying, both in the Hebrew and Greek, a "messenger," and hence employed to denote any agent God sends forth to execute his purposes. It is used of an ordinary messenger (Job 1:14: 1 Samuel 11:3; Luke 7:24; 9:52), of prophets (Isaiah 42:19; Haggai 1:13), of priests (Malachi 2:7), and ministers of the New Testament (Revelation 1:20).

It is also applied to such impersonal agents as the pestilence (2 Samuel 24:16, 17; 2 Kings 19:35), the wind (Psalm 104:4).

But its distinctive application is to certain heavenly intelligences whom God employs in carrying on his government of the world. The name does not denote their nature but their office as messengers. The appearances to Abraham at Mamre (Genesis 18:2, 22. Comp. 19:1), to Jacob at Peniel (Genesis 32:24, 30), to Joshua at Gilgal (Joshua 5:13, 15), of the Angel of the Lord, were doubtless manifestations of the Divine presence, "foreshadowings of the incarnation," revelations before the "fulness of the time" of the Son of God.

(1.) The existence and orders of angelic beings can only be discovered from the Scriptures. Although the Bible does not treat of this subject specially, yet there are numerous incidental details that furnish us with ample information. Their personal existence is plainly implied in such passages as Genesis 16:7, 10, 11; Judges 13:1-21; Matthew 28:2-5; Hebrews 1:4, etc.

These superior beings are very numerous. "Thousand thousands," etc. (Dan. 7:10; Matthew 26:53; Luke 2:13; Hebrews 12:22, 23). They are also spoken of as of different ranks in dignity and power (Zechariah 1:9, 11; Dan. 10:13; 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 1:9; Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16).

(2.) As to their nature, they are spirits (Hebrews 1:14), like the soul of man, but not incorporeal. Such expressions as "like the angels" (Luke 20:36), and the fact that whenever angels appeared to man it was always in a human form (Genesis 18:2; 19:1, 10; Luke 24:4; Acts 1:10), and the titles that are applied to them ("sons of God, " Job 1:6; 38:7; Dan. 3:25; Comp. 28) and to men (Luke 3:38), seem all to indicate some resemblance between them and the human race. Imperfection is ascribed to them as creatures (Job 4:18; Matthew 24:36; 1 Peter 1:12). As finite creatures they may fall under temptation; and accordingly we read of "fallen angels." Of the cause and manner of their "fall" we are wholly ignorant. We know only that "they left their first estate" (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:7, 9), and that they are "reserved unto judgement" (2 Peter 2:4). When the manna is called "angels' food," this is merely to denote its excellence (Psalm 78:25). Angels never die (Luke 20:36). They are possessed of superhuman intelligence and power (Mark 13:32; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Psalm 103:20). They are called "holy" (Luke 9:26), "elect" (1 Timothy 5:21). The redeemed in glory are "like unto the angels" (Luke 20:36). They are not to be worshipped (Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:10).

(3.) Their functions are manifold. (a) In the widest sense they are agents of God's providence (Exodus 12:23; Psalm 104:4; Hebrews 11:28; 1 Corinthians 10:10; 2 Samuel 24:16; 1 Chronicles 21:16; 2 Kings 19:35; Acts 12:23). (b) They are specially God's agents in carrying on his great work of redemption. There is no notice of angelic appearances to man till after the call of Abraham. From that time onward there are frequent references to their ministry on earth (Genesis 18; 19; 24:7, 40; 28:12; 32:1). They appear to rebuke idolatry (Judges 2:1-4), to call Gideon (Judges 6:11, 12), and to consecrate Samson (13:3). In the days of the prophets, from Samuel downward, the angels appear only in their behalf (1 Kings 19:5; 2 Kings 6:17; Zechariah 1-6; Dan. 4:13, 23; 10:10, 13, 20, 21).

