What are angels?
The answer of the Bible
Angels are beings who have more power and abilities than humans (2 Peter 2:11). They live in heaven - an invisible realm that is not comparable to the material universe, but something much higher (1 Kings 8:27; John 6:38). That is why angels are also called spirits (1 Kings 22:21; Psalm 18:1.
Where do the angels come from?
God created the angels through Jesus. Jesus is also called "the firstborn of all creation" in the Bible. The role God assigned to him in creation is described in the Bible by the words, "For through ... [Jesus] were created all other things in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible"-that is, including angels (Colossians 1:13-17). Angels do not marry, nor do they have children (Mark 12:25). Each of these "sons of the true God" was created individually (Job 1:6).
When were they created? A very long time ago, before the earth existed. Indeed, the angels rejoiced and applauded when God created the earth (Job 38:4-7).
How many angels are there?
The Bible does not contain an exact number, but it shows that there is a tremendous amount of angels. For example, the apostle John was able to glimpse hundreds of millions of angels in a vision (Revelation 5:11, footnote).
Do angels have proper names? Do they have an individual character?
Yes. The Bible mentions two angels by name: Michael and Gabriel (Daniel 12:1; Luke 1:26). * Other angels would not say their names when asked (Genesis 32:29; Judges 13:17, 18).
Angels have an individual character. They can communicate with one another (1 Corinthians 13:1). They can think independently and express their gratitude to God (Luke 2:13, 14). They also have the freedom to choose between good and evil. This can be seen in the fact that some angels chose against God and sided with the devil (Matthew 25:41; 2 Peter 2:4).
Are there differences in rank among angels?
Yes. The most powerful and ranking angel is the archangel Michael (Jude 9; Revelation 12:7). Seraphim are rank angels near Jehovah's throne (Isaiah 6:2, 6). Cherubim form another group of rank angels with special duties. For example, they guarded the entrance to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were cast out from it (Genesis 3:23, 24).
Cherubim guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden
Can angels help us?
Yes, God uses His faithful angels to help people.
Angels are used by God to guide His servants on earth as they speak to others about the good news of the kingdom of God (Revelation 14:6, 7). This help benefits all who tell of the message and all who hear of it (Acts 8:26, 27).
Angels help shield the Christian assembly from the influence of evil men (Matthew 13:49).
Angels guide and protect faithful friends of God (Psalm 34:7; 91:10, 11; Hebrews 1:7, 14).
Angels will help redeem mankind; they will fight alongside Jesus Christ against evil (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8).
Does everyone have a guardian angel?
While angels help God's servants keep a strong bond with God, this does not mean that God assigns a personal guardian angel to everyone for this purpose (Matthew 18:1. * Angels do not keep all difficulties or temptations from us. However, God often creates a way out of the difficult situation by giving us the wisdom and perseverance we need (1 Corinthians 10:12, 13; James 1:2-5).
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
