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ANGEL

Both the Hebrew mal·´akh´ and the Greek ag´ge·los literally mean “messenger.” From the first book of the Bible to the last, these words occur nearly 400 times. When spirit messengers are indicated, the words are translated “angels,” but if the reference definitely is to human creatures, the rendering is “messengers.” (Ge 16:7; 32:3; Jas 2:25; Re 22:8; see MESSENGER.) However, in the highly symbolic book of Revelation certain references to ‘angels’ may apply to human creatures.—Re 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14.

Angels are sometimes termed spirits; that which is spirit is invisible and powerful. Thus we read: “A spirit came out and stood before Jehovah”; “Are they not all spirits for public service?” (1Ki 22:21; Heb 1:14) Having invisible spiritual bodies, they make their abode “in the heavens.” (Mr 12:25; 1Co 15:44, 50) They are also termed “sons of the true God,” “morning stars,” and “holy myriads” (or “holy ones”).—Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; De 33:2.

Not being creatures that marry and reproduce their own kind, the angels were individually created by Jehovah through his firstborn Son, “the beginning of the creation by God.” (Mt 22:30; Re 3:14) “By means of him [this firstborn Son, the Word] all other things were created in the heavens . . . the things invisible . . . Also, he is before all other things and by means of him all other things were made to exist.” (Col 1:15-17; Joh 1:1-3) The angels were created long before man’s appearance, for at the ‘founding of the earth’ “the morning stars joyfully cried out together, and all the sons of God began shouting in applause.”—Job 38:4-7.

As for the number of the angelic hosts of heaven, Daniel said he saw “a thousand thousands that kept ministering to [God], and ten thousand times ten thousand that kept standing right before him.”—Da 7:10; Heb 12:22; Jude 14.

Order and Rank. As with the visible creation, so also in the invisible realm there is order and rank among the angels. The foremost angel, both in power and authority, is Michael, the archangel. (Da 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9; Re 12:7; see ARCHANGEL; MICHAEL No. 1.) Because of his preeminence and his being called “the great prince who is standing in behalf of the sons of [God’s] people,” he is presumed to be the angel that led Israel through the wilderness. (Ex 23:20-23) Ranking very high among the angels in privileges and honor are the seraphs. (Isa 6:2, 6; see SERAPHS.) More frequently (some 90 times), the Scriptures mention the cherubs, and from the description of their duties and responsibilities it is apparent that they, too, hold a special position among the angels. (Ge 3:24; Eze 10:1-22; see CHERUB No. 1.) Then there is the great body of angelic messengers who serve as a means of communication between God and man. However, they do more than simply relay messages. As agents and deputies of the Most High God, they serve as responsible executioners of the divine purpose, be it protection and deliverance of God’s people or destruction of the wicked.—Ge 19:1-26.

Personality. Some may deny distinct personality of individual angels, claiming they are impersonal forces of energy dispatched to accomplish the will of God, but the Bible teaches otherwise. Individual names imply individuality. The fact that two of their names, Michael and Gabriel, are given establishes the point sufficiently. (Da 12:1; Lu 1:26) The lack of more names was a safeguard against giving undue honor and worship to these creatures. Angels were dispatched by God as agents to act in his name, not in their own name. Hence, when Jacob asked an angel for his name, he refused to give it. (Ge 32:29) The angel that approached Joshua, when asked to identify himself, replied only that he was “prince of the army of Jehovah.” (Jos 5:14) When Samson’s parents asked an angel for his name, he withheld it, saying: “Just why should you ask about my name, when it is a wonderful one?” (Jg 13:17, 18) The apostle John attempted to worship angels and was twice rebuked: “Be careful! Do not do that! . . . Worship God.”—Re 19:10; 22:8, 9.

As personalities, angels have the power to communicate with one another (1Co 13:1), the ability to talk various languages of men (Nu 22:32-35; Da 4:23; Ac 10:3-7), and the thinking ability with which to glorify and praise Jehovah (Ps 148:2; Lu 2:13). It is true that angels are sexless, because Jehovah made them so, not because they are impersonal forces. Angels are generally represented as males, and when materializing it was always in the male form, because God and his Son are spoken of as males. However, when certain materialized angels indulged in the pleasure of sex in the days of Noah, they were expelled from Jehovah’s heavenly courts. Here was a display of angelic individuality, for, like humankind, they too are free moral agents, with the power of personal choice between right and wrong. (Ge 6:2, 4; 2Pe 2:4) By personal choice, hordes of angels joined Satan in his rebellion.—Re 12:7-9; Mt 25:41.

Powers and Privileges. Since God created man “a little lower than angels” (Heb 2:7), it follows that angels have a greater mental capacity than man. They are superhuman in power too. “Bless Jehovah, O you angels of his, mighty in power, carrying out his word.” Angelic knowledge and power were displayed when two angels brought flaming destruction upon Sodom and Gomorrah. A single angel killed 185,000 of the Assyrian army.—Ps 103:20; Ge 19:13, 24; 2Ki 19:35.

