Introduction to Theology

Angelology – Angels, Satan and Demons

1. Introduction
“
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of
salvation?” (Hebrews 1:13, 14)

Angel Stories

Visitation to Gideon (Judges 6)

Deliverance of Peter (Acts 12)

Why talk about angels? Because they are part of God’s creation (part of our world) and His
revelation to us. Mentioned more than 300 times in the Bible; only Ruth, Nehemiah, John’s
epistles and James (7 out of 66 books) make no mention of angels. Jesus Christ interacted with
angels, Satan and demons in his earthly ministry.

God is a Spirit. There is a “host” of other beings normally invisible to the human eye, that are
at work all around us, for good or for bad.

- Westerners tend to be less aware (believing) of their reality, although many have an
infatuation with books and movies about demons, evil spirits, Dracula, werewolves and
paranormal activities.
- In some other cultures, however, angels and spirits are ever-present (and feared,
respected or worshipped).

Newsweek’s article titled “In Search of the Sacred” observed that “20% of Americans
(reportedly) have had a revelation from God in the last year, and 13% have seen or sensed the
presence of an angel”.

2. Angels

ἄγγελος or angelos = messenger, envoy, one who is sent

Their Nature

What are angels like?

Popular images: white, huge wings, play harps, have severe faces/baby faces, halos. These
angels only exist in the artist’s imagination.

Descriptions of angels in the Bible range from relatively familiar images (“like people” in
appearance) to passages that are more obscure.

Page 1 of 8
© 2010 Unity College Australia
Introduction to Theology

What does the Bible teach?

(a) Angels are created beings (Psalm 148:2-5; Colossians 1:16) Created before the
human race (Job 38:7). As such, they should not be worshipped (Revelation 19:10;
22:8, 9). Long ago, some allied with Satan (himself an angel), rebelled against God
and were ejected. We are forbidden to venerate angels (Colossians 2:18).

(b) Spiritual beings. Distinct from mankind (1 Corinthians 6:3 – we will “judge angels”,
Hebrews 1:4). They do not have the same physical limitations as people. Can be
visible (eg Gabriel’s appearance to Mary, Luke 1:26-28; also Genesis 19:1-3).

(c) Immortal. They do not die (Luke 20:34, 35).

(d) Numerous. Revelation 5:11; Daniel 7:10. See also Matthew 26:53; Luke 2:13

(e) Without gender. They do not propagate (Luke 20:34, 35).

Their Classifications

1 Peter 3:22 implies rankings. See also Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 1:20, 21; 3:10

(a) Angel of the Lord. Exodus 23:20-23; Joshua 5:13-15. Had power to retain sin.
Received worship. Called “Lord” (Jehovah). Where he stood was “holy ground”.
Associated with God’s presence (Exodus 32:34 cf Isaiah 63:9). He saves. God’s angel
equated with him (Genesis 32:30; 48:16). Many theologians have concluded that the
Angel of the Lord was really the pre-incarnate Christ, a “Christophony”.

(b) Archangel. Michael the only one identified as such. Jude 9; Revelation 12:7, cf 1
Thessalonians 4:16. Guardian of Israel (Daniel 12:1).

(c) Gabriel. Stands in God’s presence (Luke 1:19). Carries God’s messages (Daniel 8:16;
9:21).

(d) Elect Angels. Some theologians believe they are the angels who stood with God
during Satan’s rebellion (1 Timothy 521; Matthew 25:41).

(e) Angels of the Nations. Daniel 10:13, 20. Seems to imply each nation has its own
angel, but this is inconclusive. ”Principalities” in the NT may refer to these angelic
“princes of nations” (Ephesians 3:20; Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 6:12).

(f) Cherubim. High ranking angel associated with God’s plan of redemption and
judgement (Genesis 3:24; had greater power than man). One description indicates
faces of a man, lion, ox, eagle (Ezekiel 10:14). Isaiah 14:13, 14 implies Satan was
originally a cherub. [Not to be confused with the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant
in Exodus 25:18-22, 37:7-9) and embroidering in the tabernacle (Exodus 26:1) and the
temple (1 Kings 6:23-28).

