The Bible refers to angels as celestial beings intermediate between God and humans. The term “angel” appears 41 times in the Old Testament and 165 times in the New Testament. Angels are also called “spirits“, or spirits of just men made perfect. They are one of God’s chief ways of communicating with humanity, along with the prophets, visions, miracles, dreams, etc.
Most people think that stories about Angels are pious legends or religious fairytales, but there are dozens of accounts recorded throughout history that Christians consider to be completely true and representative of real events.
Many people believe that there is only one type of angel; however, it is clear from scripture that this is not so. There are different ranks among the angels which are most clearly defined in the First Book of Enoch, but the general belief is that there are different types.
4 examples of how angels are described in The Bible
Angels are revealed as powerful spirits with superhuman powers. They show themselves as distinct individuals rather than being merely manifestations of one will. Some have animal faces or parts; others have wings or multiple heads, arms or legs. Most notably, they seem to number in the thousands and they often appear together during significant events.
The Bible mentions at least four different kinds of celestial beings who act as God’s messengers: archangels, seraphim, cherubim ,and angels . It says that Archangel Michael argued with Lucifer over whether people would be saved or not and that Lucifer (the former Archangel), with a third of the rebelling angels, was cast out of heaven.
– Angels are mentioned in many different books in The Bible: Genesis(32:1), Exodus(3:2 “angels”), Leviticus(4:6, 16), Job(1:6, 12; 2:1), Psalm(91:11), Psalms(148-150). There are also two New Testament books named after angels—Revelation and Apocalypse.
– It is often thought that all angels have wings, but this isn’t true. Only the seraphim have six wings, while cherubim have four. However usually when they appear to humans, they have wings. In the Old Testament, there are two notable exceptions: one example is when an angel “troubled the water” at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:4), and another is when someone came to visit Abraham before Sodom was destroyed (Genesis 18:2).
– In Genesis 32:1-2 an angel appears to Jacob in a dream telling him not to be afraid. The Lord will go ahead of you and His angel(s) will fight for you against your enemies so that you can walk safely.
– Angels are always referred as male or masculine, but it does not mean that female angels do not exist. It’s just that no one has ever seen them. They are created as perfect beings and remain as such even after their fall from grace.
– The word “angel” comes from the Greek word “ἄγγελος,” “ágélos,” meaning “(something) sent.”
– In Christian angelology, an archangel is an angel of high rank . Though the term archangel is mostly used in literature referring to biblical characters, belief in angels is very common in various religions around the world. Archangels Gabriel , Raphael, and Michael are mentioned by name in the Book of Daniel. If you find this article helpful for further info please let me know in the comments!
– According to tradition, Uriel is often identified as an archangel. Uriel means “God is light.” One source claims that due to a misunderstanding of his name, he has come to be regarded as the angel of death in popular culture. His main role though is being known as one of the seven angels who stand before God’s throne and relate human sin to God. He also guards against the powers of Hell . It doesn’t seem like he’s truly evil though; otherwise, I doubt such a powerful angel would be on earth trying to help humans repent.
In Conclusion, The Bible has many references to Angels, but only mentions the names of four specific angels.
- Michael – Daniel 10:13-21; 12:1; Jude 1:9
- Gabriel –Luke 1:19-26; Revelation 8:2
- Raphael – Tobit 3:17; 5:4, 15; 6:2
- Uriel – Revelations 9-11