Theology of Angels in Scripture and the WSC
Angels are spiritual beings created by God, whose nature is exalted above humanity but infinitely below God's [1]. The term "angel" (Hebrew mal'akh, Greek angelos) literally means "messenger" [1, 3]. While it can refer to human messengers, prophets, priests, or even impersonal agents like pestilence or wind, its primary biblical application is to these heavenly intelligences whom God employs in his governance [3].
Biblical Descriptions and Roles
Scripture indicates that angels were created by God and Christ [2]. They worship God and Christ [2], and their primary function is to serve God in heaven and to assist and defend humanity on earth [1]. Angels are described as ministering spirits [2, 11].
Their roles include:
- Communicating God's Will: Angels frequently deliver divine messages and revelations [2]. Examples include Gabriel's appearances to Daniel (Daniel 8:16; 9:21) and to Zacharias and Mary in Luke (Luke 1:19, 26) [4, 6, 8].
- Executing God's Purposes: Angels carry out God's plans and decrees [2]. This can involve protecting individuals, as seen when an angel ministered to Elijah (1 Kings 19:5) or delivered Peter from prison (Acts 12:7-11) [2]. The angel of the Lord is also depicted as encamping around those who fear God (Psalm 34:7) [12].
- Executing God's Judgments: Angels are agents of divine judgment [2, 13]. They are associated with God's judgment in passages like Daniel 7:9-10, Matthew 13:49, and Revelation 16:1 [2, 13]. For instance, an angel struck down Herod (Acts 12:23) and was involved in the pestilence against Israel (2 Samuel 24:16) [2].
- Worship and Praise: Angels are depicted as celebrating God's works [2].
The "Angel of the Lord"
A significant aspect of the biblical theology of angels is the figure often referred to as "the Angel of the Lord" or "the Angel of God." In several Old Testament passages, this figure is presented in a way that suggests a manifestation of God himself [1]. For example, in Genesis 22:11-12, the "angel of the Lord" speaks, and then the text states, "Now I know that you fear God" (Genesis 22:12), implying the angel's words are God's words. Similarly, in Exodus 3:2, the angel of the Lord appears to Moses in the burning bush, but then God speaks from the bush (Exodus 3:6, 14) [1]. Some commentators identify this "Angel of the Lord" with the pre-incarnate Christ, noting that this angel is frequently called "Jehovah" and "Elohim" (God) [9]. This figure is also referred to as the "angel of the covenant" (Isaiah 63:9) [12].
Hierarchy and Specific Angels
While angels are generally understood as a collective, Scripture names specific angels and hints at a hierarchy. Only two angels are explicitly named in the canonical Scriptures: Gabriel and Michael [4, 6].
- Gabriel: His name means "man of God" [8]. He is known for delivering important messages, such as explaining visions to Daniel (Daniel 8:16; 9:21) and announcing the births of John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1:19, 26) [4, 6, 8].
- Michael: He is identified as an "archangel" [7]. The term "archangel" in Jewish tradition signifies the highest rank of angel [7]. Michael is depicted as a warrior angel, contending with the devil (Jude 1:9) and fighting for God's people (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; Revelation 12:7) [4, 7].
The concept of "archangel" suggests a ranking among angels, with Michael being one of the mightiest [7]. Some traditions also speak of "guardian angels" for individuals or churches, though the interpretation of passages like Revelation 1:20 regarding the "angels" of the churches is debated [10].
Nature and Limitations
Angels are spiritual beings, distinct from humans, and are not to be worshipped [1]. They are powerful, but their power is derived from God and is not infinite [1]. They are servants of God and are of a lesser rank than the Son [11]. The fear that some experienced after seeing angels (e.g., Judges 13:21-22) highlights their awe-inspiring nature [5]. Angels are also associated with natural phenomena, sometimes appearing in connection with winds and fire, which underscores God's lordship over nature [11].
