The word “angel” appears in the Bible more than 300 times. To deny the existence of angels — as one Christian philosopher put it — is like tearing every other page out of the Bible.
“From the angel of paradise to the angel of the Apocalypse who swears that time shall be no more — writes Paul Claudel, for his part — from the one who comforted Hagar to the one who freed Saint Peter from his chains, these fearsome, instructive, and compassionate brothers run through the whole of sacred history.”
Indeed, this mysterious and active presence of angels runs throughout the entire Bible, although they do not appear everywhere as visibly as they do in the Book of Genesis, in Revelation, in the Gospels, and in the Acts of the Apostles.
In the days of the apostles, angels were far more commonly encountered than they are today. After Peter was freed from prison, he knocked on the door where the brothers were gathered. When a girl named Rhoda went to answer the door, she assured them it was Peter, but they answered her:
“It is his angel.” — Acts 12:15
That was their first thought, which shows just how common the experience of angelic visitations was at that time. They were encountered far more often and did not cause surprise.
Who Are Angels?
Angels are beings that far surpass humans in power and abilities (2 Peter 2:11). They live in heaven, that is, in the spiritual world, but they can be sent anywhere (1 Kings 8:27; John 6:38). The Bible sometimes calls them spirits (1 Kings 22:21; Ps 18:10). In other words, they are spiritual beings who serve and, in various ways, carry out the purposes of God.
The word “angel” originally comes from the Greek word ἄγγελος (ángelos, pronounced ánhielos in Byzantine Greek), translated as “messenger.” In the Old Testament, analogous spiritual beings are called in Hebrew מלאך, mal’ach — which likewise means “messenger.” It’s worth noting here that both the Greek angelos and the Hebrew mal’ach denote a messenger in general, without settling whether his nature is human or spiritual.
The term “angel” denotes a function more than a nature. By nature these beings are spirits; the function of “angels,” that is, messengers, is something they carry out. What they are, is spirits; what they do, is act as angels — messengers of God.
Angels are spiritual beings who think, and who possess emotions and will. This is true of both evil and good angels. Angels:
- Think (Matt 8:29; 2 Cor 11:3; 1 Peter 1:12),
- Have emotions (Luke 2:13-14, James 2:19; Rev 12:17),
- Have a will (Luke 8:28-31; 2 Tim 2:26; Jude 6),
- Have intelligence (2 Cor 11:3, 14)
Satan was an angel who was cast out of heaven along with many other angels who decided to follow him and chose sin (2 Pet 2:4). Regarding free will, the Bible reveals that this involved the exercise of a real ability to choose (Jude 1:6).
Angels are spiritual beings (Heb 1:14) without a truly physical body. The fact that they do not have a body does not affect their personhood (much as with God) — they can take on various forms. The Bible also says:
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” — Heb 1:14 (KJV)
Among other things, angels serve believers on earth and guard them, just as demons can bind and enslave people. Angels are entirely different beings from humans. People do not become angels after death. Angels never have been, and never will be, human. God created the angels, just as he created the whole of humanity.
Where Did Angels Come From?
They were created by God — by Jesus, who is also called in the Bible the “firstborn of all creation.” In the letter to the Colossians, Jesus’s role in creation is described this way:
“He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” — Col 1:15-20
It was precisely through him that everything in the heavens and on earth was created — everything visible and invisible — including angels. These beings do not marry or have offspring (Mark 12:25). Each of these “sons of the true God” was created individually (Job 1:6).
Angels in the Bible
Angels first appear in the Bible in Gen 3:24, when Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden. God then placed a cherub with a flaming sword to guard the entrance to paradise.
The next mention of an angel appearing comes from Gen 16:7, about 1,900 years later. Hagar, the Egyptian servant who bore Ishmael to Abraham, was instructed by an angel to return and be obedient to her mistress Sarai.
Abraham was also visited by God and two angels, as we read in Gen 18:2, and received from him a warning about the coming destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
These same two angels visited Lot, telling him to flee the city with his family before it was destroyed (Gen 19:1-11). The angels also displayed supernatural power, striking the men who threatened Lot with blindness.
When Jacob saw a multitude of angels (Gen 32:1), he immediately recognized it as God’s army.
In Num 22:22 an angel opposed the disobedient prophet Balaam, who — unlike his donkey — did not recognize him at first.
Mary too was visited by an angel, who told her she would become the mother of the Messiah, while Joseph was warned to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to protect the family from the consequences of Herod’s new decree (Matt 2:13).
