Let The Bible Speak



The Work of Angels

The topic of angels is beautiful or chilling depending on your standing with God. You see, angels serve not only God, but they serve the heirs of salvation--Christians! The Spirit teaches further in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9, “it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.” I do not ordinarily think about angels being materially involved in the rest given to troubled believers and the vengeance meted out to those who do not obey the gospel, but that is precisely what the Bible says. This alone makes the topic of the work of angels worthy of our consideration.

I’ve known otherwise knowledgeable Christians who knew little about angels and some who doubted their existence or even denied their work among Christians today. That is sad. While much about the work of angels I do not understand, we can know what they have done under the Old Testament and even in New Testament times and take solace in the fact that they still have a work to do today that involves God’s people.

I have not preached on the topic of angels as much as I should have. I rarely hear others teach on the subject. That is a mistake. Whenever a Bible topic is neglected, there is a tendency for the vacuum to be filled with popular but erroneous ideas spread by false teachers.

Take note of the fact that the words “angel” and “angels” are found in nearly 300 Scriptures in the Bible with 178 of those Scriptures in the New Testament and 105 of those Scriptures in the Old Testament. Did you get that? The words “angel” and “angels” are found nearly twice as much in the New Testament as they are in the Old. Fifty-two of those 178 New Testament instances are from the gospels and 53 are from the book of Revelation. These facts certainly make the subject relevant for our exploration today. The Work of Angels, after our song….

While we should be enthusiastic about the study of angels, we should be careful not to fill in blanks that the Scriptures leave empty. As with the Holy Spirit, some imaginative, overzealous Bible students attribute to angels details in which Scripture is silent. The Bible teaches in Proverbs 30:6, “Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” I’m also reminded of Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever…” We will focus on the many details Scriptures do provide.

First, though, because the Scriptures say so much about angels and our time is limited, let us consider a general discussion regarding angels from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia:

The word angel is applied in Scripture to an order of supernatural or heavenly beings whose business it is to act as God's messengers to men, and as agents who carry out His will. Both in Hebrew and Greek the word is applied to human messengers (1 Kings 19:2; Luke 7:24); in Hebrew it is used in the singular to denote a Divine messenger, and in the plural for human messengers, although there are exceptions to both usages. It is applied to the prophet Haggai (Haggai 1:13), to the priest (Malachi 2:7), and to the messenger who is to prepare the way of the Lord (Malachi 3:1)....

In New Testament the word aggelos, when it refers to a Divine messenger, is frequently accompanied by some phrase which makes this meaning clear, e.g. "the angels of heaven" (Matthew 24:36). Angels belong to the "heavenly host" (Luke 2:13). In reference to their nature they are called "spirits" (Hebrews 1:14). Paul evidently referred to the ordered ranks of supra-mundane beings in a group of words that are found in various combinations, namely, archai, "principalities," exousiai, "powers," thronoi, "thrones," kuriotetes, "dominions," and dunameis, also translated "powers." The first four are apparently used in a good sense in Colossians 1:16, where it is said that all these beings were created through Christ and unto Him; in most of the other passages in which words from this group occur, they seem to represent evil powers. We are told that our wrestling is against them (Ephesians 6:12), and that Christ triumphs over the principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15; compare Romans 8:38; 1 Corinthians 15:24). In two passages the word archaggelos, "archangel" or chief angel, occurs:

"the voice of the archangel" (1 Thessalonians 4:16), and "Michael the archangel" (Jude 1:9)....

Everywhere in the Old Testament the existence of angels is assumed. The creation of angels is referred to in Psalms 148:2,5, [“Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!...Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.”]....

As to their outward appearance, it is evident that they... could at times be mistaken for men (Ezekiel 9:2; Genesis 18:2,16). There is no hint that they ever appeared in female form….

[A]ngels are messengers and instruments of the Divine will...: two angels are commissioned to destroy Sodom (Genesis 19:13); when David numbers the people, an angel destroys them by pestilence (2 Samuel 24:16); it is by an angel that the Assyrian army is destroyed (2 Kings 19:35)... In this connection it should be noted the expression "angels of evil," i.e. angels that bring evil upon men from God and execute His judgments (Psalms 78:49, “He cast on them the fierceness of His anger, Wrath, indignation, and trouble, By sending angels of destruction among them.” ...).

….The idea of angels as caring for men also appears (Psalms 91:11 f), although the modern conception of the possession by each man of a special guardian angel is not found in Old Testament. Angels are stronger (2 Samuel 24:16), more intelligent (Daniel 9:21-22), and swifter (Daniel 9:21) than any mere man.”

As to the outward appearance of angels, allow me to add that the popular image of a cute little angel does not match the intimidating presence Scripture suggests. Almost without exception, the first words an angel speaks to a human is “Fear not.” In Luke 1:12, when Zecharias saw an angel, “...he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.”  Then in Luke 2:9, the Scriptures say, “And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before [the shepherds], and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.” When the angel appeared to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary at Jesus’ tomb, the Bible says in Matthew 28:3-4, “His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.” When an angel appeared to the Apostle Paul in Acts 27:24, he said, “Do not be afraid, Paul…”  Isaiah responded with these words in Isaiah 6, "Woe is me, for I am undone!” and Daniel trembled in Daniel 10.

We know that angels worship God and serve God but what about angels that are higher creatures than man--do these higher ranking beings serve man? Yes, angels are higher than man. The Bible says in Hebrews 2:9, “But we see Jesus [who as Creator was of course higher as God through eternity, Jesus], who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.”

