Teachings: Understanding the Angels by the Book
Hello there,
The Holy Bible presents angels as significant figures with
various roles, including messengers, agents of judgment, and protectors. Here’s
a comprehensive overview based on the relevant scripture passages:
- Angels
as Messengers: Angels frequently act as divine messengers. A notable
example is the angel Gabriel, who visits Mary to announce that she will
conceive the Son of God. He reassures her, saying, "Fear not, Mary:
for thou hast found favour with God" (Luke 1:30), and emphasizes the
miraculous nature of her conception (Luke 1:31-37).
- Angels
in Judgment: Angels also serve as agents of divine judgment. In the
account of Sodom and Gomorrah, two angels visit Lot, and when the men of
the city threaten them, the angels smite the men with blindness to protect
Lot and his family (Genesis 19:1-11). This illustrates their
protective role and involvement in executing God's judgment against sin.
- The
Angel that Stopped Balaam's Donkey: In Numbers 22:22-35, the angel of
the Lord stands in the way of Balaam as an adversary, redirecting him from
a path of disobedience. This encounter highlights the angel's role in
guiding individuals according to God's will.
- The
Angel that Helped Paul Escape Prison: In Acts 12:7-11, an angel of the
Lord appears to Peter while he is imprisoned, saying, "Arise up
quickly," and his chains fall off. The angel guides Peter out of the
prison, demonstrating the protective and liberating role angels can play
in the lives of believers.
- The
Angel that Threatened Jerusalem During King David's Time: In 1
Chronicles 21:15-17, God sends an angel to destroy Jerusalem as a
consequence of David's actions. However, the Lord intervenes, instructing
the angel to stop the destruction, showcasing the angel's role as an agent
of God's judgment.
- Deceptive
Angels: The Bible warns of false angels or deceitful spirits. In 2
Corinthians 11:14-15, it is noted that Satan can transform himself into an
angel of light, indicating that not all angels are benevolent. This serves
as a caution for believers to discern the true nature of spiritual beings.
- The
Purity of Angels: Job 15:15 states that even the heavens are not pure
in God's sight, suggesting that angels, despite their exalted status, are
still subject to God's holiness and judgment.
- Judges
13:17-18: In Judges 13, Manoah asks the angel of the Lord for his
name, to which the angel responds, "Why askest thou thus after my
name, seeing it is secret?" This interaction underscores the
mysterious nature of angels and their divine authority.
- Angels in Worship: Angels are depicted as beings who worship and serve God. In Revelation 7:11-12, angels surround the throne of God, proclaiming His glory and engaging in continuous worship, highlighting their role in the heavenly hierarchy.
In summary, angels in the Bible serve multiple functions, including delivering messages, acting as divine agents of judgment, and providing protection. The accounts of the angel visiting Mary, the angel that stopped Balaam's donkey, the angel that helped Paul escape prison, and the interaction with Manoah illustrate the complexity and significance of these heavenly beings within the biblical framework. Understanding these roles helps to appreciate the multifaceted nature of angels as both protectors and enforcers of divine order.
-------
Additional reading:
-------
Keep the Faith. Best regards,
Brother Ron, N.D.S.M.D.
