Reference: Angels
Fausets
("messengers".) Often with "of God" or "Jehovah" added. Sometimes called the "holy ones," "saints." The "Angel of God" often means the Divide Word, "the Image of the invisible God," God Himself manifested (Col 1:15; Ge 22:11-12; 16:7,13/type/haweis'>13; 31:11,13/type/haweis'>13; 48:15-16; 33:14; compare Isa 63:9; Ex 3:2,6,14; 23:20-22; Ac 27:23-24, compare Ac 23:11; Nu 22:22-35); accepting as His due the worship which angels reject as mere creatures (Re 19:10; 22:9); this manifestation was as man, an anticipation of the incarnation (Joh 1:18; Ge 18:2,22; 19:1; 32:24,30; Jos 5:13,15).
Angel, "Son of God," "Gods" (Elohim), "Holy One," in the fullest sense, are names of the divine Word alone. His incarnation is the center by reference to which all angelic ministration is best understood. Compare Joh 1:51, Greek (aparti), "from this time forth ye shall see heaven open" (heretofore shut, against man by sin: Heb 9:8; 10:19-20 "and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man," as the antitypical Jacob's ladder, the center of communication between men and God, the redeemed and the angelic world; Jesus' miracles, of which mention immediately follows (John 2), are firstfruit of this newly opened communion of earth and heaven (Ge 28:12-17). Secondarily, God's created messengers; as Israel (Isa 42:19), Haggai (Hag 1:13), John (Mal 3:1; 2:7), the priesthood, ministers (Ec 5:6), the rulers or angels of the Christian churches (Re 1:20), as Elohim, "gods" is applied to judges (Ps 82:6); compare Jesus' application, Joh 10:34-37.
As to the nature of "angels" in the limited sense, they are "spirits" (Heb 1:7,14), of wind-like velocity, subtle nature, capable of close communion with God; sharers in His truth, purity, and love, since they ever behold His face (Mt 18:10), even as the redeemed shall (1Jo 3:2); not necessarily incorporeal; Lu 20:36 (compare Php 3:21), 1Co 15:44, seemingly but not certainly imply their having bodies. Their glorious appearance (Da 10:6), like our Lord's when transfigured and afterward as the ascended Savior (Re 1:14-16), and their human form (Lu 24:4; Ac 1:10), favor the same view. Close kindred of nature between angels and men is implied in both being alike called "sons of God" (Job 1:6; 38:7; Da 3:25,28) and "gods" (Elohim) (Ps 8:5; Hebrew Elohim "angels," Ps 97:7; Lu 3:38).
Finite, but ever progressing in the participation of God's infinite perfection (Job 4:18; Mt 24:36; 1Pe 1:12). Our fellow servants, "sent forth unto ministry for the sake of them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Heb 1:14), i.e., on ministrations appointed by God and Christ for the good of them who shall be heirs of salvation. Worship and service are their twofold function; priests in the heavenly temple (Isa 6:1-3; 1Ki 22:19; Da 7:9-10; Re 5:11), and sent forth thence on God's missions of love and justice. As finite, and having liberty, they were capable of temptation. Some "kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation" (2Pe 2:4; Jg 1:6). "The elect angels" fell not; they take part, by act and sympathy, in our affairs, and shall witness the Judgment (Lu 15:10; 1Co 4:9).
The fallen are not yet actually confined in the bottomless pit, but are doomed to it, "reserved unto judgment," and though seeming free, and ranging in our air, under the prince of the powers of the air (Eph 2:2), are really in "chains of darkness" already, able only to hurt to the length of their chain. Satan is their prince, a liar, murderer, slanderer; and such are they (Joh 8:44). The probation of the elect angels is over; their crown is won, they are the "holy ones" now (Da 8:13), under the blessed necessity of sinning no more. "Watchers" of men, jealous for God's honor (Da 4:13,23). Bad angels are permitted to try believers now, as Job; good angels are God's ministers of vengeance on the bad (Re 12:8-9; 20:1-2). Such shall the saints be at last, "equal to the angels," holy, made perfect, judges of angels and the world, ministering mediators of blessing to subject creatures (Heb 12:23; 1Co 6:2-3; Re 5:10).
In the natural world angels minister, as in directing wind and flame (according to one translation of Ps 104:4; Heb 1:7): "the angel of Jehovah" wrought in the plague on the Egyptian firstborn (Ex 12:23; Heb 11:28), and on the rebels in the wilderness (1Co 10:10), on Israel under David (2Sa 24:16; 1Ch 21:16), on Sennacherib's army (2Ki 19:35), on Herod (Ac 12:23). An angel troubled the pool of Bethesda (the Alex. manuscript supports the verse, the Sin. and the Vat. manuscripts reject it), giving it a healing power, as in our mineral springs (Joh 5:4): They act, in an unknown way, in and through "nature's laws." In the spiritual world too: by their ministration the Sinaitic law was given, "ordained by angels" (Ga 3:19), "spoken" by them (Heb 2:2), by their "disposition" or appointment (Ac 7:53; compare De 33:2; Ps 68:17).