Angels too can travel at tremendous speeds, far exceeding the limits of the physical world. Thus when Daniel was praying, God dispatched an angel to answer his prayer; and the angel arrived within moments, even before the prayer was concluded.—Da 9:20-23.

But for all their higher mental and spiritual powers, angels have their limitations. They did not know the “day and hour” when this system of things would be swept away, Jesus said. (Mt 24:36) They take a keen interest in the outworking of Jehovah’s purposes, yet there are some things they do not understand. (1Pe 1:12) They rejoice at the repentance of a sinner, and they watch the “theatrical spectacle” furnished by Christians here on the world stage of public activity. They also observe the proper example of Christian women who wear a sign of authority upon their heads.—Lu 15:10; 1Co 4:9; 11:10; see IMMORTALITY (Kingdom Heirs Granted Immortality).

As Jehovah’s ministers, the angels have enjoyed many privileges during the aeons of passing time. Angels ministered on behalf of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Daniel, Zechariah, Peter, Paul, and John, to mention but a few. (Ge 22:11; 31:11; Jos 5:14, 15; Isa 6:6, 7; Da 6:22; Zec 1:9; Ac 5:19, 20; 7:35; 12:7, 8; 27:23, 24; Re 1:1) Their messages contributed toward the writing of the Bible. In Revelation angels are mentioned far more times than in any other Bible book. Innumerable angels were seen around the great throne of Jehovah; seven blew the seven trumpets, while another seven poured out the seven bowls of God’s anger; an angel flying in midheaven had “everlasting good news”; but another proclaimed, “Babylon the Great has fallen.”—Re 5:11; 7:11; 8:6; 14:6, 8; 16:1.

Support of Christ and followers. From beginning to end, the holy angels of God followed the earthly sojourn of Jesus with extreme interest. They announced his conception and birth, and they ministered to him after the 40-day fast. An angel strengthened him when he prayed in Gethsemane on his final night as a human. When the mob came to arrest him, he could have called for no less than 12 legions of angels had he chosen to do so. Angels also announced his resurrection and were present at his ascension into heaven.—Mt 4:11; 26:53; 28:5-7; Lu 1:30, 31; 2:10, 11; 22:43; Ac 1:10, 11.

Thereafter, God’s spirit messengers continued ministering to his servants on earth, even as Jesus promised: “Do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that their angels in heaven always behold the face of my Father.” (Mt 18:10) “Are they not all spirits for public service, sent forth to minister for those who are going to inherit salvation?” (Heb 1:14) No longer do these mighty angelic ones appear visibly in behalf of Jehovah’s servants on earth, as when they delivered the apostles from prison; nevertheless, God’s servants are assured of the ever-present, invisible protecting armies, as real as those that surrounded the prophet Elisha and his servant. “He will give his own angels a command concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” Yes, “the angel of Jehovah is camping all around those fearing him, and he rescues them.”—Ps 91:11; 34:7; Ac 5:19; 2Ki 6:15-17.

Angels are further shown accompanying Jesus Christ when he comes for judgment, separating “the wheat” from “the weeds” and “the sheep” from “the goats.” Angels joined with Michael in his war on the dragon and the demons at the birth of God’s Kingdom in heaven. They will also support the King of kings in fighting the war of the great day of God the Almighty.—Mt 13:41; 25:31-33; Re 12:7-10; 19:14-16.

2006-12-07 16:21:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Angels have taken on many different roles throughout the scriptures. The first instance of the word "angel" is in Genesis Chapter 16 during the whole Abraham-Sarah situation as they are waiting for the child that the Lord promised them. However if we back up even farther we see several places where other words or phrases are used to refer to "angels". In Genesis Chapter 6, the opening words of that chapter refer to the "Sons of God". In the books of Isaiah or Revelation the angels are referred to as cherabim or seraphim, as servants of the Almighty God. But, what we usually see the angels doing is acting as a messenger to people with the word of the Lord. Most famous being Michael the Archangel or Gabriel who delivered the message of the coming Jesus to the Virgin Mary.

here are some biblical references to things throughout the scriptures that speak of angels, who they are and what they do.