Those to whom angels appear initially feel fear (Judg 6:22; 1 Chron 21:30; Matt 28:5). Angels also deliver messages from God, often confirming them in a supernatural way. In every case, angels point to God and give him glory. Angels do not accept glory and worship, because glory and worship belong to God alone (Rev 22:8-9).
How Many Angels Are There?
The Bible does not give an exact number, but indicates that it is enormous. For example, the apostle John saw hundreds of millions of angels in a vision (Rev 5:11).
“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne… numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands.” — Rev 5:11 (ESV)
Do Angels Differ in Rank?
Yes. The greatest authority and highest position belongs to Michael, who is an archangel (Jude 9; Rev 12:7). The seraphim also hold a high rank — they serve near the throne of God (Isa 6:2, 6). Another important group is the cherubim, who are given special tasks. For example, after the banishment of Adam and Eve from paradise, it was they who guarded its gates (Gen 3:23-24).
According to Christian tradition, the number of angelic choirs (heavenly orders) ranges from 7 to 11. They have been arranged into three triads (following the division proposed by St. Ambrose):
| Severity | Balance | Tolerance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contemplation closest to God. | Choir III Thrones Distinguished by obedience | Choir I Seraphim Surpass the other choirs in love | Choir II Cherubim Full of the knowledge of God |
| The Cosmos holding authority over the heavenly bodies. | Choir VI Powers (Authorities) Restrain the efforts of demons | Choir V Virtues (Might) Credited with the power to work miracles | Choir IV Dominions Regulate angelic duties |
| The World caring for the world and mankind. | Choir VIII Archangels Carry out the most important tasks | Choir IX Angels Guardians of people | Choir VII Principalities Direct nations and states |
Although the Bible gives names to some of these hosts, such as Seraphim or Cherubim, it does not indicate that these terms refer to distinct, separate groups of angels. For example, the seventh of the trumpet-blowing angels in the visions of the book of Revelation is also called an archangel there. And closer to God’s throne than the seven angels functioning as Seraphim, there are only the four living creatures (animals) present right at the throne, which could be called Cherubim, since many verses of Scripture speak of God as sitting enthroned upon them.
Angels in heaven have their own hierarchy, divided into nine angelic choirs. These are:
- First Hierarchy — Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones,
Closest to God is the first hierarchy, which is also the most perfect. The angels of the choir of Seraphim possess the greatest power, guard God’s throne, and fill the remaining angels with the fire of love. Cherubim are the givers of divine knowledge, pouring out wisdom onto other beings. Thrones, meanwhile, carry out God’s justice, remaining constantly before his throne and majesty.
Seraphim — These are heavenly spirits, in human form with wings, covering their faces as a sign of reverence for God, mentioned for the first time in the Bible in connection with God; their name means “fiery,” “burning.” Possibly identical to the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant? (Isa 6:2). The Hebrew noun שרף (saraf) is usually connected with the verb לְהִישָּׂרֵף (lehisaref), meaning to be burned up, to burn. This has suggested that seraphim are beings with some connection to fire (arising from a smokeless fire). Seraphim (and the related cherubim) did not serve as God’s messengers (angels). In fact, the Bible never anywhere refers to seraphim as being angels.
Cherub or cherubim (Hebrew sing. כְּרוּב kərūv, pl. כְּרוּבִים krūvîm, from the Akkadian karābu — to bless, to pray, to consecrate) — according to belief, a powerful supernatural being standing very high in the hierarchy of God’s creatures, often found in the immediate presence of God.
- Second Hierarchy — Dominions, Virtues (Might), and Powers,
Dominions, the choir of the second hierarchy, regulate the angelic orders. They serve the Seraphim and Cherubim in maintaining order and regulate the activities of the lower angelic spheres. Virtues, also referred to as Powers or Might, are powerful angels who lend help through the strength received by carrying out God’s commands. Authorities, also called Powers, reflect God’s authority. This kind of angel most strongly shields and defends people on earth against the forces of hell and Satan.
The biblical basis for counting Powers and Dominions among the ranks of created spirits lies in the words of the New Testament, chiefly the apostle Paul, who lists some of them, stating that Christ is seated far above all rule and authority and power and dominion (Eph 1:21). Elsewhere he states that by him all things were created: whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities (Col 1:16). He also writes that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers (Rom 8:38) will be able to separate us from the love of God. St. Peter the Apostle proclaims of Christ that he has gone into heaven, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him (1 Pet 3:22).