From the first creation of our world they took the liveliest interest in the earth (Job 38:7). When man fell by evil angels, with beautiful propriety it was ordered that other angels, holy and unfallen, should minister for God in His reparation of the evil caused to man by their fallen fellow spirits. They rescued at Jehovah's command righteous Lot from doomed Sodom, Jacob from his murderous brother (Genesis 19; 32). "Manna" is called "angels' food," "the grain of heaven"; not that angels eat it, but it came from above whence angels come, and through their ministry (Ps 78:25). When Elisha was in Dothan, surrounded by Syrian hosts, and his servant cried, "Alas! how shall we do?" the Lord opened his eyes to see the mount full of chariots and horses of fire round about (2Ki 6:15,17, compare Ps 94:7). By God's angel Daniel was saved in the lions' den (Da 6:22); compare Da 3:28 as to the fiery furnace.
Michael (whom some questionably identify with the Son of God) is represented as Israel's champion against Israel's (the literal and the spiritual) accuser, Satan (Da 12:1, compare Re 12:7-10). Daniel 10 unfolds the mysterious truth that there are angel princes in the spirit world, answering to the God-opposed leaders of kingdoms in the political world, the prince of Persia and the prince of Grecia standing in antagonism to Michael. In patriarchal times their ministry is more familiar, and less awful, than in after times. Compare Ge 24:7,40 (the angelic guidance of Abraham's servant in choosing a wife for Isaac, and encouraging Jacob in his loneliness at Bethel on first leaving home, Genesis 28) with Jg 6:21-22; 13:16,22. They appear, like the prophets and kings in subsequent times, in the character of God's ministers, carrying out God's purposes in relation to Israel and the pagan world powers (Zechariah 1; 2; 3; 4, etc.).
When the Lord of angels became flesh, they ministered before and at His birth (Luke 1; 2; Mt 1:20), after the temptation (Mt 4:11), in the agony of Gethsemane (Lu 22:43), at His resurrection and ascension (Mt 28:2; Lu 24:4; Joh 20:12; Ac 1:10-11). Their previous and subsequent ministrations to men (Ac 5:19; 8:26; 10:3; 12:7, Peter's deliverance, Ac 27:23) all hinge on their intimate connection with and ministry to Him, redeemed man's divine Head (Ps 91:11; Mt 4:6), Hence they are the guardians of Christ's little ones, not thinking it beneath their dignity to minister to them (Mt 18:10); not attached singly to single individuals, but all or one ready at God's bidding to minister to each. (In Acts 12, the remark, "it is his Peter's angel," receives no countenance from Peter or the inspired writer of Acts, Luke; but is the uninspired guess of those in Mary's house.)
Rejoice over each recovered penitent (Lu 15:10); are present in Christian congregations (1Co 11:10); exercising some function in presenting the saints' prayers, incensed by Christ's merits, the one Mediator, before God (Re 8:3; 5:8); not to be prayed to, which is thrice forbidden (Re 19:10; 22:9; Col 2:18): when we send an offering to the King, the King's messenger durst not appropriate the King's exclusive due. Ministers of grace now, and at the dying hour carrying the believer's soul to paradise (Lu 16:22), but ministers of judgment, and gathering the elect, in the great day (Mt 13:39,41,49; 16:27; 24:31). Their
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And as he was revolving the matter in his mind, behold, an angel of the Lord in a dream appeared unto him, saying, Joseph, son of David, fear not to take Mary for thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
And as he was revolving the matter in his mind, behold, an angel of the Lord in a dream appeared unto him, saying, Joseph, son of David, fear not to take Mary for thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
and saith to him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, "that he shall give his angels a charge concerning thee: and in their hands shall they hold thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone."
and saith to him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, "that he shall give his angels a charge concerning thee: and in their hands shall they hold thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone."
Then the devil leaveth him, and lo! angels came and ministered unto him.
Then the devil leaveth him, and lo! angels came and ministered unto him.
the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
The Son of man shall send out his angels, and shall gather together out of his kingdom all things offensive, and those who practise iniquity;
The Son of man shall send out his angels, and shall gather together out of his kingdom all things offensive, and those who practise iniquity;
Just so shall it be at the end of this world: the angels shall go forth, and shall separate the wicked from amidst the just,
Just so shall it be at the end of this world: the angels shall go forth, and shall separate the wicked from amidst the just,
For the Son of man shall hereafter come in the glory of his Father, with his angels, and then shall he recompense every man according to his practice.
