When describing angels, we usually picture an ethereal being with white-feathered wings and an overall aura of purity and innocence. They are known to be messengers of God and have appeared in countless stories, artworks, and traditions. But what are they according to the Bible?
Here are 17 interesting facts the Bible reveals about angels.
Angels are Innumerable
Several verses in the Bible reveal that angels are countless. Revelation 5:11 describes John’s vision of “many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand.” Their vast number implies that God’s power is boundless and His kingdom is infinite.
Angels Sometimes Appear in Human Form
The Bible has many stories about angels disguised as humans and interacting with people. One of the most well-known stories is Genesis 18, wherein three visitors visited Abraham. It was later revealed that these visitors were angels who came to tell Abraham about the future of Sodom and Gomorrah and God’s promise of a son to Abraham and Sarah. God sends these angels who take on human appearance to deliver His message in a manner that His people can easily understand.
Angels Have Names
Gabriel, the messenger, and Michael, the warrior, are two of the most well-known angels whose names appear in several verses in the Bible. Their names hold important meanings and reflect their unique roles in carrying out God’s divine plans.
Angels Can Also be Fierce Warriors
Michael the Archangel, whose name means “Who is like God?” is the prime example of an angelic warrior. In Revelation 12:7-9, it was depicted that Michael led the heavenly armies in a war against Satan and his followers. This passage highlighted his leadership and combative prowess in defeating evil forces.
Angels Can Reveal Future Events
Apart from being messengers of God, angels also guide and prepare humans for what lies ahead according to God’s plan. The future birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was revealed in Luke 1:26-38 when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce her conception of the Savior. In a separate passage, Matthew 1:20-21, an angel appeared in Joseph’s dream to announce that the Holy Spirit conceives Mary’s child and will save His people from their sins.
Angels Have Influence Over Natural Elements
Angels can manipulate nature. This ability was highlighted in Revelation 7:1: “After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or the sea or on any tree.” This verse and several others in the Bible reveal that angels are given the extraordinary power to control natural forces or alter environmental conditions according to God’s command.
Angels Respond to Human Prayer
Angels listen and respond to the prayers of the faithful. This is evident in the book of Daniel when the angel Gabriel instantly appeared as Daniel was praying. In Acts 12:5-11, the church prayed earnestly for Peter to be released from prison. The angel of the Lord responded and appeared in prison, freed Peter from his chains, and delivered him out of prison. These passages and a few others show that angels respond to human prayer, illustrating their role as active agents of God’s will.
Angels are Protectors
The term “guardian angels,” who are sent to protect and guide humans, was mentioned several times in the Bible. Psalm 91:11-12 says, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” This verse reassures the faithful that the angels of God will protect and guide them in their daily lives.
Angels Also Worship God
The Bible vividly portrays angels as devoted worshippers of God who continually praise and glorify Him. Just like us faithful humans, angels also sing hymns of praise to God, celebrating His glory and majesty.
Angels Have No Halo
Angels are illustrated by art and media as beings with halos. However, this imagery is a misconception. The Bible never described angels as having halos. Instead, the biblical description of angels can be found in Isaiah 6:2, which talks about the seraphim, the six-winged angels, one pair for flying and the other pair to cover their faces and feet. Another is the cherubim (Ezekiel 1:5-10), which has four faces and wings. Nowhere in those passages mentioned the halo.
Angels Enact God’s Will Through Miracles
The angels’ role as instruments of God’s miraculous interventions is frequently mentioned in the Bible. They also perform miracles of healing and restoration as a way to demonstrate God’s restorative power towards the sick.
Angels are Associated with the Afterlife
No, this is not about the spirit of the person who becomes an angel after death. The angels’ association with the afterlife highlights their role in escorting the souls of the righteous as they transition from earthly life to eternal existence.
The Mysterious Union Between Angels and Humans
This is one of the controversial topics in the Bible. This concept appeared in the book of Genesis, which is often a topic of debate among scholars and believers. The birth of the race of giants known as the Nephilim was said to be a result of a union between fallen angels and humans.
Angels Have Their Own Will
Being allowed to make their own decisions based on their own will gives angels the capability to either obey or disobey God’s commands. This aspect is depicted in the story of Lucifer, a fallen angel who chose to rebel against God.
Angels are Equipped with Divine Wisdom
Angels possess knowledge far beyond human capacity. This divine wisdom enables them to carry out God’s plans effectively. They act as interpreters of God’s will, and through their wisdom, they can help humans understand God’s messages.
Angels Have Ranks
There is a hierarchy, even among angels. This hierarchical structure reflects a divine organization within the heavenly realm. Archangels like Michael and Gabriel are among the high-ranking angels. They are tasked to lead and deliver important messages from God.
Satan Was Once an Angel of God
Satan was once one of the most powerful angels of God. However, his fall into rebellion transformed him into an enemy of God. Isaiah 14:12-15 is often associated with Satan with mentions of a fallen figure who attempts to make himself mightier than God.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.