Created by God and Christ
Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16

Worship God and Christ
Nehemiah 9:6; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:6

Are ministering Spirits
1 Kings 19:5; Psalms 68:17; 104:4; Luke 16:22; Acts 12:7-11; 27:23; Hebrews 1:7,14

Communicate the will of God and Christ
Daniel 8:16,17; 9:21-23; 10:11; 12:6,7; Matthew 2:13,20; Luke 1:19,28; Acts 5:20; 8:26; 10:5; 27:23; Revelation 1:1

Obey the will of God
Psalms 103:20; Matthew 6:10

Execute the purposes of God
Numbers 22:22; Psalms 103:21; Matthew 13:39-42; 28:2; John 5:4; Revelation 5:2

Execute the judgments of God
2 Samuel 24:16; 2 Kings 19:35; Psalms 35:5,6; Acts 12:23; Revelation 16:1

Celebrate the praises of God
Job 38:7; Psalms 148:2; Isaiah 6:3; Luke 2:13,14; Revelation 5:11,12; 7:11,12

The law given by the ministration of
Psalms 68:17; Acts 7:53; Hebrews 2:2

ANNOUNCED
The conception of Christ
Matthew 1:20,21; Luke 1:31
The birth of Christ
Luke 2:10-12
The resurrection of Christ
Matthew 28:5-7; Luke 24:23
The ascension and second coming of Christ
Acts 1:11
The conception of John the Baptist
Luke 1:13,36

Minister to Christ
Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43; John 1:51

Are subject to Christ
Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16; 2:10; 1 Peter 3:22

Shall execute the purposes of Christ
Matthew 13:41; 24:31

Shall attend Christ at his second coming
Matthew 16:27; 25:31; Mark 8:38; 2 Thessalonians 1:7

Know and delight in the gospel of Christ
Ephesians 3:9,10; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:12

Ministration of, obtained by prayer
Matthew 26:53; Acts 12:5,7

Rejoice over every repentant sinner
Luke 15:7,10

Have charge over the children of God
Psalms 34:7; 91:11,12; Daniel 6:22; Matthew 18:10

Are of different orders
Isaiah 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Peter 3:22; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7

Not to be worshipped
Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:10; 22:9

Are examples of meekness
2 Peter 2:11; Jude 1:9

Are wise
2 Samuel 14:20

Are mighty
Psalms 103:20

Are holy
Matthew 25:31

Are elect
1 Timothy 5:21

Are innumerable
Job 25:3; Hebrews 12:22

2006-12-07 16:37:39 · answer #2 · answered by revshankumc 2 · 0 0

Eze 1:4 Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire.
Eze 1:5 Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man.
Eze 1:6 Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings.
Eze 1:7 Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves' feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze.
Eze 1:8 The hands of a man were under their wings on their four sides; and each of the four had faces and wings.
Eze 1:9 Their wings touched one another. The creatures did not turn when they went, but each one went straight forward.
Eze 1:10 As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle.
Eze 1:11 Thus were their faces. Their wings stretched upward; two wings of each one touched one another, and two covered their bodies.
Eze 1:12 And each one went straight forward; they went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went.
Eze 1:13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches going back and forth among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and out of the fire went lightning.
Eze 1:14 And the living creatures ran back and forth, in appearance like a flash of lightning.

2006-12-07 16:22:53 · answer #3 · answered by revulayshun 6 · 0 0

i know that they are said to really tall beautiful creatures. there isn't a specific definition on how an angel looks because it says in the bible that once we are in heaven that there wont be males or females. in the sense that we wont have to worry on our looks. we will just be beautiful creatures that serve the Lord!

2006-12-07 16:27:05 · answer #4 · answered by Jeremy 1 · 0 0

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.

And when thy Lord said to the angels, 'I am about to place a vicegerent in the earth,' they said 'Wilt Thou place therein such as will cause disorder in it, and shed blood? - and we glorify Thee with Thy praise and extol Thy holiness,' He answered, 'I know what you know not.'

And remember the time when We said to the angels, 'Submit to Adam,' and they all submitted. But Iblis did not. He refused and deemed himself too big; and he was of the disbelievers.

And they pursue the course which was pursued by the rebellious men against the Kingdom of Solomon. And Solomon did not disbelieve; but it was the rebellious ones who disbelieved. They taught people falsehood and deception. And they claim that they follow what was revealed to the two angels in Babylon, Harut and Marut. But these two taught no one anything until they had said, 'We are but a trial, from Allah, do not, therefore, reject what we say.' So men learnt from them that by which they made a distinction between man and his wife, but they harmed no one thereby, except by the command of Allah; on the contrary, these people (the opponents of the Holy Prophet) are learning that which would harm them and do them no good. And they have certainly known that he who trafficks therein has no share of good in the Hereafter; and surely evil is that for which they sold their souls; if only they knew.

This Messenger of Ours believes in that which has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers; all of them believe in Allah, and in His angels, and in His Books, and in His Messengers, saying, 'We make no distinction between any of His Messengers;' and they say, 'We have heard and we are obedient. Our Lord, we implore Thy forgiveness, and to Thee is the returning.'

2006-12-07 16:24:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

"DOES anyone know!" There, you just got help from a semi-angel.

2006-12-07 16:26:51 · answer #6 · answered by careercollegestudent69 4 · 0 0

read the OT

2006-12-07 16:20:55 · answer #7 · answered by spanky 6 · 0 0

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