Discovering Basic Truths of Christianity (Part 2)

ANGELOLOGY
The Study of Angels
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To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for
your feet”? 14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
(Hebrews 1:13-14, NIV)

Angels were an important part of the Jewish religion. Angels assisted with the giving of the Law at
Mount Sinai (Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalm 68:17; Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19). They appear throughout the history
of Israel, coming to Abraham, Daniel, and many others.
Angels also serve an important role in the Christian faith. They are described as “ministering spirits sent
forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:13-14). They have certainly ministered in the
past (Luke 1:11-38). They will certainly minister at the time of Christ’s return (Matthew 13:36-43).
But to what extent do they minister in the present? This is a subject that is prone to much speculation. It is
easy to get caught up in idle myths and fables. About which we are warned to avoid (1 Timothy 1:3-4; 4:7; 6:20;
2 Timothy 2:16; 4:3-4). Yet angels are a Biblical subject, therefore worthy of careful consideration.

I. TERMS USED IN CONNECTION WITH ANGELS

A. The word “Angel”

The Hebrew word ____________ (found 103 times in the Old Testament) simply means “messenger.”
1. It can refer to a ____________ messenger (1 Kings 19:2; Haggai 1:13; Malachi 2:7; 3:1).
2. It can refer to a ____________ messenger (Genesis 28:12). Supernatural or heavenly beings sent as
messengers to men or “agents” who carry out the will of God. (ISBE)

The Greek word _______________ likewise means “messenger.” The word occurs 175 times in the
New Testament. Of men, it is used only 6 times in the New Testament.

B. Other terms applied to “angels”

1. SONS OF GOD – God’s sons by virtue of His _______________ (Job 1:6; 38:7)
2. HOLY ONES – suggesting they belong to God, “set apart” for His purposes (Psalm 89:5, 7)
3. WATCHER, WATCHERS – “likely” referring to angels (Daniel 4:13, 17, 23)
4. HOST – denoting the ____________ of heaven, which likely included angels (1 Samuel 17:45)
5. ARCHANGEL – used twice, once in connection with _______________ (1 Thesalonnians 4:16;
Jude 9)
6. PRINCE, CHIEF PRINCES, GREAT PRINCE – used in the book of Daniel (Daniel 10:13, 21;
12:1)
7. Paul used terms that “seems to” or “may” refer to angels (Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 1:21; 3:10).
Yet these are sometimes distinguished from angels (Romans 8:38; 1 Peter 3:22), and at times
described as _________________ forces (Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 6:12).

II. DESCRIPTIONS OF ANGELS

A. Their nature and attributes

1. They are ____________ beings, suggesting they do not have corporeal bodies (Hebrews 1:14),
though they did reveal themselves at times in the form of human bodies (Genesis 18:3). They do

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not function as human beings in such things as __________________ (Mark 12:25) and they are
not subject to ____________ (Luke 20:36).
2. They are ____________ beings. They are part of the creation that is to praise God (Psalm 148:1-5;
Colossians 1:16).
3. They are ______________________ (Hebrews 12:22). Johns descriptions suggests their number is
____________________ (Revelation 5:11).
4. They are a ____________ order than man. Man was created ____________ than the angels
(Hebrews 2:6-7). Angels are not capable of ____________ (Luke 20:36). They have greater
_____________, though limited (2 Samuel 14:20; Matthew 24:36) and have greater ___________,
though it too is limited (Matthew 28:2; Daniel 10:13).
5. They always appeared as __________. Never as ____________ or children, and always
____________. Other than _________________ and _________________, they never have
____________ (Revelation 8:13; 14:6). Many times they were so disguised as men they were not
first identified as angels (Genesis 18:1-2; 19:1; Hebrews 13:2)

