The Role of Angels

The Role of Angels

Introduction
Angels fascinate people. They appear in art, literature, and conversation—but what does the Bible really teach about them? Are they eternal? What powers do they have? Does each person have a guardian angel? While some questions remain unanswered, we will focus on what Scripture clearly reveals about angels—their origin, nature, and work—so that our understanding is shaped not by speculation, but by the inspired Word of God.

I. The Origin and Names of Angels
The Hebrew and Greek words translated angel mean “messenger.” Sometimes the term refers to human messengers, but most often it describes heavenly beings. Scripture uses other terms for them:

• Sons of God (Job 1:6) – Spiritual beings in God’s presence

• Dignities / Glorious Ones (Jude 8–9) – Honored spiritual powers like Michael the archangel

• Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Powers (Colossians 1:16) – Created beings serving God’s purposes

• Seraphim (Isaiah 6:2–3) – Fiery beings who worship before God’s throne

• Cherubim (Genesis 3:24) – Guardians of sacred places

Since God created all things (John 1:3; Nehemiah 9:6), angels are created beings. Job 38:4–7 indicates they were present before the creation of man, rejoicing at the laying of earth’s foundations.

II. The Nature of Angels
They have greater mobility than man (Daniel 9:21–23).
They have more knowledge than man (Daniel 8:13) but are not omniscient (Matthew 24:36).
They have greater power than man (2 Peter 2:11).
They are spirit beings, not flesh and blood (Job 4:18–19).
They do not marry (Matthew 22:30) or die (Luke 20:36).
They have the ability to choose whether to obey or rebel against God (Jude 6).
They can appear to people in human form, sometimes unnoticed (Hebrews 13:2).

III. The Work of Angels
They praise God continually (Revelation 5:11).
They rejoice when a sinner repents (Luke 15:10).
They execute God’s will with strength (Psalm 103:20–22).
They are involved in the affairs of nations and individuals (Exodus 23:23).
They deliver messages from God (Genesis 22:10–13; Acts 7:53).
They carry out God’s judgments.
They were involved in Christ’s life in many ways:

• Announced His birth (Luke 2:9–14)

• Ministered to Him after His temptation (Matthew 4:11)

• Rolled away the stone from the tomb (Matthew 28:2)

• Announced His return at His ascension (Acts 1:10–11)

They minister to God’s people (Hebrews 1:14; Luke 16:22; Matthew 18:10).

IV. The Future Role of Angels
They will accompany Christ when He returns and will execute final judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7–8).

Call to Action
Angels serve as examples of perfect obedience, swift service, and joyful worship. While we are not angels, we are called to the same loyalty to God’s will. Let us live faithfully so that when Christ returns with His mighty angels, we will be among those receiving eternal rest and not eternal judgment.

Key Takeaways
Angels are created spiritual beings who serve as God’s messengers and ministers (John 1:3; Hebrews 1:14).
They have greater mobility, knowledge, and power than humans, but are not omniscient or eternal (Daniel 9:21–23; Matthew 24:36).
Angels praise God continually and rejoice over repentance (Revelation 5:11; Luke 15:10).
They have been deeply involved in God’s redemptive plan, especially in the life of Christ (Luke 2:9–14; Matthew 28:2).
Angels will accompany Christ at His return to execute judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7–8).

Scripture References
Job 1:6 – Sons of God
Jude 8–9 – Michael the archangel
Colossians 1:16 – Thrones, dominions, principalities, powers
Isaiah 6:2–3 – Seraphim
Genesis 3:24 – Cherubim
John 1:3; Nehemiah 9:6 – Angels as created beings
Job 38:4–7 – Angels present at creation
Daniel 9:21–23 – Gabriel’s swiftness
Daniel 8:13 – Angels’ knowledge
Matthew 24:36 – Not omniscient
2 Peter 2:11 – Greater power
Job 4:18–19 – Spiritual beings
Matthew 22:30 – Do not marry
Luke 20:36 – Do not die
Jude 6 – Angels with choice
Hebrews 13:2 – Appear in human form
Revelation 5:11 – Praise God
Luke 15:10 – Rejoice over repentance
Psalm 103:20–22 – Execute God’s will
Exodus 23:23 – Guide nations
Genesis 22:10–13 – Angel delivers message to Abraham
Acts 7:53 – Angels and the Law
Luke 2:9–14 – Announce Jesus’ birth
Matthew 4:11 – Minister after temptation
Matthew 28:2 – Roll away the stone
Acts 1:10–11 – Announce His return
Hebrews 1:14 – Minister to the saved
Luke 16:22 – Carry the saved home
Matthew 18:10 – Their angels behold God
2 Thessalonians 1:7–8 – Accompany Christ at His return

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

November 26, 2017