Angels are often depicted in art and stories, but what does the Bible actually say about them? This article explores various facts about angels according to biblical accounts.
We’ll look at their roles, appearances, and how they interact with humans. The Bible presents angels not just as messengers but as beings actively involved in the unfolding of divine plans.
From the high-ranking archangels like Michael and Gabriel to the more enigmatic seraphim and cherubim, each group of angels has specific functions. Interestingly, not all angels have wings, and some even partake in human activities.
Through this discussion, we aim to clarify common misconceptions and provide a clearer picture of these heavenly beings as described in the scriptures.
1. Angels Don’t Always Have Wings
Many people think angels have wings, but the Bible often describes them without wings. Angels like seraphim and cherubim are shown with wings in books like Isaiah and Ezekiel. For example, seraphim are described as each having six wings in Isaiah 6:2.
“Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.”
However, most angels appear as regular humans. This human appearance helps them interact with people on Earth. For example, the angels who visited Abraham looked like ordinary men, as depicted in Genesis 18:2.
“And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him.“
2. Angels Have a Rank and Order
The Bible shows that angels have a clear rank and order. Archangels like Michael and Gabriel are known for being messengers and protectors. Michael, for instance, is referred to in Jude 1:9.
“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee“.
Other angels, called cherubim and seraphim, mainly focus on worship and being near God, as seen in their detailed descriptions in Ezekiel 10 and Isaiah 6.
3. Angels Can Eat Human Food
Angels can take part in human activities, such as eating. There are stories in the Bible where angels eat food with humans, like when Abraham hosts three visitors who are later revealed to be angels. This is vividly described in Genesis 18:8.
“And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.”
This reference shows that angels can engage in everyday human behaviors to fulfill their duties.
4. Not All Angels Are Good
The Bible mentions fallen angels, led by Lucifer, now known as Satan. These angels chose to oppose God and were thrown out of heaven. They are often linked with demons who work against God’s plans and try to mislead people, as described in Revelation 12:9
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
5. Angels Have Emotional Capacities
Angels are not emotionless; they can feel emotions like joy and awe. For instance, the Bible says angels in heaven are joyful when someone repents and turns away from sin. This is highlighted in Luke 15:10.
“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”
This Bible verse shows that angels respond emotionally to what happens in human lives.