The Incarnation introduces a new era in the ministrations of angels. They come with their Lord to earth to do him service while here. They predict his advent (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:26-38), minister to him after his temptation and agony (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43), and declare his resurrection and ascension (Matthew 28:2-8; John 20:12, 13; Acts 1:10, 11). They are now ministering spirits to the people of God (Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 34:7; 91:11; Matthew 18:10; Acts 5:19; 8:26; 10:3; 12:7; 27:23). They rejoice over a penitent sinner (Luke 15:10). They bear the souls of the redeemed to paradise (Luke 16:22); and they will be the ministers of judgement hereafter on the great day (Matthew 13:39, 41, 49; 16:27; 24:31). The passages (Psalm 34:7, Matthew 18:10) usually referred to in support of the idea that every individual has a particular guardian angel have no such meaning. They merely indicate that God employs the ministry of angels to deliver his people from affliction and danger, and that the angels do not think it below their dignity to minister even to children and to the least among Christ's disciples.

The "angel of his presence" (Isaiah 63:9. Comp. Exodus 23:20, 21; 32:34; 33:2; Numbers 20:16) is probably rightly interpreted of the Messiah as the guide of his people. Others have supposed the expression to refer to Gabriel (Luke 1:19).

1. (n.) A messenger.

2. (n.) A spiritual, celestial being, superior to man in power and intelligence. In the Scriptures the angels appear as God's messengers.

3. (n.) One of a class of fallen angels; an evil spirit; as, the devil and his angels.

4. (n.) A minister or pastor of a church, as in the Seven Asiatic churches.

5. (n.) Attendant spirit; genius; demon.

6. (n.) An appellation given to a person supposed to be of angelic goodness or loveliness; a darling.

7. (n.) An ancient gold coin of England, bearing the figure of the archangel Michael. It varied in value from 6s. 8d. to 10s.

ANGEL

an'-jel (mal'akh; Septuagint and New Testament, aggelos):

I. DEFINITION AND SCRIPTURE TERMS

II. ANGELS IN OLD TESTAMENT

1. Nature, Appearances and Functions

2. The Angelic Host

3. The Angel of the Theophany

III. ANGELS IN NEW TESTAMENT

1. Appearances

2. The Teaching of Jesus about Angels

3. Other New Testament References

IV. DEVELOPMENT OF THE DOCTRINE

V. THE REALITY OF ANGELS

LITERATURE

I. Definition and Scripture Terms.

The word angel is applied in Scripture to an order of supernatural or heavenly beings whose business it is to act as God's messengers to men, and as agents who carry out His will. Both in Hebrew and Greek the word is applied to human messengers (1 Kings 19:2 Luke 7:24); in Hebrew it is used in the singular to denote a Divine messenger, and in the plural for human messengers, although there are exceptions to both usages. It is applied to the prophet Haggai (Haggai 1:13), to the priest (Malachi 2:7), and to the messenger who is to prepare the way of the Lord (Malachi 3:1). Other Hebrew words and phrases applied to angels are bene ha-'elohim (Genesis 6:2, 4 Job 1:6; Job 2:1) and bene 'elim (Psalm 29:1; Psalm 89:6), i.e. sons of the 'elohim or 'elim; this means, according to a common Hebrew usage, members of the class called 'elohim or 'elim, the heavenly powers. It seems doubtful whether the word 'elohim, standing by itself, is ever used to describe angels, although Septuagint so translates it in a few passages.

The most notable instance is Psalm 8:5; where the Revised Version (British and American) gives, "Thou hast made him but little lower than God," with the English Revised Version, margin reading of "the angels" for "God" (compare Hebrews 2:7, 9); qedhoshim "holy ones" (Psalm 89:5, 7), a name suggesting the fact that they belong to God; `ir, `irim, "watcher," "watchers" (Daniel 4:13, 17, 23). Other expressions are used to designate angels collectively: codh, "council" (Psalm 89:7), where the reference may be to an inner group of exalted angels; `edhah and qahal, "congregation" (Psalm 82:1; Psalm 89:5); and finally tsabha', tsebha'oth, "host," "hosts," as in the familiar phrase "the God of hosts."

In New Testament the word aggelos, when it refers to a Divine messenger, is frequently accompanied by some phrase which makes this meaning clear, e.g. "the angels of heaven" (Matthew 24:36). Angels belong to the "heavenly host" (Luke 2:13). In reference to their nature they are called "spirits" (Hebrews 1:14). Paul evidently referred to the ordered ranks of supra-mundane beings in a group of words that are found in various combinations, namely, archai, "principalities," exousiai, "powers," thronoi, "thrones," kuriotetes, "dominions," and dunameis, also translated "powers." The first four are apparently used in a good sense in Colossians 1:16, where it is said that all these beings were created through Christ and unto Him; in most of the other passages in which words from this group occur, they seem to represent evil powers. We are told that our wrestling is against them (Ephesians 6:12), and that Christ triumphs over the principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15; compare Romans 8:38 1 Corinthians 15:24). In two passages the word archaggelos, "archangel" or chief angel, occurs: "the voice of the archangel" (1 Thessalonians 4:16), and "Michael the archangel" (Jude 1:9).