The Westminster Shorter Catechism (WSC) does not dedicate a specific question to the nature of angels, but their existence and role are implicitly acknowledged within its broader theological framework, particularly in relation to God's providence and the execution of his will. For instance, the WSC affirms God's providential care over all his creatures and all their actions (WSC Q. 11), which would include the actions of angels as his agents. The WSC also teaches that God created all things (WSC Q. 9), which encompasses the creation of angels. The catechism's emphasis on God's sovereignty and the obedience of his creatures aligns with the biblical portrayal of angels as God's obedient messengers and executors of his will [2].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Angels — By the word "angels" (i.e. "messengers" of God) we ordinarily understand a race of spiritual beings of a nature exalted far above that of man, although infinitely removed from that of God--whose office is "to do him service in heaven, and by his appointment to succor and defend men on earth. I. Scriptural use of the word .--There are many passages in which the expression "angel of God" is certainly used for a manifestation of God himself (Genesis 22:11) with Genesis 22:12 and Exod 3:2 with Exod 3:6 and Exod 3:14 It is to be observed, also, that side by side w”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Angels — Created by God and Christ -- Ne 9:6; Col 1:16. Worship God and Christ -- Ne 9:6; Php 2:9-11; Heb 1:6. Are ministering Spirits -- 1Ki 19:5; Ps 68:17; 104:4; Lu 16:22; Ac 12:7-11; 27:23; Heb 1:7,14. Communicate the will of God and Christ -- Da 8:16,17; 9:21-23; 10:11; 12:6,7; Mt 2:13,20; Lu 1:19,28; Ac 5:20; 8:26; 10:5; 27:23; Re 1:1. Obey the will of God -- Ps 103:20; Mt 6:10. Execute the purposes of God -- Nu 22:22; Ps 103:21; Mt 13:39-42; 28:2; Joh 5:4; Re 5:2. Execute the judgments of God -- 2Sa 24:16; 2Ki 19:35; Ps 35:5,6; Ac 12:23; Re 16:1. Celebrate the”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Angel — A word signifying, both in the Hebrew and Greek, a "messenger," and hence employed to denote any agent God sends forth to execute his purposes. It is used of an ordinary messenger (Job 1:14: 1 Sam. 11:3; Luke 7:24; 9:52), of prophets (Isa. 42:19; Hag. 1:13), of priests (Mal. 2:7), and ministers of the New Testament (Rev. 1:20). It is also applied to such impersonal agents as the pestilence (2 Sam. 24:16, 17; 2 Kings 19:35), the wind (Ps. 104:4). But its distinctive application is to certain heavenly intelligences whom God employs in carrying on his government”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 1:19: 1:19 I am Gabriel! Two angels are named in Scripture: Gabriel (Dan 8:16; 9:21) and Michael (Dan 10:13; 12:1; Jude 1:9; Rev 12:7).”
- Daniel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Daniel 10:19: peace be unto thee--God is favorable to thee and to thy people Israel. See Jdg 13:21-22, as to the fear of some evil resulting from a vision of angels.”
- Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 1:19: And the angel answering, said unto him, I am Gabriel,.... The name of an angel well known to Zacharias from Daniel's prophecies, Dan 8:16 and is the first time we read of the name of an angel: the Jews say (a), the names of angels came out of Babylon, by the means of the Israelites; and it was there that Daniel became acquainted with this name of Gabriel, and also of Michael. Frequent mention is made of Gabriel in the Jewish writings (b): were there a particular angel appointed over conception, as the Jews say (c) there is, one would be ready to think it should be Gabri”
- Jude (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Jude 1:9: 1:9 Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels: In Jewish tradition, “archangel” was the highest rank of angel (see also 1 Thes 4:16). Michael is mentioned several other times in Scripture (Dan 10:13, 21; 12:1; Rev 12:7); the story about him fighting with the devil about Moses’ body is not in the Old Testament but is preserved in Jewish tradition (see Assumption of Moses).”
- Daniel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Daniel 8:15: 8:15-16 The name Gabriel means “man of God”; he appeared like a man to Daniel (see also 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26).”
- Exodus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Exodus 23:21: my name is in him--This angel is frequently called Jehovah and Elohim, that is, God.”
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 1:20: in--Greek, "upon My right hand." the mystery . . . candlesticks--in apposition to, and explaining, "the things which thou hast seen," governed by "Write." Mystery signifies the hidden truth, veiled under this symbol, and now revealed; its correlative is revelation. Stars symbolize lordship (Num 24:17; compare Dan 12:3, of faithful teachers; Rev 8:10; Rev 12:4; Jde 1:13). angels--not as ALFORD, from ORIGEN [Homily 13 on Luke, and Homily 20 on Numbers], the guardian angels of the churches, just as individuals have their guardian angels. For how c”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 1:7: 1:7 This verse quotes Ps 104:4 to show that the angels are messengers or servants and, therefore, of a lesser rank than the Son, whom they serve. • In the Old Testament, angels are sometimes associated with winds and fire (see Exod 3:2; Judg 6:21; 13:16, 20; 2 Sam 22:11; Pss 18:10; 35:5), which is why angels are mentioned in connection with God’s lordship over nature.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 34:7: angel--of the covenant (Isa 63:9), of whom as a leader of God's host (Jos 5:14; Kg1 22:19), the phrase-- encampeth, &c.--is appropriate; or, "angel" used collectively for angels (Heb 1:14).”
- 1 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Timothy 5:21: 5:21 God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels constitute three witnesses (5:19). These witnesses confirm the accusation against leaders who sin (5:20). • Angels are associated with God’s judgment (Dan 7:9-10; Matt 13:49; 25:31, 41; Luke 9:26; 2 Thes 1:7).”