(g) “Wheels” and “wheels within wheels” (Ezekiel 1). Accompanied the cherubim. Had
“spirit” (v. 20). Represented heavenly beings in the Apocrypha, eg Enoch 61:10; 71:7

Page 2 of 8
© 2010 Unity College Australia
Introduction to Theology

Their Character

(a) Obedient. Given commissions to fulfil (Psalm 103:20; Jude 6; 1 Peter 3:22). God’s
will is always done in heaven (Matthew 6:10).

(b) Reverent. They worship God above all else (Nehemiah 9:6; Philippians 2:9-11;
Hebrews 1:6).

(c) Wise (2 Samuel 14:17), but not omniscient. There are mysteries that they cannot
fathom (1 Peter 1:12; Matthew 24:36). If 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 refers to fallen spiritual
rulers, it is clear that they are not all wise, otherwise they would not have
orchestrated the crucifixion of Christ.

(d) Meek. Do not harbour resentments, grudges; do not rail against their opponents
(Jude 9; 2 Peter 2:11).

(e) Mighty. “Excel in strength” (Psalm 103:20). However, they are not omnipotent
(Psalm 103:20; 2 Peter 2:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:7).

(f) Holy, ie “set apart” for God and His work (Revelation 14:10; Jude 6).

Their Work

(a) God’s Agents, doing his work (see Billy Graham’s book by the same title)

(b) God’s messengers; they send:

- warnings (Matthew 2:13; Hebrews 2;2)

- instructions (Matthew 28:2-6; Acts 10:3; Daniel 4:13-17)
- encouragement (Acts 27:23; Genesis 28:12)

(c) Revelation (Acts 7:53

(d) Angels were actively involved in the ministry of Jesus Christ:

- announcement of His birth to Mary and Joseph (Luke 1:26-38)

- announcement to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-15)
- gave the name of Jesus (Luke 2:21)
- warned Joseph to flee to Egypt, then gave clearance for return (Matthew 2:13-21)
- ministered to Jesus after His wilderness temptation (Matthew 4:11)
- Jesus related to angels in his initial encounter with Nathaniel (John 1:51)
- ministered to Jesus on the even of His death (Luke 22:43)
- available to rescue Jesus, had he so wished (Matthew 26:53)
- rolled away the stone on resurrection morning; sat inside the tomb (John 20:10-12)
- present at Jesus’ ascension and spoke to the disciples (Acts 1:10-11)
- submitted to Jesus on His return to heaven (1 Peter 3:21)
- will accompany Jesus when he returns in glory (Matthew 16:27; 25:31)

Page 3 of 8
© 2010 Unity College Australia
Introduction to Theology

(e) God’s servants sent to minister to His people (Hebrews 1:14)

- sustain (Matthew 4:11)

- preserve (Genesis 16:7
- intercede (Zechariah 1:12)
- protect (Psalm 91:9-12)
- deliver (Numbers 20:16

Other activities mentioned in the Bible:

- helped Abraham’s servant Ezeazar find a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:7, 39, 40)
- rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Numbers 20:16)
- destroyed part of the city of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 21:14, 15)
- rescued the Hebrews in the fire (Daniel 3;28)
- protected Daniel from the lions (Daniel 6:32)
- rescued the Apostles from prison (Acts 5:18-20)

Men and women in the Bible had no difficulties accepting the reality of angels.

What about guardian angels? Matthew 18:10.

Jewish writers developed the belief in guardian angels during the time between the Old and New
Testament (the “Inter-Testamental period”). Some early church fathers believed that each
person had not only a good angel assigned to him/her, but a demon as well. The belief in
guardian angels has been around for a long time, but there is no explicit scriptural basis for it.
However, Scripture does teach that God uses angels in ministering to us.

