Angels in the Bible.

 

By JOHN CHOPORES

 

Functions of:

 

1. To guard the things of God. cf. Genesis 3:24 ²⁴ So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. (KJV)

                In symbol, the Ark (e.g. the present of the Lord). cf. 1 Samuel 4:4 ⁴ So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the [i]cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. (KJV) Psalm 80:1  ¹ <<To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph.>> Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. (KJV) Let us keep in mind, that the “ark” was an earthly copy of the heavenly reality.

cf. Hebrews 8:5 ⁵ Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. (KJV)

 

 

 

2. Help in the giving of the Law. Cf. Acts 7:53

            ⁵³ Who have received the law by the [ii]disposition of angels, and have not kept it. (KJV)

Galatians 3:19

            ¹⁹ Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. (KJV)

Hebrews 2:2 ² For if the [iii]word spoken by angels was [iv]stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; (KJV)

 

3. Instrument of revelation to prophets, cf. Daniel 4:13-17

            ¹³ I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven;

            ¹⁴ He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches:

            ¹⁵ Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth:

            ¹⁶ Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

            ¹⁷ This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. (KJV)

Zechariah 1:9

            ⁹ Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be. (KJV)

 

                Even the future! Cf. Daniel 8:19

            ¹⁹ And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be. (KJV)

In some cases, telling them what to do next! Cf. Acts 8:26

            ²⁶ And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. (KJV)

            Sometimes it was a big Prophecy! Cf. Revelation 1:1

            ¹ The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: (KJV)

 

 

4. Are used many times to Communicate the will of God and Christ. Cf. Daniel 8:16  And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

 

 

 

Some facts about angels-

 

They are Created by God, the Father and God the Son (Christ). Cf. Nehemiah 9:6  Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

 Colossians 1:16  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

 

Worship God, the Father and Son. Cf. Nehemiah 9:6  Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

 Philippians 2:9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

 Philippians 2:10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

 Philippians 2:11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 Hebrews 1:6  And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

 

They are ministering spirits.  Cf. 1 Kings 19:5  And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

 Psalms 68:17  The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.

 Psalms 104:4  Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

 Luke 16:22  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

 Acts 12:7  And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

 Acts 12:8  And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

 Acts 12:9  And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

 Acts 12:10  When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

 Acts 12:11  And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

 Acts 27:23  For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

 Hebrews 1:7  And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

 Hebrews 1:14  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

 

Are used many times to Communicate the will of God and Christ. Cf. Daniel 8:16  And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

 Daniel 8:17  So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.

 Daniel 9:21  Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.

 Daniel 9:22  And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.

 Daniel 9:23  At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

 Daniel 10:11  And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.

 Daniel 12:6  And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?

 Daniel 12:7  And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

 Matthew 2:13 ¶ And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

 Matthew 2:20  Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

 Luke 1:19  And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

 Luke 1:28  And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

 Acts 5:20  Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

 Acts 8:26 ¶ And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

 Acts 10:5  And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

 Acts 27:23  For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

 Revelation 1:1 ¶ The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

 

They obey the will of God. Cf. Psalms 103:20  Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

 Matthew 6:10  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

 

They are used to execute the purposes of God.  Cf. Psalms 103:21  Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

 Matthew 13:39  The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

 Matthew 13:40  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

 Matthew 13:41  The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

 Matthew 13:42  And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

 Matthew 28:2  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.   Revelation 5:2  And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

 

Execute the judgments of God. Cf. Acts 12:23  Immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not give God the glory; and he was eaten by worms and died.

 Revelation 16:1 ¶ Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God."

 

Celebrate the praises of God. Cf. Psalms 148:2  Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

 Isaiah 6:3  And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

 Luke 2:13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 Luke 2:14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 Revelation 5:11  And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

 Revelation 5:12  Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

 Revelation 7:11  And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

 Revelation 7:12  Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

 

 

Helped in the giving of the Law. Cf. Psalms 68:17  The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.

 Acts 7:53  Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

 Hebrews 2:2  For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

 

ANNOUNCED many things. Cf. Matthew 1:20  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

 Matthew 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

 

Shall be with Christ, at his second coming. Cf. Matthew 16:27  For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

 Matthew 25:31 ¶ When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

 Mark 8:38  Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

 2 Thessalonians 1:7  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

 

Help obtained by prayer. Cf. Matthew 26:53  Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

 Acts 12:5 ¶ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

 Acts 12:7  And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

 

Watch the Children of God. Cf. Psalms 91:11  For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

 Psalms 91:12  They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

 Daniel 6:22  My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

 Matthew 18:10  Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

 

They are wise. Cf. 2 Samuel 14:20  To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

 

Have great strength. Cf. Psalms 103:20  Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

 

 

They (the unfallen ones) are holy. Cf. Psalms 103:20  Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

 

 

Are without number. Cf. Job 25:3  Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?

 Hebrews 12:22  But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

 

 

Are not to be worshiped! Cf. Colossians 2:18  Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

 Revelation 19:10  And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

 Revelation 22:9  Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.