For the Son of man shall hereafter come in the glory of his Father, with his angels, and then shall he recompense every man according to his practice.
See that ye despise not one of these little ones, for I say unto you, That their angels in heaven continually behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
See that ye despise not one of these little ones, for I say unto you, That their angels in heaven continually behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
See that ye despise not one of these little ones, for I say unto you, That their angels in heaven continually behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
See that ye despise not one of these little ones, for I say unto you, That their angels in heaven continually behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
And he shall send forth his angels with a trumpet, and a great shout, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the extremities of the heavens to the extremities of the same.
And he shall send forth his angels with a trumpet, and a great shout, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the extremities of the heavens to the extremities of the same.
But of that day and hour no man knoweth, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father alone.
But of that day and hour no man knoweth, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father alone.
And, lo! there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
And, lo! there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
Even so, I tell you, there is joy among the angels of God, over one repentant sinner.
Even so, I tell you, there is joy among the angels of God, over one repentant sinner.
Even so, I tell you, there is joy among the angels of God, over one repentant sinner.
Even so, I tell you, there is joy among the angels of God, over one repentant sinner.
Now it came to pass that the poor man died, and was carried up by angels into the bosom of Abraham. Then the rich man also died, and was buried:
Now it came to pass that the poor man died, and was carried up by angels into the bosom of Abraham. Then the rich man also died, and was buried:
neither can they die any more: for they are like the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
neither can they die any more: for they are like the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
neither can they die any more: for they are like the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
neither can they die any more: for they are like the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
And an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.
And an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.
And it came to pass, as they were in the greatest perplexity concerning this matter, then behold, two men stood by them in refulgent garments:
And it came to pass, as they were in the greatest perplexity concerning this matter, then behold, two men stood by them in refulgent garments:
And it came to pass, as they were in the greatest perplexity concerning this matter, then behold, two men stood by them in refulgent garments:
And it came to pass, as they were in the greatest perplexity concerning this matter, then behold, two men stood by them in refulgent garments:
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath thoroughly described him.
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath thoroughly described him.
And he saith to him, Verily, verily, I tell you, From henceforth ye shall see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
And he saith to him, Verily, verily, I tell you, From henceforth ye shall see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
For occasionally an angel descended into the pool, and put the water into commotion: he therefore who first stepped in after the commotion of the water became well, under whatever complaint he had laboured.
For occasionally an angel descended into the pool, and put the water into commotion: he therefore who first stepped in after the commotion of the water became well, under whatever complaint he had laboured.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will practise. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stood not fast in the truth, because truth was not in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh what is peculiarly his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will practise. He was a murderer from the beginning, and stood not fast in the truth, because truth was not in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh what is peculiarly his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, "I said ye are gods?"
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, "I said ye are gods?" If he called those gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
If he called those gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; do ye say of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest because I said, I am the Son of God?
do ye say of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
And saw two angels in white, sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
And saw two angels in white, sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
And as they looked up earnestly into the heaven, while he was passing, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
And as they looked up earnestly into the heaven, while he was passing, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
And as they looked up earnestly into the heaven, while he was passing, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
And as they looked up earnestly into the heaven, while he was passing, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; who also said to them, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up to heaven? this Jesus, who hath been taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, in the same manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
who also said to them, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up to heaven? this Jesus, who hath been taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, in the same manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
But the angel of the Lord by night opened the doors of the prison, and conducting them forth, said,
But the angel of the Lord by night opened the doors of the prison, and conducting them forth, said,
who have received the law through arrangements of angels, yet have not observed it.
who have received the law through arrangements of angels, yet have not observed it.
Now the angel of the Lord spake to Philip, saying, Arise, and go towards the south, on the road which leads down from Jerusalem to Gaza: it is a wilderness.
Now the angel of the Lord spake to Philip, saying, Arise, and go towards the south, on the road which leads down from Jerusalem to Gaza: it is a wilderness.
He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming to him, and saying to him, Cornelius.
He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming to him, and saying to him, Cornelius.
And, lo! an angel of the Lord stood there, and light glared through the apartment: then with a stroke on Peter's side, he roused him up, and said, Arise quickly. And his chains fell from his hands.
And, lo! an angel of the Lord stood there, and light glared through the apartment: then with a stroke on Peter's side, he roused him up, and said, Arise quickly. And his chains fell from his hands.
But instantly the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not the glory to God: and being devoured with worms, he expired.
But instantly the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not the glory to God: and being devoured with worms, he expired.
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good courage, Paul: for as thou hast borne testimony of the things concerning me at Jerusalem, so must thou bear a testimony at Rome also.
