What are angels according to the Bible?
Angels, as depicted in the Bible, are celestial beings that serve as messengers of God. They are often portrayed as ethereal creatures with wings, capable of taking human form and interacting with humans. The concept of angels is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, and they play various roles in the divine plan.
In the Old Testament, angels are primarily seen as messengers sent by God to convey His will and deliver messages to His chosen people. For instance, in Genesis 18, three angels appear to Abraham and Sarah to announce the birth of their son, Isaac. In the book of Numbers, an angel appears to Moses in the form of a burning bush and instructs him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. These instances highlight the role of angels as intermediaries between God and humanity.
Additionally, angels are often depicted as guardians and protectors. In the book of Daniel, an angel appears to Daniel and protects him from the lions in the lion’s den. In the book of Revelation, the angel Michael is described as a protector of God’s people, fighting against the devil and his angels.
The New Testament further expands on the role of angels. In the Gospels, angels are seen as messengers of Jesus Christ, announcing His birth (Luke 1:26-38) and providing comfort and guidance to Him during His earthly ministry. For example, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s persecution (Matthew 2:13-15).
Furthermore, angels are believed to be involved in the afterlife. In the book of Revelation, the angel of the Lord is described as the final judge of humanity, separating the righteous from the wicked (Revelation 20:11-15). In the New Testament, angels are also seen as agents of divine judgment, such as the angel who destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) and the angel who struck King Herod (Acts 12:21-23).
In summary, according to the Bible, angels are divine beings sent by God to deliver messages, provide protection, and participate in the divine plan. They play a crucial role in the relationship between God and humanity, serving as intermediaries, guardians, and agents of judgment.