3. Satan

“For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but
against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers
of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural)
sphere.” (Ephesians 6:12, Amplified Bible)

We need a clear understanding of this topic because:

• Satan is real (despite assertions by some that he is just an idea, or a “personification of the
concept of evil”)
• his objective is to pervert, obstruct and overthrow the plan of God
• he seeks to gain worship that belongs to God
• he hates exposure and will do everything in his power to cloud the fact of his existence, and
his works
• the Bible urges the Christian community not to be ignorant of his devices (νόημα, or “evil
purposes”, 2 Corinthians 2:11).

His Origin

Read Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-19. These prophecies are about real people and historical
events, but the context and language have led many theologians to believe they also describe
the origin and fall of Satan, ie in the spiritual realm.

Page 4 of 8
© 2010 Unity College Australia
Introduction to Theology

Satan was not created in his present state, but as Lucifer (lit. “shining one”), was one of the
angelic hosts. He fell because of pride (1 Timothy 3:6).

He desired to be like God. He was cast out of heaven with his followers. He is reserved for
eternal punishment (Matthew 25:41). Desire to be like God was the basis for the first
temptation of Adam and Eve in Eden (Genesis 3:5). Satan still desires to be worshipped (see
Luke 4:6, 7). He stirs up rebellion against God in human beings (Ephesians 2:2).

His Character is Revealed in His Names

(a) Satan – Hebrew for “adversary” (eg Mark 1:13). He is God’s (and our) arch-enemy.
Since Eden an enmity has existed between him and the “seed of Eve”, who would
crush his head (Genesis 3:15), referring to Jesus Christ. The first sins in the human
story were a result of man’s responding to Satan’s temptation, based on his opposition
to God (1 John 3:12). He works against the church by introducing false teaching (1
Timothy 4:1) and persecution (Revelation 2:10), not to mention pride and disunity.
Christians are promised we will ultimately have victory over him (eg Romans 16:20).

(b) Devil (“diablos”) = slanderer. Used 35 times in the NT. He slanders God and man
(Genesis 3:2, 4, 5; Job 1:9). He is called the “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation
12:10). [In ancient times an “accuser” was a judicial adversary who profited from the
fall of others.] However, Christians have the last word; no one can accuse those
whom God has justified (Romans 8:33-38).

(c) Destroyer - Abadon (Hebrew) or Apollyon (Greek). Revelation 9:11. Some of the best
known pagan gods are identified as destroyers (eg the Hindu goddess Kali).

(d) Serpent. The image of Eden (Genesis 3:1-14). See also Revelation 12:9.

(e) Tempter. Matthew 4:3. His aim is to destroy.

(f) Prince and god of this world (lit. “age”). John 12:31, 2 Corinthians 4:4. The whole
world lies under his malignant control (1 John 5:19). This includes the world system
(literature, business, commerce, politics and government).

(g) Dragon – Revelation 20:2; 13:2-4

(h) Beelzebub (lit “Lord of the flies”; comes from Ba’al) – Luke 11:15; Mark 3:22;
Matthew 10:25. Prince of devils – Matthew 12:24, 26; Mark 3:23; Luke 11:18. Some
theologians believe the word refers to a demon under Satan’s authority.

(i) Belial (lit. “worthless”) – 2 Corinthians 6:5. Term was used in NT times to refer to
Satan and the Antichrist.

Other Characteristics

• proud (1 Timothy 3:6)

• powerful (Ephesians 2:2) – but not omnipotent like God
• malignant (Job 2:4)
• subtle (Genesis 3:1; 2 Corinthians 11:3)
• fierce and cruel (1 Peter 5:8)

Page 5 of 8
© 2010 Unity College Australia
Introduction to Theology
• liar (John 8:44)

His Activities

The nature of his work:

• opposes God’s work (1 Thessalonians 2:18)

• seeks to hinder the Gospel (Matthew 13:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4)
• enters people’s hearts (Luke 22;3)
• blinds (2 Corinthians 4:4)
• deceives (Ephesians 6:11; Revelation 20:7, 8)
• ensnares the wicked (1 Timothy 3:7)
• afflicts people (Job 1:12)
• tempts Christians (1 Thessalonians 3:5; see also Matthew 4:1)
• will kill, if allowed (1 Corinthians 5:5)
• murderer (John 8:44; 10:10)
• sinner from the beginning (1 John 3:8)

If we submit to God we can resist Satan and he will flee from us (James 4:7).

