By the word "angels" (i.e. "messengers" of God) we ordinarily understand a race of spiritual beings of a nature exalted far above that of man, although infinitely removed from that of God--whose office is "to do him service in heaven, and by his appointment to succor and defend men on earth. I. Scriptural use of the word .--There are many passages in which the expression "angel of God" is certainly used for a manifestation of God himself (Genesis 22:11) with Genesis 22:12 and Exod 3:2 with Exod 3:6 and Exod 3:14 It is to be observed, also, that side by side with these expressions we read of God's being manifested in the form of man--as to Abraham at Mamre, (Genesis 18:2,22) comp. Genesis 19:1 To Jacob at Penuel, (Genesis 32:24,30) to Joshua at Gilgal, (Joshua 5:13,15) etc. Besides this, which is the highest application of the word angel, we find the phrase used of any messengers of God, such as the prophets, (Isaiah 42:19; Haggai 1:13; Malachi 3:1) the priests, (Malachi 2:7) and the rulers of the Christian churches. (Revelation 1:20) II. Nature of angels--Angels are termed "spirits," as in (Hebrews 1:14)--but it is not asserted that the angelic nature is incorporeal. The contrary seems expressly implied in (Luke 20:36; Philemon 3:21) The angels are revealed to us as beings such as man might be, and will be when the power of sin and death is removed, because always beholding his face, (Matthew 18:10) and therefore being "made like him." (1 John 3:2) Their number must be very large, (1 Kings 22:19; Matthew 26:53; Hebrews 12:22) their strength is great, (Psalms 103:20; Revelation 5:2; 18:21) their activity marvelous (Isaiah 6:2-6; Matthew 26:53; Revelation 8:13) their appearance varied according to circumstances, but was often brilliant and dazzling. (Matthew 28:2-7; Revelation 10:1,2) Of the nature of "fallen angels," the circumstances and nature of the temptation by which they fell, we know absolutely nothing. All that is certain is that they "left their first estate" and that they are now "angels of the devil." (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:7,9) On the other hand the title especially assigned to the angels of God--that of the "holy ones," see (Daniel 4:13,23; 8:13; Matthew 25:31)--is precisely the one which is given to those men who are renewed in Christ's image. Comp. (Hebrews 2:10; 5:9; 12:23) III. Office of the angels . Of their office in heaven we have only vague prophetic glimpses as in (1 Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6:1-3; Daniel 7:9,10; Revelation 6:11), etc., which show us nothing but a never-ceasing adoration. They are represented as being, in the widest sense, agents of God's providence, natural and supernatural, to the body and to the soul. In one word, they are Christ's ministers of grace now, and they shall be of judgment hereafter. (Matthew 13:39,41,49; 16:27; 24:31) etc. That there are degrees of the angelic nature, both fallen and unfallen, and special titles and agencies belonging to each, is clearly declared by St. Paul, (Ephesians 1:21; Romans 8:38) but what their general nature is it is useless to speculate. Created by God and Christ -- Ne 9:6; Col 1:16. Worship God and Christ -- Ne 9:6; Php 2:9-11; Heb 1:6. Are ministering Spirits -- 1Ki 19:5; Ps 68:17; 104:4; Lu 16:22; Ac 12:7-11; 27:23; Heb 1:7,14. Communicate the will of God and Christ -- Da 8:16,17; 9:21-23; 10:11; 12:6,7; Mt 2:13,20; Lu 1:19,28; Ac 5:20; 8:26; 10:5; 27:23; Re 1:1. Obey the will of God -- Ps 103:20; Mt 6:10. Execute the purposes of God -- Nu 22:22; Ps 103:21; Mt 13:39-42; 28:2; Joh 5:4; Re 5:2. Execute the judgments of God -- 2Sa 24:16; 2Ki 19:35; Ps 35:5,6; Ac 12:23; Re 16:1. Celebrate the praises of God -- Job 38:7; Ps 148:2; Isa 6:3; Lu 2:13,14; Re 5:11,12; 7:11,12. The law given by the ministration of -- Ps 68:17; Ac 7:53; Heb 2:2. Announced The conception of Christ. -- Mt 1:20,21; Lu 1:31. The birth of Christ. -- Lu 2:10-12. The resurrection of Christ. -- Mt 28:5-7; Lu 24:23. The ascension and second coming of Christ. -- Ac 1:11. The conception of John the Baptist. -- Lu 1:13,36. Minister to Christ -- Mt 4:11; Lu 22:43; Joh 1:51. Are subject to Christ -- Eph 1:21; Col 1:16; 2:10; 1Pe 3:22. Shall execute the purposes of Christ -- Mt 13:41; 24:31. Shall attend Christ at his second coming -- Mt 16:27; 25:31; Mr 8:38; 2Th 1:7. Know and delight in the gospel of Christ -- Eph 3:9,10; 1Ti 3:16; 1Pe 1:12. Ministration of, obtained by prayer -- Mt 26:53; Ac 12:5,7. Rejoice over every repentant sinner -- Lu 15:7,10. Have charge over the children of God -- Ps 34:7; 91:11,12; Da 6:22; Mt 18:10. Are of different orders -- Isa 6:2; 1Th 4:16; 1Pe 3:22; Jude 1:9; Re 12:7. Not to be worshipped -- Col 2:18; Re 19:10; 22:9. Are examples of meekness -- 2Pe 2:11; Jude 1:9. Are wise -- 2Sa 14:20. Are mighty -- Ps 103:20. Are holy -- Mt 25:31. Are elect -- 1Ti 5:21. Are innumerable -- Job 25:3; Heb 12:22.
Angels