Angels

Angels are incredible and mysterious beings.  We read about these beings throughout the Bible and it is always interesting to read about them.  So, what exactly do we know about angels?  Let’s see what Scripture reveals about them.

1. While angels have many different roles, the Greek and Hebrews words for angel simply mean “messenger.”

2. Some people have thought that people turn into angels after death, but according to Scriptures like Psalm 148:2, 5; Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16-17, angels were created by God.  We don’t know exactly when this happened, but perhaps it was done when God created the “heavens” in Genesis 1:1, or perhaps even before this (Job 38:4-7 – “sons of God”).

3. The appearance of angels is tough to pin down.

– Many times angels appear in the form of humans (Genesis 18; 19:1, 5; Hebrews 13:2etc).

– Angels appear as men, not women or children (Genesis 18:2; Genesis 19:1, 5; Mark 16:5; etc).

– Angels can have a terrifying appearance.  Matthew said the angel he saw had an appearance “like lightning’” (Matthew 28:2-3).  Many times when people see an angel, they instantly become afraid (Luke 1:12; 2:9; Matthew 28:5; etc).

– Angels are sometimes referred to as “spirits” (Hebrews 1:14).  So, it’s possible that they can be invisible.  While it doesn’t quite seem to fit, it’s possible that the great “invisible army” in 2 Kings 6:16-20 was actually an army of angels.

Overall, angels only are seen when they want to be.  They are truly incredibly being that can appear like normal people, or “like lightning.”  That’s amazing.

4. Angels are incredibly powerful.  In Matthew 28:2, an angel removed the stone in front of Jesus’ tomb, a stone which would have been very difficult for several people to move.  In 2 Kings 19:35, we see the “angel of the Lord” go out and kill 185,000 people in one night.

5. Angels are not all knowing.  Not even angels know when the Lord will return (Matthew 24:36).

6. Not all angels are good.  It appears that Satan is actually an angel who disobeyed God and was cast out of heaven (Luke 10:17-18; 2 Corinthians 10:14).  Angels are capable of sin, and when they did this, God cast them out of heaven (1 Peter 2:4).

Angels are certain amazing beings.  There is a lot we know, and even more that we don’t.  I look forward to the day when we are able to see these beings.  It will be even better when we are able to praise God together with the angels in heaven.