And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good courage, Paul: for as thou hast borne testimony of the things concerning me at Jerusalem, so must thou bear a testimony at Rome also.
For there stood by me this night an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
For there stood by me this night an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
For there stood by me this night an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
For there stood by me this night an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must stand before Caesar: and behold! God hath graciously given thee all who are sailing with thee.
saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must stand before Caesar: and behold! God hath graciously given thee all who are sailing with thee.
For I am assured that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor those to come,
For I am assured that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor those to come,
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and perished by the destroyer.
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and perished by the destroyer.
Therefore ought the woman to retain upon her head [this badge of authority], because of the angels [of the churches].
Therefore ought the woman to retain upon her head [this badge of authority], because of the angels [of the churches].
Also there are celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and that of the terrestrial another.
Also there are celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and that of the terrestrial another. There is one glory of the sun; and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for star differeth from star in glory.
There is one glory of the sun; and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for star differeth from star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
it is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown an animal body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is an animal body, and there is a spiritual body.
it is sown an animal body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is an animal body, and there is a spiritual body.
it is sown an animal body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is an animal body, and there is a spiritual body.
it is sown an animal body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is an animal body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, There was a first man Adam a living soul; a last Adam a quickening spirit.
And so it is written, There was a first man Adam a living soul; a last Adam a quickening spirit. But that which is spiritual was not first, but that which is animal; and afterward that which is spiritual.
But that which is spiritual was not first, but that which is animal; and afterward that which is spiritual.
To what end then was the law given? It was given on account of transgressions, until that seed should come to whom the promise was made, being delivered through the ministry of angels into the hand of a mediator.
To what end then was the law given? It was given on account of transgressions, until that seed should come to whom the promise was made, being delivered through the ministry of angels into the hand of a mediator.
and hath put all things under his feet, and hath appointed him head over all to the church,
and hath put all things under his feet, and hath appointed him head over all to the church,
wherein in times past ye walked after the fashion of this world, after the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now worketh with energy in the children of disobedience:
wherein in times past ye walked after the fashion of this world, after the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now worketh with energy in the children of disobedience:
that now to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions, the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church,
that now to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions, the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church,
For our conflict is not merely against flesh and blood, but against principalities, and against powers, and against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against wicked spirits in the aerial regions.
For our conflict is not merely against flesh and blood, but against principalities, and against powers, and against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against wicked spirits in the aerial regions.
But our conversation is in heaven as its citizens, from whence also we are expecting the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,
But our conversation is in heaven as its citizens, from whence also we are expecting the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall transform our body of humiliation, that it may be conformed to his body of glory, according to the effectual working of him who is able to subdue even all things to himself.
who shall transform our body of humiliation, that it may be conformed to his body of glory, according to the effectual working of him who is able to subdue even all things to himself.
who shall transform our body of humiliation, that it may be conformed to his body of glory, according to the effectual working of him who is able to subdue even all things to himself.
who shall transform our body of humiliation, that it may be conformed to his body of glory, according to the effectual working of him who is able to subdue even all things to himself.
Who is the image of the invisible God, the prime author of all creation:
Who is the image of the invisible God, the prime author of all creation: for by him were all things created, celestial and terrestrial, visible or invisible, whether thrones, or dominations, or principalities, or powers, all were created by him, and for him:
for by him were all things created, celestial and terrestrial, visible or invisible, whether thrones, or dominations, or principalities, or powers, all were created by him, and for him:
Let no man juggle you out of your prize, voluntary in [his] humility and the worship of angels, intruding into things which he never saw, vainly puffed up by his carnal imagination;
Let no man juggle you out of your prize, voluntary in [his] humility and the worship of angels, intruding into things which he never saw, vainly puffed up by his carnal imagination;
with Onesimus, that faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you: they will make known unto you all things that have passed here.
with Onesimus, that faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you: they will make known unto you all things that have passed here.
And concerning the angels indeed he thus speaks: "Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministering servants a flame of fire."
And concerning the angels indeed he thus speaks: "Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministering servants a flame of fire."
And concerning the angels indeed he thus speaks: "Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministering servants a flame of fire."
And concerning the angels indeed he thus speaks: "Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministering servants a flame of fire."
Are they not all ministerial spirits, sent to perform service on account of those who are about to inherit salvation?
Are they not all ministerial spirits, sent to perform service on account of those who are about to inherit salvation?
Are they not all ministerial spirits, sent to perform service on account of those who are about to inherit salvation?
Are they not all ministerial spirits, sent to perform service on account of those who are about to inherit salvation?