The sphere of his work:

As an angel of light seeks to deceive people (2 Corinthians 11:14). Creates false teaching
(1 Timothy 4:1). His ministers pose as ministers of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:15).

The motives of his work:

To seek to separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38). To oppose the work of God. To
discredit God’s motives and plans (Genesis 3). To secure people’s allegiance and worship. To
break up the people of God.

The limitation of his work:

Satan is already defeated. He cannot tempt or touch God’s people without God’s permission
(consider the life of Job, Job 1:16). Jesus came to negate the works of Satan in people’s
lives (Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8).

His Destiny

Satan’s downfall was predicted in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15 , the first Messianic
prophecy). He will eventually be chained for 1,000 years and then cast into the lake of fire,
where he will remain forever.

Wicked Spirits

(a) Fallen Angels

Many angels sinned by following Satan (John 8:44; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6) and were cast out
with him. Some are now believed to be in a location theologians call Tartarus (2 Peter 2:4);
others are active in the world (John 12:31; 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 12:7-9).
They seek to exercise influence over people (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4; Ephesians 2;2; 6:11, 12).

Page 6 of 8
© 2010 Unity College Australia
Introduction to Theology

Many are behind witchcraft (the Bible forbids occult involvement, eg Leviticus 19:26, 31;
20:6, 27; Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Isaiah 9:19, 20). Includes divination,
necromancy, magic, sorcery and witchcraft in all its forms.

However, for Christians this power is broken (Revelation 5:9, 7:13, 14). Jesus defeated Satan
on the cross (Colossians 2:15). He gives us spiritual weapons (Ephesians 6:12-17), the power
of the blood of Jesus and our confession (Revelation 12:11).

Fallen angels will not participate in redemption (1 Peter 1:12), but will spent eternity in
everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:41).

(b) Demons

Origin uncertain. Disembodied spirits, which “possess” people and animals (Mark 16:9; Luke
8:2; Matthew 12:43-45). Jesus came to deliver people from demons (Matthew 8:29).
Christians have God living inside them (John 14:23).

Jesus came to destroy all the works of Satan (1 John 2:12-14; 3:8; 4:1-6)

5. Conclusions

• we are not alone

• we are in a spiritual conflict; there are forces at odds with God (as with us, as His children)
• we need not fear Satan or demons, our lives are bound up with the risen, glorified Christ,
who is above all principalities and powers (Ephesians 1)
• our real opponents are not people, but spiritual enemies; our response needs to operate in
the same realm
• we need to understand and use our spiritual armour (Ephesians 6)
• deception is inevitable when we deny the existence of spiritual enemies
• false religions and idolatry are more than cultural curiosities; they are spiritually based (“But
I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God:
and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the
Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of
devils.” 1 Corinthians 10:20, 21).
• while there is a lot about angels that we do not understand, we have what we need to know;
our confidence is ultimately in the grace and power of God and our salvation in Jesus Christ

Page 7 of 8
© 2010 Unity College Australia
Introduction to Theology

Supplementary Notes

The Sadducees (the aristocratic, politically powerful, priestly class in Jesus’ time) denied the
existence of angels (along with the resurrection). They believed the soul perished along with
the body.

The term angel (messenger) is sometimes used in the Bible in relation to:

- people (2 Samuel 2:5; Luke 7:24; Haggai 1:13; Galatians 4:14)

- Satan’s messengers (2 Corinthians 12:7)
- pastors of churches (Revelation 2:1; 3:14)

Page 8 of 8
© 2010 Unity College Australia