What does the Bible teach about angels?

What is an angel?

An angel is a living being who has a personality (intellect, emotion, and will). Angels do not have physical bodies, but can manifest themselves physically. Angels are powerful, but they are not omnipotent; wise, but not omniscient. There are great numbers of them, but they are not limitless. An angel’s main task is to minister to God or for God (Heb. 1:13).

Which angels have names?

Though it is likely that all angels have names, only three angels’ names are recorded in Scripture: Lucifer, whose name means “bearer of light”; Michael, whose name means “who is like God”; and Gabriel, whose name means “man of God.”

Who was the highest angel?

Lucifer was the highest angel (Ezek. 28:1–17). The Bible says he was full of wisdom (v. 17), perfect in beauty (v. 12), was the angel who “covered” God (vv. 14, 16), was perfect in all of his ways (v.15), and was anointed for service to God (v. 14).

Why did Lucifer fall?

The Bible says he left his first estate (Isa. 14:12–14). First he ascended into heaven (to possess it). Then he exalted his throne (which means he desired to rule or have power over the other angels). Third, he wanted to sit on the mount of the congregation (to govern heaven). He wanted to ascend above the highest of the clouds (he wanted the glory of heaven), and finally, he wished to be like the Most High (the Lord Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth).

Are angels male or female?

While many statues and artwork seem to depict angels as female, the word angel is always used in the masculine gender in the Scriptures (both Hebrew and Greek). However, sex in a human sense is never ascribed to them.

When were angels created?

Most people feel that angels were created in eternity past; God speaks, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth . . . when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4, 7). This seems to indicate that at Creation, angels were shouting for joy when they saw what God was doing.
However, some people feel angels were created during the creative week because the Bible says, “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is” (Ex. 20:11 KJV). Since angels are a part of the heavens, these people believe, they were created during these six days.

Will more angels be created?

Apparently Colossians 1:16–17 says that all angels were created simultaneously, and that the act of Creation was complete. This means none will be added in the future.

Can angels die?

The Bible says they cannot: “Nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection” (Luke 20:36).

Can we see angels today?

Angels remain unseen by humans until they choose to appear in some physical manifestation. However, the Bible teaches, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Heb. 13:2). That means we might have talked to someone who blessed our lives, not knowing he was an angel.

Why do angels not remain visible at all times?

Perhaps people would worship them if they could see them. Remember, humans are prone to idolatry. They probably could not resist worshiping angels.

How many angels are there?

At one place Jesus said, “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matt. 26:53). At another place the Bible says, “An innumerable company of angels” (Heb. 12:22 KJV). There are so many we cannot number them, but it does not mean that they are limitless. Only God is limitless. The Bible seems to teach that there is a guardian angel for each person on earth (Matt. 18:10, Acts 12:15). If that is true, there must be at least six billion angels, because that’s how many souls there are on earth.

What is an elect angel?

Paul told Timothy, “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels . . .” (1 Tim. 5:21). Elect angels seem to be those who chose righteousness and followed God, as opposed to those who chose unrighteousness and followed Lucifer. Afterwards those were called fallen angels, unclean spirits, or demons.

Towns, Elmer. 2003. Bible Answers for Almost All Your Questions. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.