For if the discourse spoken by angels was confirmed, and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment as its due,
For if the discourse spoken by angels was confirmed, and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment as its due,
the Holy Ghost thus signifying, that the way into the holies was not yet made manifest, whilst the first tabernacle held its station;
the Holy Ghost thus signifying, that the way into the holies was not yet made manifest, whilst the first tabernacle held its station;
Having therefore, brethren, entire liberty of entrance into the holies by the blood of Jesus??20 a way, which he hath consecrated for us, newly opened, and giving life, through the vail, that is, his flesh;
Having therefore, brethren, entire liberty of entrance into the holies by the blood of Jesus??20 a way, which he hath consecrated for us, newly opened, and giving life, through the vail, that is, his flesh;
By faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the first-born might not touch them.
By faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the first-born might not touch them.
but ye are come unto mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
but ye are come unto mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, and to the general assembly and church of the first-born registered in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men perfected,
and to the general assembly and church of the first-born registered in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men perfected,
For if God spared not the angels when they sinned, but casting them bound in chains of darkness into hell, delivered them to be kept fast until the judgment;
For if God spared not the angels when they sinned, but casting them bound in chains of darkness into hell, delivered them to be kept fast until the judgment;
Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it is not yet evident what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; because we shall see him as he is.
Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it is not yet evident what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; because we shall see him as he is.
his head and flowing locks white as a white fleece of wool, even as the snow; and his eyes as a flame of fire;
his head and flowing locks white as a white fleece of wool, even as the snow; and his eyes as a flame of fire; and his feet resembled molten brass, as though they glowed in the furnace; and his voice was as the roar of many waters.
and his feet resembled molten brass, as though they glowed in the furnace; and his voice was as the roar of many waters. And he held in his right hand seven stars; and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword; and his countenance was as when the sun shineth in his meridian lustre.
And he held in his right hand seven stars; and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword; and his countenance was as when the sun shineth in his meridian lustre.
the mystery of the seven stars which thou seest in my right hand, and the seven golden lamps. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lamps which thou seest are the seven churches.
the mystery of the seven stars which thou seest in my right hand, and the seven golden lamps. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lamps which thou seest are the seven churches.
And when he had taken the book, the four living beings and the four and twenty presbyters prostrated themselves before the lamb, having each harps, and vases of gold, full of perfumes smoaking, which are the prayers of the saints.
And when he had taken the book, the four living beings and the four and twenty presbyters prostrated themselves before the lamb, having each harps, and vases of gold, full of perfumes smoaking, which are the prayers of the saints.
and hast made us for our God kings and priests, and we shall reign upon the earth.
and hast made us for our God kings and priests, and we shall reign upon the earth. And I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and the living beings, and the presbyters, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
And I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and the living beings, and the presbyters, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
And I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and the living beings, and the presbyters, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
And I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and the living beings, and the presbyters, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
And another angel came, and stood by the altar, holding a golden censer; and there were given to him many perfumes, to offer with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
And another angel came, and stood by the altar, holding a golden censer; and there were given to him many perfumes, to offer with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Then was there war in the heaven: Michael and his angels warred against the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels,
Then was there war in the heaven: Michael and his angels warred against the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels, and they could not prevail; neither was there any more place found for them in the heaven.
and they could not prevail; neither was there any more place found for them in the heaven.
and they could not prevail; neither was there any more place found for them in the heaven.
and they could not prevail; neither was there any more place found for them in the heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, who is called the Devil, and Satan, who deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, who is called the Devil, and Satan, who deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, who is called the Devil, and Satan, who deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, who is called the Devil, and Satan, who deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a great voice saying in the heaven, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ; because the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night.
And I heard a great voice saying in the heaven, Now is come the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ; because the accuser of our brethren is cast down, who accused them before our God day and night.
And I fell down before his feet to worship him: and he said unto me, See thou dost not so: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.
And I fell down before his feet to worship him: and he said unto me, See thou dost not so: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.
And I fell down before his feet to worship him: and he said unto me, See thou dost not so: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.
And I fell down before his feet to worship him: and he said unto me, See thou dost not so: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.
AND I saw an angel descending from heaven, having the key of the abyss [of hell], and a great chain in his hand:
AND I saw an angel descending from heaven, having the key of the abyss [of hell], and a great chain in his hand: and he seized on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
and he seized on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
And he said to me, See thou do it not; for I am a fellow-servant of thine, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of those who observe the words of this book: worship God.
And he said to me, See thou do it not; for I am a fellow-servant of thine, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of those who observe the words of this book: worship God.
And he said to me, See thou do it not; for I am a fellow-servant of thine, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of those who observe the words of this book: worship God.
And he said to me, See thou do it not; for I am a fellow-servant of thine, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of those who observe the words of this book: worship God.
Morish
The words malac ggelo", -->???????, signify 'messenger.'
