As I began to ponder what to cover next in this blog, my thoughts began to turn more and more to how God reveals in scripture the role that angels have in accomplishing His purposes. They are especially prominent in the passages dealing with end times prophecy.
I usually post ahead on this blog, but there are only two posts remaining; so I have decided to just take you along on my journey as I search the scripture to learn more about angels and the part they have had and continue to play in bringing about God’s plan for man. This means that I have no plan or outline in place. I am going to share with you as I gather information and, hopefully, put it together as a coherent whole in the end.
There are two main words translated angel in scripture—“malak” in the Hebrew Old Testament and “aggelos” in the Greek New Testament.
4397. mal ak, mal-awk´; from an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher):—ambassador, angel, king, messenger.
32. aggelos, ang´-el-os; from aggello (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an “angel”; by implication, a pastor:—angel, messenger.
Both words clearly indicate that their primary role is that of a messenger and a perusal of the context of their use in scripture clearly identify them as messengers of God. The word angel is used more often in reference to supernatural beings, but the term is also sometimes applied to human messengers. Many examples come quickly to mind of angels communicating messages from God to humans.
• to Lot regarding Sodom and Gomorrah
• to Daniel regarding enlightenment of his dreams
• to Zechariah regarding the birth of John the Baptist
• to Mary regarding the birth of Jesus
• to the shepherds in announcing the birth of Jesus
• to Peter in releasing him from prison
Scripture is also clear in identifying some angels as holy and some as evil.
Matthew 25:31 “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:”
Psalms 78:49 “He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.”
Holy angels are dedicated to serving God and ministering to those who trust in God. Evil angels have given their allegiance to Satan and are dedicated to attacking the faith of those who have declared allegiance to God. Scripture is clear, however, in declaring God’s sovereignty over all the angelic creation.
Luke 15:10 “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”
Hebrews 1:13–14 “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
Revelation 12:9 “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
1 Peter 5:8–9 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
In the next post we will begin looking at some of the names used in scripture in reference to angels.
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