In the Gospels, Jesus Christ speaks of the powers of the heavens that will be shaken (Matt 24:29; Mark 13:24; Luke 21:26). The prophet Daniel, meanwhile, says that the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him (Dan 7:27).
- Third Hierarchy — Principalities, Archangels, and Angels
The third hierarchy is indeed the most distant from God, yet it is closest to human beings. The choir of Principalities, also called the choir of Princedoms, is tasked with directing nations and states. Archangels carry out the most important earthly tasks and keep the angels in harmony and unity. The task of the choir of Angels, meanwhile, is to watch over specific individual people. It is among them, in heaven, that the Guardian Angel is placed.
The biblical basis for counting Principalities among the ranks of created spirits lies in the words of St. Paul the Apostle, who lists some of them, stating that Jesus Christ, who is the head of all rule and authority (Col 2:10), is seated far above all rule and authority and power and dominion (Eph 1:21), for by him all things were created: whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities (Col 1:16), and will destroy every rule and every authority and power (1 Cor 15:24). He also writes that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers (Rom 8:38) will be able to separate us from the love of God, but that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places (Eph 3:10); for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph 6:12).
A second source is the Book of Daniel, in which one of the chief princes (Gr. εἷς τῶν ἀρχόντων τῶν πρώτων; Lat. unus de principibus primis), Michael, is named as the guardian of Israel and the spiritual prince (Gr. ὁ στρατηγὸς; Lat. princeps) of the kingdom of Persia, and another prince of Greece, that is, Javan (Dan 10:13, 20).
The Archangel Michael (Dan 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 1:9; Rev 12:7)
The name of the archangel Michael comes from the Hebrew Mika’el and literally means “who is like God.” St. John in Revelation describes him as the one who stands at the head of the heavenly spirits and fights against Satan. He therefore holds first place among the archangels.
When Satan rebelled and rose up against God, the archangel Michael was the first to stand against him. His fundamental mission, then, is to fight for the glory and honor of God. In the Bible he is named as one of the highest princes of heaven, and also as the defender of the people of Israel. The archangel Michael was also said to have protected the body of Moses, the biblical leader of the Israelites, after his death.
The Archangel Gabriel (Dan 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26)
The name Gabriel — in Hebrew Geber’el — is made up of two words: geber, meaning “strong,” and el, “the Lord God.” The meaning of the archangel Gabriel’s name is thus “warrior of God,” “power of God.” He is regarded in Scripture as the guardian of Jesus’s family, and is also commonly considered to be a messenger angel. In the Bible, the archangel Gabriel announced to Mary the birth of Jesus, and also informed St. Joseph of it. In the Old Testament he is indicated as the one who governs paradise.
Satan
This is a fallen angel/archangel. Satan was an angel who was cast out of heaven along with many other angels who decided to follow him and chose sin (2 Pet 2:4).
Abaddon, or Apollyon
This too is a fallen angel.
Are Angels Above Human Beings?
In one place the Bible says that we were made a little lower than the angels:
“…what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.” — Ps 8:4-5 (KJV)
Yet elsewhere it says that we will judge angels, though this probably refers to fallen angels. Why would anyone need to judge those who live close to God? Either way, it is we who will be the ones to judge them. This places us in a more honored position.
“Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!” — 1 Cor 6:2-3
Elsewhere, the Word of God says that they are fellow servants together with us and with God:
“I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, ‘You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.'” — Rev 22:8-9
It’s likely that until we came to know Jesus and the Holy Spirit came to dwell in us, we were “a little lower” than the angels. But once Jesus Christ redeemed us with his blood and we experienced adoption as sons, we now sit at the right hand of God’s throne together with Christ. Our position in Christ is something else entirely. That’s why all of these passages are true. Here is a statement about where Jesus is now:
“…he [God] raised him [Jesus] from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church” — Eph 1:20-22
A little further on, it says where we now stand:
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved — and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” — Eph 2:4-6
We now find ourselves together with Christ in an honored place. He as the head, and we as his body — the church.
Do Angels Sing?
Probably the clearest passage touching on this question is Job 38:7, where we read that during the creation of the world “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” In studying Hebrew poetry, the “morning stars” are identified with “angels,” and singing with joyful shouting. It seems fairly straightforward and obvious that it was angels who sang. However, the Hebrew word translated as “sang” does not always point to music. It can also be translated as “shouting for joy,” “loud weeping,” or “rejoicing.”