Christ’s condescension to take on flesh, suffer, and die for the sins of mankind is overwhelming, but we see that this concern and condescension for unworthy mankind doesn’t stop with Jesus. Notice the blessing revealed in Hebrews 1:14, “Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” That angels are spirits that minister or serve comes as no surprise, but did you realize that God sends angels “to minister [or serve] those who will inherit salvation?” That is precisely what the Bible says! Understanding that truth gives those away from God one more reason to serve God. But, the natural question is: what does that mean? How exactly do angels serve those who will inherit salvation? The New Testament does not provide many specific details along those lines but we can see a number of ways throughout history that angels have served man.

We need to pause, though, and note how highly God views serving. Jesus came saying He came not to be served and then backed up His teaching in the most tangible way when He got down on His knees and washed their filthy feet. And so, one of the ways we know that we are getting closer to God is when we find ourselves serving others more with a smile. Satan would certainly have been averse to serving man. In fact, as our adversary, we know he’s doing everything in His power to see that we wallow in our sin and ultimately make our eternal home in the lake of fire with him and his angels. Reflect: which type of angelic beings are you most closely modeling your life after? Those that serve others or those that influence others away from Jesus?

After delineating some of the facts of the gospel plan, the apostle indicates in 1 Peter 1:12 that these details deeply intrigued the angels. Perhaps because of their greater intelligence and intimacy in heaven with God, the angels that sinned once forfeited forever the bliss of heaven: no grace, no mercy, no forgiveness, no plan of salvation was extended to them as has been extended to man. Jesus shares their jubilation on man’s behalf in this regard amidst his parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. Jesus says in Luke 15:10, “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." If you are not right with God today and you decide to turn your life over or back over to God, you will set the angels in heaven to rejoicing. What a glorious thought!

Burton Coffman points out that the holy angels demonstrate their great concern over the welfare of man when they “praise God over the fields of Bethlehem, where the shepherds were to whom it was announced that a Saviour was born, (Luke 2:13) also when an angel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah, (Luke 1:26) [and then when] an angel declared to the shepherds that he was born, (Luke 2:10.)” In addition, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zecharias to tell him that he and his wife, Elizabeth, though childless and “well advanced in years,” would be blessed with a son they will name John who “will be great in the sight of the Lord, and... he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:15-17). Angels were fully engaged in introducing this good news.

The angel Gabriel came to Mary while she was a virgin to tell her (Luke 1:28), "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" The angel Gabriel also told her (Luke 1:30-33), "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."

When Mary expressed concern--can you imagine getting this news as a young lady (Luke 1:34), "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" The angel Gabriel explained that she would birth to the Son of God by means of a miracle via the Holy Spirit. You see, angels were heavily involved in what was going on.

Much later we see the work of angels at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus, you remember, had been fasting 40 days and 40 nights when Satan tempted Him. Exhausted from hunger and this gruelling experience, the Bible says--listen to this--“angels came and ministered to Him.” We don’t know exactly what they did, but no doubt the angels refreshed and strengthened Jesus. Then towards the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, Jesus prayed the heart wrenching prayer in which He asked (Luke 22:42), "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Luke then adds (Luke 22:43), “Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.” Jesus, the Son of God, benefitted from the strengthening power given Him by an angel. When Christians pray, we cannot say for certain how the Lord answers that prayer, but perhaps He uses an angel.

When Mary stood outside Jesus’ tomb weeping, two angels in white appeared unto her (John 20:12) “sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain" and spoke to her asking why she was weeping. Then, when the disciples witnessed Jesus ascending into heaven “two men...in white apparel [surely angels, told them]... ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’"

Historically, part of the work and ministry of angels has been to defend and protect God’s people. In the Old Testament, God pronounces the special care He provides His people in Psalm 91:1-2, 4, 9-12. Notice that He uses the angels in offering this comforting service:   

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."....He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler….Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,

Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.”

Of course, this blessing is a general statement. God never intended for His people to think that they would be completely spared of all difficulty. In fact, Satan went so far in twisting this passage when tempting Jesus that he suggested to Jesus that He would be rescued by angels if He jumped off the pinnacle of the temple. Jesus exposed Satan’s perversion by quoting another Scripture, “You shall not tempt the LORD your God."

The Holy Spirit teaches similarly in Psalm 34:7, "The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them." Angels rescued Lot from Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), an angel opened the prison doors for the apostles when they were imprisoned by the Jews (Acts 5:19), and in answer to the prayers of the church, an angel appeared to Peter when he was in prison facing certain death by Herod and set him free (Acts 12:7). Once set on burning to a crisp the three faithful Hebrew young men who rebelled against him, Nebuchadnezzar later issued overflowing praise, saying, (Daniel 3:28) "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!” Later we find Daniel thrown into the lions’ den for faithfully praying to God when the king’s edict prohibited it. He praised God in Daniel 6:22 for sending “His angel [to] shut the lions' mouths, so that they have not hurt me..."

In the New Testament, an angel appeared to Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and instructed him to send men to Joppa for Simon Peter who would tell him what he must do to be saved (Acts 10:3-6). Notice that even in the age of the apostles when angels interacted directly with the lost, a sinner had to hear from his fellowman what he needed to do to be saved. Angels did not teach the plan of salvation.

Finally, one of the more meaningful scenes associated with angels comes when Jesus, in telling the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, says that when Lazarus died he "was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom," Luke 16:22. The idea that such may still happen should be a great comfort.  We’ll be right back, after our song…

Please join us every Lord’s Day for Let the Bible Speak and then gather with us for worship at one of the congregations listed shortly. Contact to receive a transcript, CD, or DVD copy of #1194 The Work of Angels.” We welcome your questions or comments on this or any other Bible question. You may request our new Bible course titled The Truth Frees. Review video, audio, and transcripts of over 450 Bible messages at . Get the new Let the Bible Speak app on your I-phone or android for instant access to these media. We close with the words the apostle Paul issued in Romans 16:16, “the churches of Christ salute you.” Until next week, goodbye and may God bless you!

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