B. Their classifications
1. The archangel, the “great prince.” Michael is called the archangel (Jude 9; 1 Thesalonnians 4:16).
He is also called the “great prince,” who watched over Israel (Daniel 12:1; 10:21).
2. The “____________ princes,” of whom Michael was one (Daniel 10:13). Some would include
_______________ in this classification. The angel sent to explain visions to Daniel (Daniel 8:16;
9:21) and who also made announcements to Zacharias and Mary (Luke 1:19, 26).
3. The ____________. The term applied to angels in the book of Daniel (Daniel 10:13, 21). Also to
what appear to be evil angelic forces (Daniel 10:13, 20-21).
4. The Angel of the Lord. An angel who seems to speak as the Lord Himself (Judges 2:1; Genesis
16:10-13).
5. __________________ (?). Thought by some to be an order or class of angels, though others hold
them to be a higher class of heavenly beings than angels, whose purpose was to be “proclaimers and
protectors of God’s glorious presence, His sovereignty, and His Holiness” (C. Fred Dickason). In
the Bible they stood ____________ at the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24). Their golden figures
covered the mercy seat above the ________ in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:17-22). Their designs
graced the walls and ____________ of the tabernacle, and later in the temple (Exodus 26:1, 31; 1
Kings 6:23-35; 7:29, 36). They attended the glory of God in Ezekiel’s vision (Ezekiels 1:1-28;
10:1-20).
6. __________________ (?). Six winged creatures attending the Lord in Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6:1-
13) whose name literally means “____________ one.” Also considered by many as a higher class
than angels. Their work was to “praise and proclaim the perfect holiness of God” (Dickason).
7. Satan and his angels. Many believe that Satan is a fallen angel. That he is “Lucifer,” a name
applied to the king of _________________ (Isaiah 14:1-12). and that he was among the highest of
God’s creation, a ____________ whose fall and judgment is applied figuratively to the king of
__________ (Ezekiel 28:11-19). Satan does has his angels, for whom condemnation awaits
(Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

III. ANGELS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

A. The Patriarchal Age

BEFORE THE FLOOD. “Sons of God” (angels?) shouted for joy at the Creation (Job 38:7). “Cheru-
bim” (angels?) were placed at the east of the Garden of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life (Gen-
esis 3:24).

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IN THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM. The Angel of the Lord appeared to ____________ in the wilderness
(Genesis 16:7-14; 21:17). Two angels together with the Lord appeared to Abraham (Genesis 18:1-2).
The same two angels appeared to __________ before destroying Sodom (Genesis 19:1-22). The Angel
of the Lord prevented Abraham from sacrificing Isaac (Genesis 22:11-18). Abraham was confident that
an angel would guide his servant in finding a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:7, 40)

IN THE LIFE OF JACOB. In his ____________ at Bethel, Jacob saw angels ascending and descending
on a ladder up to heaven (Genesis 28:12). The angel of God spoke to him in a dream, telling him to
return to Canaan (Genesis 31:11-13). Angels of God met him on his return at Mahanaim (Genesis
32:1-2). He wrestled with a “Man,” who is later called as “the Angel” (Genesis 32:24-30; Hosea 12:4).
Toward the end of his life, he refers to “the Angel who has redeemed me from all evil” (Genesis 48:15).

IN THE LIFE OF MOSES. The Angel of the Lord appeared to him at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-2;
Acts 7:30, 35). The Angel of God led the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 14:19).

B. The Mosaic Age

ON THE WAY TO THE PROMISED LAND. God’s angel led Israel through the wilderness (Exodus
23:20-23; 32:34; 33:2; Numbers 20:16). The Angel of the Lord appeared to Balaam’s donkey, and then
to him (Numbers 22:22-35). Some believe “the Commander of the Lord’s Army” was the Angel of the
Lord (cf. Joshua 5:13-15). The Angel of the Lord rebukes Israel at Bochim (Judges 2:1-6).

IN THE TIME OF THE JUDGES. Through Deborah the Angel of the Lord tells Israel to _________
Meroz (Judges 5:23). The Angel of the Lord appears to Gideon (Judges 6:11-24). The Angel of the
Lord appears to the parents of Samson (Judges 13:1-23).

IN THE DAYS OF THE KINGS. The Angel of the Lord was sent to destroy the people of Israel after
David’s ____________ (2 Samuel 24:15-17; 1 Chronicles 21:14-18, 26-30). The Angel of the Lord fed
Elijah (1 Kings 19:5-7 and sent Elijah with messages to the king of Samaria (2 Kings 1:3, 15). The
Angel of the Lord slew 185,000 men of the army of Assyria (2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chronicles 32:20-22;
Isaiah 37:36; cf. Isaiah 63:9). Isaiah sees “seraphim” praising the Lord on His throne (Isaiah 6:1-7).