II. Angels in Old Testament.

1. Nature, Appearances and Functions:

Everywhere in the Old Testament the existence of angels is assumed. The creation of angels is referred to in Psalm 148:2, 5 (compare Colossians 1:16). They were present at the creation of the world, and were so filled with wonder and gladness that they "shouted for joy" (Job 38:7). Of their nature we are told nothing. In general they are simply regarded as embodiments of their mission. Though presumably the holiest of created beings, they are charged by God with folly (Job 4:18), and we are told that "he putteth no trust in his holy ones" (Job 15:15).

References to the fall of the angels are only found in the obscure and probably corrupt passage Genesis 6:1-4, and in the interdependent passages 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 1:6, which draw their inspiration from the Apocryphal book of Enoch. Demons are mentioned (see DEMON); and although Satan appears among the sons of God (Job 1:6; Job 2:1), there is a growing tendency in later writers to attribute to him a malignity that is all his own (see SATAN).

As to their outward appearance, it is evident that they bore the human form, and could at times be mistaken for men (Ezekiel 9:2 Genesis 18:2, 16). There is no hint that they ever appeared in female form. The conception of angels as winged beings, so familiar in Christian art, finds no support in Scripture (except, perhaps Daniel 9:21 Revelation 14:6, where angels are represented as "flying"). The cherubim and seraphim (see CHERUB; SERAPHIM) are represented as winged (Exodus 25:20 Isaiah 6:2); winged also are the symbolic living creatures of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:6; compare Revelation 4:8).

As above stated, angels are messengers and instruments of the Divine will. As a rule they exercise no influence in the physical sphere. In several instances, however, they are represented as destroying angels: two angels are commissioned to destroy Sodom (Genesis 19:13); when David numbers the people, an angel destroys them by pestilence (2 Samuel 24:16); it is by an angel that the Assyrian army is destroyed (2 Kings 19:35); and Ezekiel hears six angels receiving the command to destroy those who were sinful in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 9:1, 5, 7). In this connection should be noted the expression "angels of evil," i.e. angels that bring evil upon men from God and execute His judgments (Psalm 78:49; compare 1 Samuel 16:14). Angels appear to Jacob in dreams (Genesis 28:12; Genesis 31:11). The angel who meets Balaam is visible first to the ass, and not to the rider (Numbers 22). Angels interpret God's will, showing man what is right for him (Job 33:23). The idea of angels as caring for men also appears (Psalm 91:11), although the modern conception of the possession by each man of a special guardian angel is not found in Old Testament.

2. The Angelic Host:

The phrase "the host of heaven" is applied to the stars, which were sometimes worshipped by idolatrous Jews (Jeremiah 33:22 2 Kings 21:3 Zephaniah 1:5); the name is applied to the company of angels because of their countless numbers (compare Daniel 7:10) and their glory. They are represented as standing on the right and left hand of Yahweh (1 Kings 22:19). Hence God, who is over them all, is continually called throughout Old Testament "the God of hosts," "Yahweh of hosts," "Yahweh God of hosts"; and once "the prince of the host" (Daniel 8:11). One of the principal functions of the heavenly host is to be ever praising the name of the Lord (Psalm 103:21; Psalm 148:1 f). In this host there are certain figures that stand out prominently, and some of them are named. The angel who appears to Joshua calls himself "prince of the host of Yahweh" (Joshua 5:14). The glorious angel who interprets to Daniel the vision which he saw in the third year of Cyrus (Daniel 10:5), like the angel who interprets the vision in the first year of Belshazzar (Daniel 7:16), is not named; but other visions of the same prophet were explained to him by the angel Gabriel, who is called "the man Gabriel," and is described as speaking with "a man's voice" (Daniel 9:21; Daniel 8:15 f). In Daniel we find occasional reference made to "princes": "the prince of Persia," "the prince of Greece" (Daniel 10:20). These are angels to whom is entrusted the charge of, and possibly the rule over, certain peoples. Most notable among them is Michael, described as "one of the chief princes," "the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people," and, more briefly, "your prince" (Daniel 10:13; Daniel 12:1; Daniel 10:21); Michael is therefore regarded as the patron-angel of the Jews. In Apocrypha Raphael, Uriel and Jeremiel are also named. Of Raphael it is said (Tobit 12:15) that he is "one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints" to God (compare Revelation 8:2, "the seven angels that stand before God"). It is possible that this group of seven is referred to in the above-quoted phrase, "one of the chief princes". Some (notably Kosters) have maintained that the expressions "the sons of the 'elohim," God's "council" and "congregation," refer to the ancient gods of the heathen, now degraded and wholly subordinated to Yahweh. This rather daring speculation has little support in Scripture; but we find traces of a belief that the patron-angels of the nations have failed in establishing righteousness within their allotted sphere on earth, and that they will accordingly be punished by Yahweh their over-Lord (Isaiah 24:21 Psalm 82; compare Psalm 58:1 the Revised Version, margin; compare Jude 1:6).