1. It is used for the mystic representation of the divine presence, as in Ge 31:11-13. "The angel of God" spake unto Jacob saying, "I am the God of Bethel." "The angel of Jehovah" spake to Hagar and said, "I will multiply thy seed exceedingly that it shall not be numbered for multitude." Ge 16:7-11. "The angel of Jehovah" spake to Abraham saying, "By myself have I sworn," etc. Ge 22:11,15,Ge 22:16. Three 'men' drew near to Abraham's tent. One said Sarah should have a son: at which Sarah laughed, and Jehovah said, "Wherefore did Sarah laugh?" Two of the three left, and were called 'angels' at the gate of Sodom, while Jehovah, the third, talked with Abraham. Ge 18: cf. also Ex 3:2,6-15; Nu 22:22-35. Jacob, in blessing the sons of Joseph, said, "The Angel which redeemed me from all evil bless the lads." Ge 48:16. It is generally believed that it was the second person in the Trinity who appeared as a man in the O.T. It is no doubt the same who is called 'the mighty angel' in Re 10:1-3.
2. The intelligent spiritual beings who are constantly referred to in scripture as God's messengers both as carrying good tidings and, as executors of God's judgements. We know little of their nature: "of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire," Heb 1:7; and man is described as being a little inferior to the angels. Ps 8:5; Heb 2:7. There are apparently gradations in rank among them, described as principalities and powers, of which Christ as Man is now the head. Col 2:10. Twice we meet with 'archangel:' an archangel's voice will accompany the rapture of the church, 1Th 4:16; and 'Michael the archangel' contended with Satan about the body of Moses. Jude 1:9. He with his angels will fight with the dragon and his angels and cast them out of heaven. Re 12:7-8. Gabriel is the only other name of an angel revealed to us: he appeared to Daniel, to Zacharias, and to Mary: he said that he stood in the presence of God. Da 8:16; 9:21; Lu 1:19,26.
Though we are unconscious of the presence of angels we know that they are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall inherit salvation, Heb 1:14: cf. Ps 34:7; and we read also that they ministered to the Lord when He was here. Mt 4:11; Mr 1:13; Lu 22:43. There are 'myriads' of these angels, Mt 26:53; Heb 12:22; Re 5:11; and they are described as 'mighty,' 'holy,' 'elect,' 2Th 1:7; Mr 8:38; 1Ti 5:21: they do not marry, Mr 12:25. We are not told when they were created, but doubtless they are referred to as 'the sons of God' who shouted for joy when God created the earth. Job 38:4-7.
The law was given by their ministry, Ac 7:53; Ga 3:19; Ps 68:17; and they had to do with proclaiming the birth of the Saviour, Lu 2:8-14; and they attended at the resurrection. Mt 28:2; Joh 20:12. Angels are not the depositaries of the revelation and counsels of God. They desire to look into the things testified by the Spirit of Christ in the prophets, and now reported by the apostles in the power of the same Spirit. 1Pe 1:12. The world to come is not to be put in subjection to them, but to man in the person of the Son of man, Heb 2:5-8; and the saints will judge angels. 1Co 6:3. It is therefore only a false humility that would teach the worshipping of angels. Col 2:18. When John fell down to worship the angel in the Revelation, being overpowered by reason of the stupendous things revealed, he was on two occasions restrained from worshipping his 'fellow servant,' as in Re 19:10; 22:9.
In Ps 8:5 the word is elohim, 'God:' the name of God being given to the angels as His representatives: cf. Ps 82:6. In Ps 68:17 it is shinan 'repetition;' reading "even thousands upon thousands." In Ps 78:25 it is abbir, 'mighty:' "every one did eat the bread of the mighty" margin.
3. FALLEN ANGELS.
a. We read of angels who kept not their first estate,' but left their own habitation, and are kept in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day. Jude 1:6. God spared not the angels who sinned. 2Pe 2:4. The nature of their sin may be referred to in Ge 6:2. Their punishment and that of Sodom and Gomorrah is held up as a warning against fleshly indulgence, and despising government. 2Pe 2:10; Jude 1:6-8.
b. Besides the above which are kept in chains we read of angels connected with Satan. The great dragon and his angels will be subdued by Michael and his angels, and be cast out of heaven. Re 12:9. The lake of fire, or Gehenna, has been specially prepared for the devil and his angels, though, alas, man will also be cast therein. Mt 25:41. Abaddon or Apollyon is the name of 'the angel of the bottomless pit,' Re 9:11, that is, 'the abyss,' not hell, which, as seen above, is the place of punishment. Isa 14:12-16 and Eze 28:14-19, may throw some light on the fall of Satan, but whether the fall of those called 'his angels' was brought about by the same cause and at the same time is not revealed. Scripture is quite clear that all of them will be overcome and eternally punished.