IN THE YEARS OF BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY. Ezekiel sees “cherubim” (angels?) in several

visions (Ezekiel 1:1-28; cf. 10:1-20). Nebuchadnezzar praised God for sending His Angel to deliver
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego (Daniel 3:28; cf. 3:24-25). They appeared (as “watchers”) in
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel 4:13, 17, 23). God sent His angel to shut up the lions’ mouths when
Daniel was in the den (Daniel 6:22). ____________ interpreted several visions for Daniel (Daniel
8:15-17; 9:21-23). A “certain man” appeared to Daniel and revealed what certain “princes” (like
Michael, the archangel) were doing (Daniel 10:4-13, 21; 12:1).

IN THE PERIOD FOLLOWING THE RESTORATION. The Angel of the Lord appeared in
Zechariah’s eight visions: 1) The vision of the __________ (1:7-17); 2) ... of the horns (1:18-21); 3) ...
of the measuring __________ (2:1-5); 4) ... of Joshua, the high priest (3:1-10); 5) ... of the lamp stand
and __________ trees (4:1-14); 6) ... of the flying ____________ (5:1-4); 7) ... of the woman in a
____________ (5:5-11); 8) ... of the four chariots (6:1-8). These visions along with the message of
Zechariah were used to encourage the completion of the temple following their return from Babylon
(cf. Ezra 5:1; 6:14).

IN THE SONGS OF ISRAEL. Read Psalms 8:5; 34:7; 35:5-6; 78:25, 49; 91:11; 103:20; 104:4; 148:2

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IV. THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS TO CHRIST

A. Their past ministry to Christ

FORETOLD HIS BIRTH. ____________ appeared to Mary (Luke 1:26-38). An angel appeared to
Joseph in a dream (Matthew 1:18-21).

ANNOUNCED HIS BIRTH. First, a single angel to the shepherds in the field (Luke 2:8-12). Then, a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God (Luke 2:13-15).

PROTECTED HIM IN INFANCY. By warning Joseph in a dream to flee to ____________ (Matthew

2:13) and by telling Joseph in a dream to return to Israel (Matthew 2:19-20).

MINISTERED TO HIM AFTER THE TEMPTATION. After the devil had left Him (Matthew 4:11;
Mark 1:13. May have included encouragement, perhaps even __________ (e.g., 1 Kings 19:5-7).

STRENGTHENED HIM AT GETHSEMANE. As He struggled in prayer and agony (Luke 22:41-

44). Perhaps similar to the way in which Daniel was strengthened (cf. Daniel 10:18-19).

ROLLED AWAY THE STONE AT THE TOMB. Sitting on the stone after doing so, terrifying the
guards at the __________ by his appearance (Matthew 28:2-4).

APPEARED FOLLOWING HIS RESURRECTION. To the women sans Mary Magdalene (who had
gone to tell Peter and John upon seeing the stone removed from the tomb) – Matthew 28:5-7; Mark
16:5-7; Luke 24:4-7, 22-23; John 20:1-2. To Mary Magdalene who went into the tomb after Peter and
John left (John 20:11-13).

ATTENDED HIS ASCENSION. As two men in ____________ apparel, announcing the promise of
His return (Acts 1:9-11).

B. Their Present and Future Ministry to Christ

THEY WORSHIP AND SERVE HIM. They worship Him around the throne (Revelation 5:11-14).
They __________________ things to take place (Revelation 1:1; 22:16).

THEY WILL ACCOMPANY HIS SECOND COMING. When He comes in His glory (Matthew
16:27; 25:31; Mark 8:38) to raise the dead (1 Thesalonnians 4:16) and to bring judgment and condem-
nation upon the wicked (2 Thesalonnians 1:7-10).

THEY WILL SEPARATE THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED, gathering out of His kingdom
all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, casting them into the furnace of __________,
separating the wicked from the just (Matthew 13:40-42, 49-50).

V. THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS TO CHRISTIANS

A. Angels and the early church

PROVIDED DELIVERANCE FROM PRISON. In the case of the twelve apostles (Acts 5:17-20) and
in the case of Peter (Acts 12:7-11).

INVOLVED IN CONVERSION. Sending Philip to meet the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-28) and
appearing to Cornelius to send for Peter (Acts 10:1-8, 21-22; 11:12-13).

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AN INSTRUMENT OF JUDGMENT. In the case of Herod, who delivered a great ______________

(Acts 12:21-22). He failed to give God glory, so an angel struck him with a terrible disease (Acts
12:23).

BROUGHT REASSURANCE. Appearing to Paul, while on his journey to Rome and assuring him that
he and his fellow travelers would eventually arrive (Acts 27:21-24).