3. The Angel of the Theophany:

This angel is spoken of as "the angel of Yahweh," and "the angel of the presence (or face) of Yahweh." The following passages contain references to this angel: Genesis 16:7 -the angel and Hagar; Genesis 18 -Abraham intercedes with the angel for Sodom; Genesis 22:11 -the angel interposes to prevent the sacrifice of Isaac; Genesis 24:7, 40 -Abraham sends Eliezer and promises the angel's protection; Genesis 31:11 -the angel who appears to Jacob says "I am the God of Beth-el"; Genesis 32:24 -Jacob wrestles with the angel and says, "I have seen God face to face"; Genesis 48:15 f-Jacob speaks of God and the angel as identical; Exodus 3 (compare Acts 7:30)-the angel appears to Moses in the burning bush; Exodus 13:21; Exodus 14:19 (compare Numbers 20:16)-God or the angel leads Israel out of Egypt; Exodus 23:20 -the people are commanded to obey the angel; Exodus 32:34-33:17 (compare Isaiah 63:9)-Moses pleads for the presence of God with His people; Joshua 5:13-6:2 -the angel appears to Joshua; Judges 2:1-5 -the angel speaks to the people; Judges 6:11 -the angel appears to Gideon.

A study of these passages shows that while the angel and Yahweh are at times distinguished from each other, they are with equal frequency, and in the same passages, merged into each other. How is this to be explained? It is obvious that these apparitions cannot be the Almighty Himself, whom no man hath seen, or can see. In seeking the explanation, special attention should be paid to two of the passages above cited. In Exodus 23:20 God promises to send an angel before His people to lead them to the promised land; they are commanded to obey him and not to provoke him "for he will not pardon your transgression: for my name is in him." Thus the angel can forgive sin, which only God can do, because God's name, i.e. His character and thus His authority, are in the angel. Further, in the passage Exodus 32:34-33:17 Moses intercedes for the people after their first breach of the covenant; God responds by promising, "Behold mine angel shall go before thee"; and immediately after God says, "I will not go up in the midst of thee." In answer to further pleading, God says, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." Here a clear distinction is made between an ordinary angel, and the angel who carries with him God's presence. The conclusion may be summed up in the words of Davidson in his Old Testament Theology: "In particular providences one may trace the presence of Yahweh in influence and operation; in ordinary angelic appearances one may discover Yahweh present on some side of His being, in some attribute of His character; in the angel of the Lord He is fully present as the covenant God of His people, to redeem them." The question still remains, Who is theophanic angel? To this many answers have been given, of which the following may be mentioned:

(1) This angel is simply an angel with a special commission;

(2) He may be a momentary descent of God into visibility;

(3) He may be the Logos, a kind of temporary preincarnation of the second person of the Trinity. Each has its difficulties, but the last is certainly the most tempting to the mind. Yet it must be remembered that at best these are only conjectures that touch on a great mystery. It is certain that from the beginning God used angels in human form, with human voices, in order to communicate with man; and the appearances of the angel of the Lord, with his special redemptive relation to God's people, show the working of that Divine mode of self-revelation which culminated in the coming of the Saviour, and are thus a fore-shadowing of, and a preparation for, the full revelation of God in Jesus Christ. Further than this, it is not safe to go.

