What does the Bible say about angels?
Angels are divine beings who serve as part of God's heavenly host, functioning as ministering spirits who carry out His divine will (Hebrews 1:14). These celestial beings serve multiple purposes: they watch over humankind, petition God on behalf of people, and engage in spiritual warfare against demonic forces. Often described as "shining ones," angels are associated with celestial bodies and the winds of heaven.
The angelic hierarchy includes several distinct classifications. Cherubim are powerful divine beings who serve as omniscient witnesses and guardians, communicating all that occurs in heaven and earth. They are notably tasked with carrying God's glory and presence (Ezekiel 10:1-22). Seraphim, described in Isaiah's vision, are another class of angels who cover their eyes, symbolizing God's cleansing of sin (Isaiah 6:2-3). The Watchers represent another category of divine beings who oversee human affairs from their heavenly position. While some Watchers remained holy, a group of 200 fell from heaven through their disobedience.
Among the most prominent angels are the archangels, with seven holding specific responsibilities. These include Uriel, who oversees the world and Tartarus; Raphael, who watches over men's spirits; Raguel, who executes vengeance; Michael, who leads God's heavenly host and protects Israel (Daniel 12:1); Gabriel, who helps people understand visions and delivered the announcement of Jesus's birth (Luke 1:26-38); Sariel, who oversees those who sin against the spirit; and Remiel, who watches over those who rise.
The narrative of fallen angels reveals a dramatic chapter in celestial history. Led by Shemihazah, some angels rebelled against God, taking human wives and teaching unrighteous practices (Genesis 6:1-4). These fallen angels are now bound in chains of darkness until judgment day (Jude 1:6). Their union with human women produced giants, whose spirits, upon death, became demons. These fallen beings align themselves with the gods of nations, opposing God's kingdom.
The relationship between angels and humans is multifaceted. Angels can interact directly with humans, delivering divine messages and interceding with God on humanity's behalf. Some traditions suggest that individuals have guardian angels (Matthew 18:10). Humans, being both physical and metaphysical beings, share a spiritual nature with angels. Through faith in Jesus, humans are adopted into God's eternal family, sharing in the responsibility to fulfill His purposes on earth.
Jesus Christ holds a unique position in relation to angels. He is distinctly superior to them, possessing a more excellent name and an eternal throne (Hebrews 1:4-8). As the firstborn of all creation and the unique Son of God, Jesus existed before all things and maintains ultimate authority over both angels and demons. His victory over sin established His supremacy in the heavens, and He uniquely intercedes for Christians before the Father. Some theological interpretations suggest that the "Angel of the Lord" appearances in the Old Testament were pre-incarnate manifestations of Christ.
The realm of demons, understood to be the disembodied spirits of dead giants, represents a chaotic force opposing God's kingdom. These unclean spirits afflict and oppress on earth, operating alongside fallen angels in a cosmic spiritual war. While fallen angels wage war in heavenly places, demons battle in earthly realms. However, Jesus possesses complete authority over these entities, with the power to banish them to the abyss until final judgment (Luke 8:31).
Verses about angels:
Genesis 3:24, "He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life." (Cherubim)
Isaiah 6:2, "Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew." (Seraphim)
Daniel 10:13, "The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia." (Archangel Michael)
Luke 1:19, "And the angel answered him, 'I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.'" (Archangel Gabriel)
Revelation 4:8, "And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'" (Living Creatures)
Psalm 91:11, "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." (Guardian Angels)
Hebrews 1:14, "Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Ministering Angels)
2 Corinthians 11:14, "And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." (Fallen Angels)
Revelation 12:7-9, "Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven." (Angelic Warfare)
Matthew 18:10, "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven." (Guardian Angels and Divine Presence)
