The word “angel” originally meant “messenger”. Angels are spiritual beings created by God who serve God in various ways; usually by proclaiming God’s message of salvation, executing God’s judgments, ministering to people, or worshipping God at the heavenly throne. Four angels are mentioned by name in the Bible: Michael (Jude 9), Gabriel (Luke 1:19), Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12) and Abaddon (Revelation 9:11). Some angels sinned and fell and are thus called “fallen angels” or “demons”.
Bible Verses
“20Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!” (Ps 103:20)
“19And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.” (Lk 1:19)
“9But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”” (Jud 9)
“35And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.” (2 Ki 19:35)
“14Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” (Heb 1:14)
“20But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”” (Mt 1:20–21)
“10“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” (Mt 18:10)
“11And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,” (Re 7:11)
Study Questions
- What is the difference between angels and humans?
- Have you seen, or heard of someone who has seen an angel?
- Do people each have a guardian angel?
- What is the purpose of angels?
- What can we learn from the angels?
- Can angels be saved?
Additional Bible Verses
1 Cor 6:3, Rev 22:8-9, Matt 26:53, Heb 1:5-13, Acts 1:10-11, 2 Thess 1:7, Dan 10:1-21