III. Angels in New Testament.

1. Appearances:

Nothing is related of angels in New Testament which is inconsistent with the teaching of Old Testament on the subject. Just as they are specially active in the beginning of Old Testament history, when God's people is being born, so they appear frequently in connection with the birth of Jesus, and again when a new order of things begins with the resurrection. An angel appears three times in dreams to Joseph (Matthew 1:20; Matthew 2:13, 19). The angel Gabriel appears to Zacharias, and then to Mary in the annunciation (Luke 1). An angel announces to the shepherds the birth of Jesus, and is joined by a "multitude of the heavenly host," praising God in celestial song (Luke 2:8). When Jesus is tempted, and again during the agony at Gethsemane, angels appear to Him to strengthen His soul (Matthew 4:11 Luke 22:43). The verse which tells how an angel came down to trouble the pool (John 5:4) is now omitted from the text as not being genuine. An angel descends to roll away the stone from the tomb of Jesus (Matthew 28:2); angels are seen there by certain women (Luke 24:23) and (two) by Mary Magdalene (John 20:12). An angel releases the apostles from prison, directs Philip, appears to Peter in a dream, frees him from prison, smites Herod with sickness, appears to Paul in a dream (Acts 5:19; Acts 8:26; Acts 10:3; Acts 12:7; 12:23; 27:23). Once they appear clothed in white; they are so dazzling in appearance as to terrify beholders; hence they begin their message with the words "Fear not" (Matthew 28:2-5).

2. The Teaching of Jesus about Angels:

It is quite certain that our Lord accepted the main teachings of Old Testament about angels, as well as the later Jewish belief in good and bad angels. He speaks of the "angels in heaven" (Matthew 22:30), and of "the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41). According to our Lord the angels of God are holy (Mark 8:38); they have no sex or sensuous desires (Matthew 22:30); they have high intelligence, but they know not the time of the Second Coming (Matthew 24:36); they carry (in a parable) the soul of Lazarus to Abraham's bosom (Luke 16:22); they could have been summoned to the aid of our Lord, had He so desired (Matthew 26:53); they will accompany Him at the Second Coming (Matthew 25:31) and separate the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 13:41, 49). They watch with sympathetic eyes the fortunes of men, rejoicing in the repentance of a sinner (Luke 15:10; compare 1 Peter 1:12 Ephesians 3:10 1 Corinthians 4:9); and they will hear the Son of Man confessing or denying those who have confessed or denied Him before men (Luke 12:8 f). The angels of the presence of God, who do not appear to correspond to our conception of guardian angels, are specially interested in God's little ones (Matthew 18:10). Finally, the existence of angels is implied in the Lord's Prayer in the petition, "Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth" (Matthew 6:10).

3. Other New Testament References:

Paul refers to the ranks of angels ("principalities, powers" etc.) only in order to emphasize the complete supremacy of Jesus Christ. He teaches that angels will be judged by the saints (1 Corinthians 6:3). He attacks the incipient Gnosticism of Asia Minor by forbidding the, worship of angels (Colossians 2:18). He speaks of God's angels as "elect," because they are included in the counsels of Divine love (1 Timothy 5:21). When Paul commands the women to keep their heads covered in church because of the angels (1 Corinthians 11:10) he probably means that the angels, who watch all human affairs with deep interest, would be pained to see any infraction of the laws of modesty. In Hebrews 1:14 angels are described as ministering spirits engaged in the service of the saints. Peter also emphasizes the supremacy of our Lord over all angelic beings (1 Peter 3:22). The references to angels in 2 Peter and Jude are colored by contact with Apocrypha literature. In Revelation, where the references are obviously symbolic, there is very frequent mention of angels. The angels of the seven churches (Revelation 1:20) are the guardian angels or the personifications of these churches. The worship of angels is also forbidden (Revelation 22:8). Specially interesting is the mention of elemental angels-"the angel of the waters" (Revelation 16:5), and the angel "that hath power over fire" (Revelation 14:18; compare Revelation 7:1; Revelation 19:17). Reference is also made to the "angel of the bottomless pit," who is called ABADDON or APOLLYON (which see), evidently an evil angel (Revelation 9:11 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "abyss"). In Revelation 12:7 we are told that there was war between Michael with his angels and the dragon with his angels.

