Angels are mentioned many times throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible verses about angels:
Angels were created by God
The Bible tells us that angels, like all created things, were created by God:
“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)
“You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.” (Nehemiah 9:6)
Angels exist in large numbers
There are large numbers of angels, likely too many for humans to count. Here are some verses that speak to the multitudes of angels:
“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous ones made perfect.” (Hebrews 12:22-23)
“The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands; the Lord has come from Sinai into his sanctuary.” (Psalm 68:17)
“But I say to you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. When they came to the crowd, a man came to Him, kneeling down before Him and saying, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.” And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. [But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”] When they gathered together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men; and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.” And they were deeply grieved.” (Matthew 17:12-23)
Angels carry out God’s will
Angels are God’s messengers and servants who do His bidding:
“Bless the LORD, O you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word!” (Psalm 103:20)
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)
“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.” (Revelation 12:10)
Angels acted as messengers to people
Angels frequently brought messages from God to people. Here are some examples:
– The angel Gabriel delivered messages about the births of John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1:11-20, 26-38)
– Angels spoke to Joseph about taking Mary as his wife and fleeing to Egypt (Matthew 1:20-21, 2:13)
– Angels interpreted visions and dreams for Daniel, Zechariah, Mary and Joseph (Daniel 7:15-16, 8:15-26, Matthew 1:20-21, 2:13, 2:19-20)
– An angel spoke to Philip and told him to meet the Ethiopian eunuch on the road (Acts 8:26)
– An angel directed Cornelius to seek out Peter (Acts 10:3-6)
– Angels gave instructions to the women at Jesus’ tomb after His resurrection (Matthew 28:5-7, Mark 16:5-7, Luke 24:5-7)
Angels protect and deliver God’s people
There are many examples in the Bible where angels protected or delivered righteous people from harm:
– Angels shut the mouths of lions when Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den (Daniel 6:22)
– Angels provided food to nourish Elijah during his travels (1 Kings 19:5-7)
– The angel of the Lord defended the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land (Exodus 23:20-23)
– Angels opened prison doors and brought the apostles out of jail in Acts 5:19 and Acts 12:7-10
– Angels give strength and protection in battle (2 Kings 6:16-17)
– Angels encamp around those who fear God and deliver them (Psalm 34:7)
Angels praise and worship God
Angels are constantly engaged in praising and worshiping God in heaven:
“And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3)
“And the four living creatures…day and night they do not cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8)
“Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” (Revelation 5:11-12)
Angels observe human affairs
The Bible indicates that angels are aware of and observant of human affairs, rejoicing when people come to faith:
“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)
“For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.” (1 Corinthians 4:9)
Angels fight spiritual battles
Angels are involved in spiritual battles against evil forces in the unseen heavenly realms:
“Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” (Revelation 12:7-9)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)
“But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.” (Daniel 10:13)
These verses give us a small glimpse into the spiritual realm, showing that angels are actively fighting spiritual battles on behalf of God’s people unknown to us.
Angels will be involved in the end times
The Bible teaches that angels will play a significant role in end times events. Here are some of the ways that angels are prophesied to be involved:
– An angel will restrain demonic forces from harming the earth until God’s servants are sealed (Revelation 7:1-3)
– Angels will separate the wicked from the righteous on the great day of judgment (Matthew 13:41,49)
– The angel Michael and his angels will cast Satan and his demons out of heaven down to the earth (Revelation 12:7-9)
– An angel will proclaim the eternal gospel and call unbelievers to fear God (Revelation 14:6-7)
– Seven angels will pour out the bowls of God’s wrath upon the earth (Revelation 16:1)
So while most angelic activity is unseen by us now, the Bible is clear that angels will powerfully carry out God’s plans during the end times and final judgment.
Jesus holds supremacy over the angels
While angels serve important purposes, the Bible is clear that Jesus Christ is superior to the angels. Angels were created by Jesus and serve Him (Colossians 1:16). Jesus is worshiped by the angels, but the angels themselves are not to be worshiped (Hebrews 1:6, Revelation 22:8-9). And Jesus alone can provide salvation through His sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 1:4). Some key verses about Jesus’ supremacy include:
“They all worshiped him and said, “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”” (Revelation 7:12)
“And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”” (Hebrews 1:6)
“In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”” (Hebrews 1:7-9)
So while angels serve important purposes, they are not equal to Christ and play a secondary role in God’s plans.
Angels in the Bible: Conclusion
This overview gives a sampling of the many passages in Scripture that speak to the nature and role of angels. From beginning to end, the Bible shows angels to be spiritual beings created by God to carry out His will, minister to His people, deliver messages, protect, praise His name, and fight spiritual battles. Angels play an important role in God’s interaction with people throughout history, continue that ministry today, and will be heavily involved in end times events according to prophecy. While fascinating, angels always point us to the surpassing glory and preeminence of Christ, the Lord who created them and whom they worship.