By nature angels are created spiritual beings (Heb. 1:14). Their nature is superior to human nature (Heb. 2:7), and they have superhuman power and knowledge (2 Sam. 14:17, 20; 2 Pet. 2:11). They are not, however, all-powerful and all-knowing (Ps. 103:20; 2 Thess. 1:7).
Of special importance in the Old Testament is the ANGELOF THE LORD (Gen. 16:7; 22:11; 31:11). This Angel is depicted as a visible manifestation of God Himself. He has powers and characteristics that belong only to God, such as the power to forgive sins (Ex. 23:20–21). His similarities to Jesus lead many scholars to conclude that He is the pre-incarnate Word present with God at the creation of the world (John 1:1, 14). Jesus was and is the Angel of the Lord. The Lord used this messenger to appear to human beings who otherwise would not be able to see Him and live (Ex. 33:20). The Angel of the Lord performed actions associated with God, such as revelation, deliverance, and destruction. (2 Sam. 24:16; Zech. 1:12).
Angels guide and instruct good people (Gen. 24:7, 40; Ex. 14:19). This task is illustrated by the role the angels played in God’s giving of the Law to Moses (Acts 7:38, 53; Heb. 2:2). Sometimes their guidance comes through human dreams (Gen. 28:12; 31:11).Angels also protect the people of God (Ex. 14:19–20; Dan. 3:28; Matt. 26:53). They meet a wide variety of human needs, including relieving hunger and thirst (Gen. 21:17–19; Mark 1:13) and overcoming loneliness and dread (Luke 22:43). They sometimes deliver the people of God from danger (Acts 5:19; 12:6–11). There is never any mention in Scripture of healing angels. Jesus is the Healer!!
Fivefold Ministry of Angels: These verses show God’s purpose for angels. Angels exist to serve God in five ways: 1) to “bless the LORD” (in worship and service); 2) to “do His word” (concerning activities on Earth); 3) to heed the voice of God’s word (as it is spoken through the saints on Earth); 4) to minister on God’s behalf (as described in Heb. 1:14); and 5) to do God’s pleasure (as His hosts are at His direction). For other examples of the ministry of angels, see 2 Kin. 6:16, 17; Dan. 3:24, 25.
What do angels look like? The appearance of angels is correctly rendered “very awesome.” Angels appear in different forms depending upon their order of creation. For example, God’s messenger angel, Gabriel, has the appearance of a man (Dan. 9:21). From Ezekiel 28:13-14 we learn that cherubim (plural for “cherub”) are exotic and beautiful—covered with precious stones. Ezekiel 1:23 tells us that cherubim have four wings, while seraphim (plural for “seraph”) have six wings—two that cover the face, two that cover the feet, and two with which to fly (Is. 6:2).
Jesus was closely associated with angels. This verse reveals that He commissions His angels to do His bidding. An angel was used to announce Jesus’ coming birth to the Virgin Mary and her fiancé, Joseph (Luke 1:26; Matt. 1:20). Angels also attended Jesus’ birth and announced it to the shepherds (Luke 2:8). They protected Him from Herod’s jealous wrath (Matt. 2:13, 22); and later in life, at the end of His forty-day fast, they ministered to Him and strengthened Him, perhaps fed Him. (Matt. 4:11).During His agonizing struggle on the night in which He was betrayed, an angel strengthened Jesus in preparation for the Cross (Luke 22:43). These celestial creatures were present at Jesus’ resurrection (Matt. 28:2) and ascension (Acts 1:10).
A careful study will reveal that the New Testament activity of angels usually revolves around the ministry of Jesus and the establishment of His church on earth. They “minister” (Greek diakonia), referring to their “serviceable labor, assistance.” They are ministering spirits, or heavenly assistants.
In creation this is the order: 1. Godhead (Elohim) 2. Mankind 3. Angels (Psa 8:4-6) what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man, that You visit him? For You have made him lack a little from God,(Elohim) and have crowned him with glory and honor. You made him rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet:
Angels hearken to the Word of God. Psalm 103:20-21 Bless the LORD, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word.21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. So, believers c command angels by the Word of God.
Angels do not have the power of a believer’s being. Ps 91 does say they will bear you up lest you dash your head against a stone.(Psa 91:11-12) For He shall give His angels charge over You, to keep You in all Your ways. They shall bear You up in their hands, lest You dash your foot against a stone.
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