IV. Development of the Doctrine.

In the childhood of the race it was easy to believe in God, and He was very near to the soul. In Paradise there is no thought of angels; it is God Himself who walks in the garden. A little later the thought of angels appears, but, God has not gone away, and as "the angel of Yahweh" He appears to His people and redeems them. In these early times the Jews believed that there were multitudes of angels, not yet divided in thought into good and bad; these had no names or personal characteristics, but were simply embodied messages. Till the time of the captivity the Jewish angelology shows little development. During that dark period they came into close contact with a polytheistic people, only to be more deeply confirmed in their monotheism thereby. They also became acquainted with the purer faith of the Persians, and in all probability viewed the tenets of Zoroastrianism with a more favorable eye, because of the great kindness of Cyrus to their nation.

There are few direct traces of Zoroastrianism in the later angelology of the Old Testament. It is not even certain that the number seven as applied to the highest group of angels is Persian in its origin; the number seven was not wholly disregarded by the Jews. One result of the contact was that the idea of a hierarchy of the angels was more fully developed. The conception in Daniel of angels as "watchers," and the idea of patron-princes or angel-guardians of nations may be set down to Persian influence. It is probable that contact with the Persians helped the Jews to develop ideas already latent in their minds. According to Jewish tradition, the names of the angels came from Babylon. By this time the consciousness of sin had grown more intense in the Jewish mind, and God had receded to an immeasurable distance; the angels helped to fill the gap between God and man. The more elaborate conceptions of Daniel and Zechariah are further developed in Apocrypha, especially in 2 Esdras, Tobit and 2 Maccabees.

In the New Testament we find that there is little further development; and by the Spirit of God its writers were saved from the absurdly puerile teachings of contemporary Rabbinism. We find that the Sadducees, as contrasted with the Pharisees, did not believe in angels or spirits (Acts 23:8). We may conclude that the Sadducees, with their materialistic standpoint, and denial of the resurrection, regarded angels merely as symbolical expressions of God's actions. It is noteworthy in this connection that the great priestly document (Priestly Code, P) makes no mention of angels. The Book of Revelation naturally shows a close kinship to the books of Ezekiel and Daniel. Regarding the rabbinical developments of angelology, some beautiful, some extravagant, some grotesque, but all fanciful, it is not necessary here to speak. The Essenes held an esoteric doctrine of angels, in which most scholars find the germ of the Gnostic eons.

V. The Reality of Angels.

A belief in angels, if not indispensable to the faith of a Christian, has its place there. In such a belief there is nothing unnatural or contrary to reason. Indeed, the warm welcome which human nature has always given to this thought, is an argument in its favor. Why should there not be such an order of beings, if God so willed it? For the Christian the whole question turns on the weight to be attached to the words of our Lord. All are agreed that He teaches the existence, reality, and activity of angelic beings. Was He in error because of His human limitations? That is a conclusion which it is very hard for the Christian to draw, and we may set it aside. Did He then adjust His teaching to popular belief, knowing that what He said was not true? This explanation would seem to impute deliberate untruth to our Lord, and must equally be set aside. So we find ourselves restricted to the conclusion that we have the guaranty of Christ's word for the existence of angels; for most Christians that will settle the question.

The visible activity of angels has come to an end, because their mediating work is done; Christ has founded the kingdom of the Spirit, and God's Spirit speaks directly to the spirit of man. This new and living way has been opened up to us by Jesus Christ, upon whom faith can yet behold the angels of God ascending and descending. Still they watch the lot of man, and rejoice in his salvation; still they join in the praise and adoration of God, the Lord of hosts, still can they be regarded as "ministering spirits sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation."

LITERATURE.

