What Does the Bible Say About Angels?

Photo by Lukas Meier on Unsplash

When George Bailey dove into the river on Christmas Eve to rescue the flailing man, he had no idea he was encountering a supernatural being sent to save his life — his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody.

Movies like It’s a Wonderful Life, along with countless books and a gamut of personal testimonies, have shaped our ideas about angels — those beings from a realm beyond our own that attempt to influence and interact with us to bring about heaven’s best.

But did It’s a Wonderful Life get it right? Are there guardian angels watching over us? Did a bell ring in heaven when Clarence accomplished his task? Did Clarence earn his wings?

What does the Bible say?

Angels appearing in the sky to announce the birth of Jesus and rolling the stone away from His tomb are familiar stories to those who have hung around a Christian church for at least a year, but the Bible tells us far, far more about these spirits who show up at strategic times to assist and inspire humans.

Is it worth the study? Does an understanding of angels affect the working out of our salvation? (Interesting, the context of Philippians 2:12, isn’t it?)

If those of you who are just a little curious want to take a peek into the treasure trove of information God thought was important enough to include in the Scriptures, let’s begin here.

Kinds of angels

In a class by themselves are the cherubim and seraphim. I’m not even sure they should be considered “angels.” Excepting those who guard the entrance to the garden of Eden, cherubim and seraphim don’t leave the presence of God.

Cherubim accompany the glory of God (Ezekiel 10) and seraphim were created to worship Him (Isaiah 6). Their appearance is totally unlike our most common depictions of angelic beings, except for this one thing — they have wings.

Despite most of our visual depictions, angels on assignment outside of the throne room don’t seem to have wings. According to the Scriptures, aside from their brilliance, their eye-catching clothing, and their fearful presence, angels appearing to men most often appear as men.

Ranks of angels

When hearing about the hosts of heaven, I used to imagine a huge choir of angels appearing in the sky, singing loudly. But a bit of study in the Old Testament reveals that the hosts of heaven are God’s heavenly army (I Kings 22:19, Jeremiah 46:15, Psalms 103:20).

And, like an earthly army, these troops are assigned rank — not in importance, but in authority.

The account of one epic battle in the heavenlies introduces us to Michael, called “the chief prince” in the Old Testament (Daniel 12:1) and referred to as an “archangel” in Jude 9— arch being the Greek word for “chief.” That would indicate that some angels are not “chief” but are under the command of the archangels.

Michael is the only archangel referred to by name in the Scriptures, but the book of Daniel and other prophetic writings make it clear that there is more than one, and such “princes” exist on both sides of the battle.

Angelic assignments

The spiritual beings mentioned most often are those who interact with men. They are called malakim in the Old Testament, which translates into English as “messengers.” In the New Testament, they are almost always called “angels.”

Perhaps the most famous messenger from heaven is the angel Gabriel, who had the honor of announcing to Mary that she would give birth to the Messiah. Gabriel also serves in the Old Testament as one of the angels who appeared to Daniel to bring him understanding when he was troubled by visions (Daniel 8–11).

Angels also minister strength and comfort. Numerous times, when Daniel was overwhelmed by his angelic encounters, the angel set him back on his feet.

After being tempted in the wilderness, Jesus received ministry from angels (Matthew 4:11), and Paul testified that an angel appeared to him to encourage him while on a ship to Rome (Acts 27:23).

Psalm 91 says that angels are our protectors:

For he will command his angels concerning youto guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:11–12, NIV)

The idea of each of us having a guardian angel is suggested by the account of Peter being supernaturally led out of prison. When Peter showed up at Mary’s door, it was easier for the disciples to believe it was Peter’s angel than it was Peter himself (Acts 12:15).

And Jesus warned the arrogant that children’s angels always have an audience with the Father (Matthew 18:10).

Those are just a few of the things we learn about the activity of angels. What do the Scriptures reveal about their nature?

An angel’s nature

Angels existed before man (Job 38:7), but are created beings, nonetheless (Hebrews 1:7).

Their spiritual nature makes them “greater in might and power” than humans (2 Peter 2:11), but they are not infallible (1 Corinthians 11:10).

Angels are not omniscient. They don’t fully understand the plan of salvation (1 Peter 1:12) nor do they know when Christ will return (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32).

Angels are emotional — they rejoice when a sinner repents (Luke 15:10).

Angels are God’s servants, but their service is for the sake of God’s people. (Hebrews 1:14)

So what do you think? How did Clarence do?