Revelation 5 is another example that might indicate that angels sing. Verse 9 speaks of beings who “sang a new song” in heaven. The ones singing are the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures — possibly angelic beings, though they are not explicitly named as such. Later, in verse 11, “the voice of many angels” is heard. But the word used here speaks of a “voice,” not specifically of “singing.” The words of the angelic hosts in verse 12 are quite similar to the words of the song in verse 9, but the angels’ words do not specifically speak of singing. So there is no unambiguous evidence in Revelation 5 that angels sing.
And what about the story of the Nativity? Luke 2:13-14 says, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest…'” Notice again that the angels’ words are “said,” not specifically “sung.” Since singing is a form of speaking, the passage does not rule out the idea that the angels sang — but this passage does not settle the question either.
Are Angels Male or Female?
The Bible does not necessarily indicate a gender for angels — male or female. When gender is “assigned” to them in the biblical account, it is always masculine (Gen 18:2; 19:1, 12; Rev 7:2; 8:3; 10:7), and only masculine names appear: Michael and Gabriel. Jesus states that in heaven, angels do not marry.
“In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife shall she be? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.” — Matt 22:28-30
Do We Have Guardian Angels?
Although angels care about the spiritual well-being of God’s servants, this does not necessarily mean that God has assigned every Christian a specific angel as a personal guardian (Matthew 18:10). Angels do not shield God’s servants from every difficulty or temptation. The Bible indicates that when trials come upon us, God often ‘provides a way out’ by granting us the wisdom and strength through which we can endure (1 Corinthians 10:12-13; James 1:2-5).
There is no doubt that good angels help protect believers, reveal information, guide people, and, generally speaking, serve God’s children. The difficult question is whether every person, or every believer, has their own guardian angel who is in some sense “assigned” to them. The Bible says nothing about a “guardian angel.” Nor should we pray a prayer like “My guardian angel…” First, we pray only to God, and second, if the Bible never mentions such a thing, neither should we.
Angels can appear on earth as ordinary people. The Bible says:
“Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” — Heb 13:1-2 (KJV)
Angels are special “guardians” of people. The Bible says:
“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.” — Matt 18:10 (KJV)
Angels protect us. The Bible says:
“There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” — Ps 91:10-11 (KJV)
God sends his angels to protect us from danger. The Bible says:
“Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way…” — Exod 23:20 (KJV)
Who Is the Angel of the Lord?
The exact identity of “the angel of the Lord” is not spelled out in Scripture. There are, however, many valuable “clues” that can help us determine his identity. Most of the holy angels are not named in the Bible, but are described as “elect angels” (1 Tim 5:21).
The terms “rulers” and “powers” appear to be used in reference to all angels, both fallen and holy (Luke 21:26; Rom 8:38; Eph 1:21; 3:10; Col 1:16; 2:10, 15; 1 Pet 3:22).
Some angels are referred to as “cherubim” — these are living beings who defend God’s holiness against any defilement by sin (Gen 3:24; Exod 25:18, 20).
“Seraphim” are another class of angels, mentioned only once in Scripture, in Isaiah 6:2-7, and are described as angels with three pairs of wings. They apparently had the task of worshiping God, acting as God’s messengers on earth, and are especially sensitive to God’s holiness. Most of the references to holy angels in Scripture speak of their far-reaching service. Holy angels were present at creation, at the giving of the Law, at the birth of Christ and his resurrection, at his ascension, and they will be present at the rapture of the church and at Christ’s second coming.
Fallen angels are decidedly fewer in number — a third — than the holy angels, and are described as fallen from the very first place they appear. Led by Satan, who was originally a holy angel, the fallen angels betrayed God, rebelled against him, and became sinful in their nature and conduct. Fallen angels are divided into two classes: those who are free, and those who have been bound. Among the fallen angels, only Satan is described in the Bible in a particularly detailed way. When Satan fell (John 8:44; Luke 10:18), he dragged a third of the angels down with him. Among these, some are held in chains awaiting judgment (1 Cor 6:3; 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 1:6), while the rest are free and are the demons, the spirits mentioned in various passages of the New Testament (Mark 5:9, 15; Luke 8:30; 1 Tim 4:1). They are servants of Satan in all his undertakings and share his fate (Matt 25:41; Rev 20:10).