REVEALED THE LORD’S WILL. They are depicted throughout the Revelation as serving Christ
(Revelation 1:1; 22:16), praising Him around the throne (Revelation 5:2, 11) and carrying out the
Lord’s warnings and judgments (e.g., sounding the seven _______________, cf. Revelation 8:2, 6, and
pouring out the seven ____________ of wrath (cf. Revelation 16:1).

B. Angels and Christians today

CONCERNED FOR OUR WELL-BEING. They rejoice when sinners repent (Luke 15:10). Little
ones who believe are said to have “their” angels, who behold the face of God in heaven (cf. Matthew
18:10). Here is a sampling of opinions regarding “guardian angels”:

1. “Disclosing the fact that the ministration of angels is not only general but special, certain angels being
entrusted with the care of certain individuals, and all of them supplementing their own wisdom and
power by direct access to the presence of God.” –McGarvey
2. “The doctrine of guardian angels is emphatically taught in the Scriptures. See 1 Kings 19:5-8; Psalm
91:11; Hebrews 1:13; Acts 27:23. Who can afford to despise the children who have representatives
right at the throne of God?” –B. W. Johnson
3. “Our Lord here not only alludes to, but, in my opinion, establishes the notion received by almost all
nations, viz. That every person has a guardian angel; and that these have always access to God, to
receive orders relative to the management of their charge.” –Clarke
4. “He does not mean, I suppose, to state that every good man has his guardian angel, as many of the
Jews believed; but that the angels were, in general, the guards of his followers, and aided them and
watched over them.” –Barnes
5. “Does Jesus mean to teach here that each little child or child of faith had a special angel who appears
in God’s presence (‘see the face of my Father’) in special intimacy? Or does he simply mean that the
angels do take an interest in the welfare of God’s people (Hebrews 1:14)? There is comfort to us in that
thought. Certainly Jesus means that the Father takes special care of his ‘little ones’ who believe in
Him.” –Robertson’s Word Pictures
6. “A difficult verse; but perhaps the following may be more than an illustration: Among men, those who
nurse and rear the royal children, however humble in themselves, are allowed free entrance with their
charge, and a degree of familiarity which even the highest state ministers dare not assume. Probably
our Lord means that, in virtue of their charge over His disciples (Hebrews 1:13; John 1:51), the angels
have errands to the throne, a welcome there, and a dear familiarity in dealing with ‘His Father which
is in heaven,’ which on their own matters they could not assume.” –JFB

AGENTS OF GOD’S PROVIDENCE. All Christians believe in the providence of God. God’s
working in answer to prayer, e.g., Paul’s prayer to visit Rome (Romans 1:9-10). In ways non-
miraculous, but working nonetheless, e.g., Paul’s journey to Rome.

COMPANIONS FOR THE JOURNEY HOME. As Jesus illustrated in the story of the rich man and
Lazarus (Luke 16:22). “The Jews held the opinion that the spirits of the righteous were conveyed by
angels to heaven at their death. Our Savior speaks in accordance with this opinion; and as he expressly
affirms the fact, it seems as proper that it should be taken literally, as when it is said the rich man died
and was buried. Angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who are heirs of salvation
(Hebrews 1:14), and there is no more improbability in the supposition that they attend departing spirits
to heaven, than that they attend them while on earth.” –Barnes

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GUARDIANS OF THE GATES OF THE ETERNAL CITY. As depicted in John’s vision of the New
Jerusalem (Revelation 21:12). “Stationed there as guards to the New Jerusalem. Their business seems
to have been to watch the gates that nothing improper should enter; that the great enemy should not
make an insidious approach to this city as he did to the earthly paradise.” –Barnes

CONCLUSION
Angels continue to minister for those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Their visible activity for
Christians was limited even in the first century, perhaps for this reason:

“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 (via the Word of God, MAC). 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.’” –ISBE

Due to the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit, the need for angels’ visible activity has diminished, and we
do well to heed the warnings about angels:
1. Do not worship them. As the angels themselves warned John (Revelation 19:10; 22:8-9), and as Paul
warned the Colossians (Colossians 2:18-19).
2. Do not heed new doctrines from them. As Paul warned the Galatians (Galatians 1:8). Remember what
Satan is capable of! (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:14).

With these warnings in mind, we can still praise God that among our many spiritual blessings in Christ in
the heavenly place.

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