4. The term 'angel' is used metaphorically for a mystical representative. When Peter was delivered from prison, and knocked at the door, those who had been praying for his release said, "It is his angel." Ac 12:15. They supposed Peter was still in prison, and that the one at the door was his representative, his spirit personified, perhaps with very vague ideas of what they really meant. In Re 2:1; 3:1, the addresses to the seven churches are made to the angel of each. It signifies the spirit and character of the assembly personified in its mystical representative, each one differing from the others, according to the state of the assembly. The messages, though addressed to churches existing at the time, no doubt set forth the state of the church in its varied phases ever since apostolic times down to its entire rejection as the responsible witness for Christ at the close of the dispensation.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Then the devil leaveth him, and lo! angels came and ministered unto him.
Then shall he say also to those on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Thinkest thou, that I cannot now entreat my Father, and he will give me more than twelve legions of angels?
And, lo! there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
And he was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministred unto him.
For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, before this adulterous and sinful generation; of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he shall come in the glory of his Father, with the holy angels.
For when they rise from the dead, they will neither marry, nor be given in marriage; but they are as the angels which are in heaven.
And the angel answering said to him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and I have been sent to speak to thee, and to proclaim these glad tidings to thee.
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, the name of which was Nazareth,
And there were shepherds in that country abiding in the open air, and keeping guard over their flock by night. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were exceedingly affrighted. read more. And the angel said unto them, Be not affrighted: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be for all the people. Because this day there is born for you a Saviour, which is Messiah, the Lord, in the city of David. And this shall be a sign for you; Ye shall find the babe in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory in the highest heavens to God! and upon earth, peace! towards men complacence.
And an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.
And saw two angels in white, sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
who have received the law through arrangements of angels, yet have not observed it.
But they said, Thou art raving. But she confidently persisted that it was so. Then they said, It is his angel.
Know ye not that we shall judge angels, much more things pertaining to this life?
To what end then was the law given? It was given on account of transgressions, until that seed should come to whom the promise was made, being delivered through the ministry of angels into the hand of a mediator.
and ye are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power:
Let no man juggle you out of your prize, voluntary in [his] humility and the worship of angels, intruding into things which he never saw, vainly puffed up by his carnal imagination;
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
and to you who are troubled, rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven with his mighty angels,
And concerning the angels indeed he thus speaks: "Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministering servants a flame of fire."
Are they not all ministerial spirits, sent to perform service on account of those who are about to inherit salvation?
For he hath not subjected the future world, of which we are speaking, to the angels. But one in a certain passage testifieth, saying, "What is man, that thou rememberest him, or a son of man, that thou regardest him?" read more. "Thou hast made him for a little while lower than angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honour, and hast placed him over the works of thy hands:
"Thou hast made him for a little while lower than angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honour, and hast placed him over the works of thy hands: thou hast subjected all things under his feet." Now in subjecting all things to him, he left nothing unsubjected to him; but at present we see not yet all things subjected to him.
but ye are come unto mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
To whom it was revealed, that not for themselves, but for us were their ministrations employed in the things which are now declared unto you by those who have preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; on which things the angels bending forwards eagerly desire to gaze.
For if God spared not the angels when they sinned, but casting them bound in chains of darkness into hell, delivered them to be kept fast until the judgment;
especially such as walk after the flesh in the eager pursuit of defilement, and despise government. Daring, self-sufficient, they tremble not at dignities, railing against them.
And the angels who preserved not their own primitive state, but deserted their proper abode, hath he reserved in everlasting chains under darkness, unto the judgment of the great day.
And the angels who preserved not their own primitive state, but deserted their proper abode, hath he reserved in everlasting chains under darkness, unto the judgment of the great day. As Sodom and Gomorrha and the surrounding cities, in like manner with them abandoned to whoredom, and going after other flesh, are set forth an example, suffering the judicial punishment of eternal fire. read more. In like manner also do these men, even when they dream, defile indeed the flesh, despise sovereignty, and revile dignities. Though Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not to produce a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
TO the angel of the Ephesian church write; These things saith he who grasps the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh round in the midst of the seven golden lamps;
AND to the angel of the church in Sardis write, These things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, and that thou hast a name, as though thou wert alive, yet art dead.
And I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and the living beings, and the presbyters, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
And they had over them a king, the angel of the abyss [of hell], whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Appollyon.
AND I saw another mighty angel descending from heaven, clothed with a cloud; and a rainbow on his head, and his countenance as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: and he held in his hand a little book open; and he placed his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land, read more. and cried with a loud voice, as a lion roareth: and when he had cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices.
Then was there war in the heaven: Michael and his angels warred against the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels, and they could not prevail; neither was there any more place found for them in the heaven. read more. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, who is called the Devil, and Satan, who deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And I fell down before his feet to worship him: and he said unto me, See thou dost not so: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.
