Handout on a Study of Angels

 

Historian’s “3rd Wave” of interest in angels: 1) ancient cultures (Colossians 2:18), 2) Renaissance art & theology (John Milton, Michelangelo, Raphael, etc., 3) books, movies, & art about angels today. 

Definition:“spiritual beings which God created higher than man, some of whom remained obedient to God & carry out His will, & others of whom disobeyed, lost their holy condition, & oppose & hinder His work” (Edwin Myers, A Study of Angels, 1995, p. 4).

 380 Biblical references to angels: to men (2 Samuel 2:5), prophets (Haggai 1:13; Galatians 4:14), Israel’s priests (Malachi 2:7), church leaders (Revelation 2-3); John the Baptist (Malachi 3:1); Jesus (Exodus 3:2; 1 Corinthians 10:4), illness or handicap (2 Corinthians 12:7), & Satan (2 Corinthians 11:14.

 What Are Some Characteristics of Angels?

             Spiritual beings (Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 2:7; Hebrews 1:14; Matthew 22:30; Genesis 18:8)

             Supernatural Powers (1 Corinthians 13:1; 2 Samuel 14:20; 1 Peter 1:12; Numbers 22:31)

            Speed (Exodus 12:29-30); Judges 6:21; 13:20; Luke 2:13; Daniel 9:21)

            Immortality (Luke 20:27-36)

 Change in Form—Human (Genesis 19:1); horses & chariots of fire (2 Kings 6:17); burning bush (Exodus 3:2; Galatians 3:19); wind & lightning (Hebrews 1:7); young man ( (Mark 16:5); man dressed in white clothing (Acts 1:10-11)          

             Moral Being (2 Peter 2:4)

             Holy Creature (Matthew 25:31; Daniel 4:17)

  How Are Angels Organized?

            Work & authority (Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4)

 Military Rank    (James 5:4; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 12:7; Jude 9; Daniel 10:1-14; 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:16)

 What Are Some Names of Angels?

Sons of God & stars (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7), holy ones & watchers (Daniel 4:17), mighty ones (Psalm 103:21), assembly of the saints/council of holy ones (Psalm 89:7), heavenly host (Luke 2:13), sons of the Mighty One (Psalm 89:6); Cherubs—cherubim (Ezekiel 1:6-8; 10:15,20; Genesis 3:24); Seraphs—seraphim (Isaiah 6:1-8; Revelation 4:6-8)

 How Do Angels Serve?

 Impact political events (Daniel 9:2; 10:13, 20-21; 11:1; 12:1); Guard obedient saints (Psalm 91:11); carries righteous soul to Paradise (Luke 16:22); delivers from death (Acts 5:19; 12:7); executes justice on disobedient (Acts 12:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:7); delivered law to Moses (Acts 7:53); unites preacher with sinner (Acts 8:26; 10:7); serves saints (Hebrews 1:6,14)

 When Were Angels Created?

            Psalm 148:2-5; Colossians 1:16; 2:18; Exodus 20:8-11; Nehemiah 9:6

  How Many Angels Are There?

 Ephesians 3:14; Matthew 26:53; Daniel 7:9-10; Revelation 5:12; Hebrews 12:22

  What About Guardian Angels?

           Hebrews 1:14; Matthew 18:10; Acts 12:19