All Old Testament and New Testament theologies contain discussions. Among the older books Oehler's Old Testament Theology and Hengstenberg's Christology of Old Testament (for "angel of Yahweh") and among modern ones Davidson's Old Testament Theology are specially valuable. The ablest supporter of theory that the "sons of the Elohim" are degraded gods is Kosters. "Het onstaan der Angelologie onder Israel," TT 1876. See also articles on "Angel" in HDB (by Davidson), EB, DCG, Jew Encyclopedia, RE (by Cremer). Cremer's Biblico-Theological New Testament Lexicon should be consulted under the word "aggelos." For Jewish beliefs see also Edersheim's Life and Times of Jesus, II, Appendix xiii. On the Pauline angelology see Everling, Die paulinische Angelologie. On the general subject see Godet, Biblical Studies; Mozley, The Word, chapter lix, and Latham, A Service of Angels.

John Macartney Wilson

ANGEL OF GOD

See ANGEL.

ANGEL OF YAHWEH

See ANGEL (II, 3).

743. archaggelos -- a chief angel, ie archangel
... a chief angel, ie archangel. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration:
archaggelos Phonetic Spelling: (ar-khang'-el-os) Short Definition: a ruler of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/743.htm - 7k

32. aggelos -- a messenger, angel
... a messenger, angel. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: aggelos Phonetic
Spelling: (ang'-el-os) Short Definition: an angel, messenger Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/32.htm - 8k

32a. aggelos -- a messenger, angel
... 32, 32a. aggelos. 32b . a messenger, angel. Transliteration: aggelos
Short Definition: angel. Word Origin a prim. word Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/32a.htm - 5k

3. Abaddon -- Abaddon, the angel of the abyss
... Abaddon, the angel of the abyss. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable
Transliteration: Abaddon Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ad-dohn') Short Definition: Abaddon ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3.htm - 6k

1043. Gabriel -- Gabriel, an angel
... Gabriel, an angel. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Gabriel
Phonetic Spelling: (gab-ree-ale') Short Definition: Gabriel Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1043.htm - 6k

623. Apolluon -- "a destroyer," Apollyon, the angel of the abyss
... 622, 623. Apolluon. 624 . "a destroyer," Apollyon, the angel of the abyss.
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Apolluon Phonetic Spelling: (ap ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/623.htm - 6k

1139. daimonizomai -- to be possessed by a demon
... evil-spirit or demon. 1139 (from 1142 ) -- properly, , ie coming under the
power of a demon (fallen angel). Word Origin from daimon ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1139.htm - 7k

1097. ginosko -- to come to know, recognize, perceive
... 1097 ("experientially know") is used for example in Lk 1:34, "And Mary [a virgin]
said to the angel, 'How will this be since I do not (1097 = sexual intimacy ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1097.htm - 12k

4566. Satan -- Satan.
... Satan Definition: Satan. Cognate: 4566 -- , the same fallen angel as 4567
("the adversary, opposer," see there). 4566 ("Satan") only ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4566.htm - 6k

1142. daimon -- a demon
... spirit, demon. Cognate: 1142 (a feminine noun) -- a demon, ie a fallen angel.
See 1139 ("demonized") and 1140 ("little demon"). [This ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1142.htm - 7k

4398. malak -- an angel
... 4397, 4398. malak. 4399 . an angel. Transliteration: malak Phonetic Spelling:
(mal-ak') Short Definition: angel. Word Origin (Aramaic ...
/hebrew/4398.htm - 6k

4317. Mikael -- "Who is like God?" an angel, also a number of Isr.
... Mikael. 4318 . "Who is like God?" an angel, also a number of Isr. Transliteration:
Mikael Phonetic Spelling: (me-kaw-ale') Short Definition: Michael. ...
/hebrew/4317.htm - 6k

4397. malak -- a messenger
... 4396, 4397. malak. 4398 . a messenger. Transliteration: malak Phonetic Spelling:
(mal-awk') Short Definition: angel. ... ambassador, angel, king, messenger. ...
/hebrew/4397.htm - 6k

47. abbir -- mighty, valiant
... angel, bull, chiefest, mighty one, stouthearted, strong one, valiant. For 'abiyr;
--angel, bull, chiefest, mighty (one), stout(-hearted), strong (one), valiant. ...
/hebrew/47.htm - 6k

5894. ir -- waking or wakeful one
... watcher. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to uwr; a watcher, ie An angel (as
guardian) -- watcher. see HEBREW uwr. 5893, 5894. ir. 5895 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/5894.htm - 6k