And he said to me, See thou do it not; for I am a fellow-servant of thine, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of those who observe the words of this book: worship God.
Smith
Angels.
By the word "angels" (i.e. "messengers" of God) we ordinarily understand a race of spiritual beings of a nature exalted far above that of man, although infinitely removed from that of God--whose office is "to do him service in heaven, and by his appointment to succor and defend men on earth. I. Scriptural use of the word. --There are many passages in which the expression "angel of God" is certainly used for a manifestation of God himself
with Gene 22:12 and Exod 3:2 with Exod 3:6 and Exod 3:14 It is to be observed, also, that side by side with these expressions we read of God's being manifested in the form of man--as to Abraham at Mamre,
comp. Gene 19:1 to Jacob at Penuel,
to Joshua at Gilgal,
etc. Besides this, which is the highest application of the word angel, we find the phrase used of any messengers of God, such as the prophets,
the priests,
and the rulers of the Christian churches.
II. Nature of angels--Angels are termed "spirits," as in
but it is not asserted that the angelic nature is incorporeal. the contrary seems expressly implied in
Lu 20:36; Phm 1:25
The angels are revealed to us as beings such as man might be, and will be when the power of sin and death is removed, because always beholding his face,
and therefore being "made like him."
Their number must be very large,
1Ki 22:19; Mt 26:53; Heb 12:22
their strength is great,
their activity marvelous
their appearance varied according to circumstances, but was often brilliant and dazzling.
Of the nature of "fallen angels," the circumstances and nature of the temptation by which they fell, we know absolutely nothing. All that is certain is that they "left their first estate" and that they are now "angels of the devil."
On the other hand the title especially assigned to the angels of God--that of the "holy ones," see
--is precisely the one which is given to those men who are renewed in Christ's image. Comp.
III. Office of the angels. Of their office in heaven we have only vague prophetic glimpses as in
1Ki 22:19; Isa 6:1-3; Da 7:9-10; Re 6:11
, etc., which show us nothing but a never-ceasing adoration. They are represented as being, in the widest sense, agents of God's providence, natural and supernatural, to the body and to the soul. In one word, they are Christ's ministers of grace now, and they shall be of judgment hereafter.
etc. That there are degrees of the angelic nature, both fallen and unfallen, and special titles and agencies belonging to each, is clearly declared by St. Paul,
but what their general nature is it is useless to speculate.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
The Son of man shall send out his angels, and shall gather together out of his kingdom all things offensive, and those who practise iniquity;
Just so shall it be at the end of this world: the angels shall go forth, and shall separate the wicked from amidst the just,
For the Son of man shall hereafter come in the glory of his Father, with his angels, and then shall he recompense every man according to his practice.
See that ye despise not one of these little ones, for I say unto you, That their angels in heaven continually behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.
And he shall send forth his angels with a trumpet, and a great shout, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the extremities of the heavens to the extremities of the same.
But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:
Then shall he say also to those on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Thinkest thou, that I cannot now entreat my Father, and he will give me more than twelve legions of angels?
Thinkest thou, that I cannot now entreat my Father, and he will give me more than twelve legions of angels?
And, lo! there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His aspect was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow. read more. And for fear of him the guards shook, and became as dead men. Then the angel addressing them, said to the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye are seeking Jesus who was crucified. He is not here: he is risen, as he said. Come hither, behold the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead: and, lo! he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
neither can they die any more: for they are like the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
For I am assured that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor those to come,
far above all principality, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come;
Are they not all ministerial spirits, sent to perform service on account of those who are about to inherit salvation?
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to perfect the Author of their salvation by sufferings.
and complete himself, he became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him;
but ye are come unto mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, and to the general assembly and church of the first-born registered in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men perfected,
Beloved, now are we the children of God, and it is not yet evident what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; because we shall see him as he is.
the mystery of the seven stars which thou seest in my right hand, and the seven golden lamps. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lamps which thou seest are the seven churches.
And I saw mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to break the seals thereon?
And to each of them were given white robes, and it was told them that they should wait yet a little longer space, until the number of their fellow-servants and their brethren, who should be slain as well as they, should be completed.
And I saw and heard one angel flying in the mid-heavens, saying with a loud voice, Wo, wo, wo, to the dwellers upon earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels, which are ready to sound.
AND I saw another mighty angel descending from heaven, clothed with a cloud; and a rainbow on his head, and his countenance as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: and he held in his hand a little book open; and he placed his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land,
Then was there war in the heaven: Michael and his angels warred against the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels,
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, who is called the Devil, and Satan, who deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And a mighty angel took up a stone as a great milestone, and cast it into the sea, saying, So with rapidity shall the great city Babylon be hurled into the deep, and never shall be found more.