The Various Tasks of Angels
There are dozens of biblical examples of angelic visits, so we know that God can and did use angels to accomplish certain things. What we don’t know for certain is how often angels allowed themselves to be visible to people. Here are a few basic things about angels from the Bible:
- Angels can give people guidance (Gen 16:9),
- They serve and stand before God (Ps 103:20; Rev 22:9; Job 1:6; 2:1),
- They help people (Dan 6:22),
- They bring answers to our prayers (Acts 12:5-10),
- They deliver messages to people (Luke 1:35),
- They help bring people to Christ (Acts 8:26; 10:3),
- They encourage us in difficult times (Acts 27:23-24),
- They attend to believers at the moment of death (Luke 16:22),
- They can appear in visions and dreams (Dan 10:13),
- They protect people (Exod 23:20) and
- They help carry out God’s plans.
- Angels also displayed supernatural power, striking the men who threatened Lot with blindness,
- They are instruments of God’s judgment (Rev 7:1; 8:2),
- They heal — for example, the angel who stirred the water at the pool,
- They praise God, sing(?), form angelic choirs (Luke 2:13; Ps 148:1-2; Isa 6:3; Heb 1:6; Rev 5:8-13),
- They may have wings,
- They can visit us (Heb 13:2),
- They can also deceive — Gal 1:8 — and Satan disguises himself as an angel of light — 2 Cor 11:14-15
Can Angels Visit Us?
If God has decided to use them in his unusual plans concerning us, then yes, of course they can appear among us to carry out God’s will. Angels are mentioned in Genesis and in Revelation, and they were also witnesses of the creation of the world (Job 38:7). God has used his heavenly host since the beginning of time and will continue to use them in the last days, according to Scripture. It is entirely possible that many people today have met or seen an angel without realizing it.
If angels are among us, it is because they serve in carrying out God’s purpose. The Bible mentions demons that wander the earth only to destroy (Matt 12:43-45). Satan and his demonic forces can probably appear physically, just as holy angels can. Satan’s goal is deception and death. Satan “disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14). The book of Job also describes how Satan walked about on the earth.
Angels are among us, though we do not always see them. God, however, can open our eyes to see the spiritual world, as in the story of Elisha. It is written there that his servant’s eyes were opened, so it’s likely that Elisha simply saw the spiritual world every day. He had that gift — the ability to see the spiritual world.
“When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was surrounding the city. And his servant said, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ He said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the LORD and said, ‘Please strike this people with blindness.’ So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha.” — 2 Kings 6:15-18
It is also written that angels ministered to Jesus:
“Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.” — Matt 4:11
The Bible also says that each of us has an angel from birth:
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” — Matt 18:10
My Own Experience
There was a time when I asked God to let me experience an encounter with angels. And that’s exactly what happened, a few months later, in a couple of different circumstances. The first time was while I was working at an old palace in southern Poland. We were sleeping in nearby buildings, and one night something woke me up, and I saw a red, fiery angel by the window. He looked very solemn, and it immediately occurred to me that he must be a guardian. He held something like a sword in one hand and a trumpet, a horn as if for sounding a warning, in the other. After a short time he vanished, and I wrote everything down.
My second encounter was at church. This angel appeared in the form of an elderly woman, who was waiting for me after the service. As we walked together along a road I know very well, heading toward my house, she asked me very simple things — for example, what is sin? When I finished explaining it to her, she said that I must be a teacher. I denied it, although at the time I was in fact helping to lead a youth group and sometimes taught, something she couldn’t possibly have known. A moment after we said goodbye, the woman vanished — and we had been standing in an open space, with nowhere she could have hidden.
My conclusion is that when we pray to God and believe, we certainly experience this kind of thing far more often. Prayer also requires patience, because our timing is not the same as God’s. The Bible tells the story of when Daniel prayed to God to know the future of his people. God answered immediately, yet it was only after 21 days that an angel visited him with the answer.
“Then he said to me, ‘Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words. The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, so I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” — Dan 10:12-14
We Should Not Pray to Angels!
Angels are not to be worshiped or venerated (Col 2:18). They are beings who carry out God’s will, and they themselves say that they are our “fellow servants” (Rev 22:9). Prayer is a form of worship, which belongs to God alone (Rev 19:10). We should pray only to God (John 14:6).
Regardless of whether we actually experience encounters with angels, the most important thing is that we experience salvation through Jesus Christ. He is far greater than the angels, or than any human being, and worship, honor, and glory belong to him alone.
“You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.” — Nehemiah 9:6
Every time we speak and pray in agreement with the Word of God, angels are activated and begin to act. They respond to our faith when it is grounded in God’s word.