6918. qadosh -- sacred, holy
... Or qadosh {kaw-doshe'}; from qadash; sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun)
God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary -- holy (One), saint. ...
/hebrew/6918.htm - 6k

The Angel
... BIBLE STORIES AND RELIGIOUS CLASSICS THE ANGEL. By HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN.
Whenever a good child dies, an angel from heaven comes ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/wells/bible stories and religious classics/the angel.htm

The Guardian Angel.
... THE GUARDIAN ANGEL. When you entered the Christian race God gave an angel to guard
and guide you in the way. You need have no fear of this world. ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/the guardian angel.htm

The Angel Adjutant of "Twice Born Men"
The Angel Adjutant of "Twice Born Men". . The Angel Adjutant of
"Twice Born Men" Minnie L. Carpenter. This eBook was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/

The Encamping Angel
... VOLUME I: PSALMS I to XLIX THE ENCAMPING ANGEL. 'The Angel of the Lord encampeth
round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.'"Psalm 34:7. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the encamping angel.htm

The Angel in the Tomb
... THE ANGEL IN THE TOMB. 'They ... God. The Resurrection of the Prince of Life was
no mystery to the angel. To him the mystery was in His death. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the angel in the tomb.htm

The Angel and the Infant
... THE ANGEL AND THE INFANT. THE ANGEL AND THE INFANT 8,6,8,6. [23]Unbekanntes. ... His
wings the seraph spread: They're gone"the angel and the child. Poor mother! ...
/.../borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/the angel and the infant.htm

The Angel of Patience.
... THE ANGEL OF PATIENCE. THE ANGEL OF PATIENCE. 13,13,13,13. ... [33]Spitta. transl., Jane
Borthwick, 1855. A gentle Angel walketh throughout world of woe,. ...
/.../borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/the angel of patience.htm

Whether an Angel is in a Place?
... OF THE ANGELS IN RELATION TO PLACE (THREE ARTICLES) Whether an angel is in a place?
Objection 1: It would seem that an angel is not in a place. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether an angel is in.htm

The Story of the Angel by the Altar
... THE STORY OF THE ANGEL BY THE ALTAR. ... Suddenly, Zacharias saw an angel from the
Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the angel.htm

Whether in the Angel to Understand is to Exist?
... OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ANGELS (FIVE ARTICLES) Whether in the angel to understand
is to exist? ... Therefore in the angel to understand is to exist. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in the angel to.htm

Angel (209 Occurrences)
... 19:1), to Jacob at Peniel (Genesis 32:24, 30), to Joshua at Gilgal (Joshua 5:13,
15), of the Angel of the Lord, were doubtless manifestations of the Divine ...
/a/angel.htm - 78k

Angel's (3 Occurrences)
...Angel's (3 Occurrences). Revelation 8:4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers
of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand. ...
/a/angel's.htm - 7k

Manoah (14 Occurrences)
... No children had been born to Manoah and his wife, and the latter was considered
barren (Judges 13:2). Finally it was revealed to her by an angel of the Lord ...
/m/manoah.htm - 13k

Mano'ah (14 Occurrences)
... Judges 13:9 And God listened to the voice of Mano'ah, and the angel of God came
again to the woman as she sat in the field; but Mano'ah her husband was not ...
/m/mano'ah.htm - 10k

Araunah (14 Occurrences)
... The destroying angel, sent to punish David for his vanity in taking a census of
the people, was stayed in his work of destruction near a threshing-floor ...
/a/araunah.htm - 13k

Vial (12 Occurrences)
... Revelation 16:3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became
as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. ...
/v/vial.htm - 11k

Relented (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 24:16 When the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy
it, Yahweh relented of the disaster, and said to the angel who destroyed the ...
/r/relented.htm - 9k

Relax (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 24:16 When the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy
it, Yahweh relented of the disaster, and said to the angel who destroyed the ...
/r/relax.htm - 9k

Regret (17 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 24:16 And when the hand of the angel was stretched out in the direction
of Jerusalem, for its destruction, the Lord had regret for the evil, and said ...
/r/regret.htm - 12k

Destroyer (23 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Exodus 12:23), the agent employed in the killing of
the first-born; the destroying angel or messenger of God. (Comp. ...
/d/destroyer.htm - 16k

Who is the destroying angel? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the angel Moroni? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the angel of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org

Angel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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