Angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve Him and carry out His will. Though there are many references to angels throughout the Bible, their duties and responsibilities are not always specifically laid out. Based on the various passages that mention angels, we can piece together an overview of their general roles and activities.
Messengers
One of the most common roles for angels is as messengers or intermediaries between God and humans. The word “angel” itself means “messenger” in both Hebrew and Greek. There are many examples of angels appearing to people in Scripture to deliver revelations or announcements from God. Some examples include:
- The angel Gabriel delivering messages to Zechariah about the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20)
- Gabriel visiting Mary to announce she would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-38)
- An angel informing Joseph in a dream to take Mary as his wife and that her child was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20-21)
- Angels declaring the birth of Jesus to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-15)
- An angel commanding Joseph to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt to escape King Herod (Matthew 2:13-15)
In these and many other instances, angels served as messengers from God, whether through dreams, visions, or direct conversation. Their role was to communicate important information that God wanted to reveal to specific people or groups.
Protectors and Providers
Angels also function as agents of God’s protection and provision for His people. There are examples in Scripture where angels shielded and delivered people from harm or danger:
- An angel shutting the mouths of lions to protect Daniel (Daniel 6:22)
- Angels hurrying Lot and his family out of Sodom before its destruction (Genesis 19:15-17)
- The angel of the Lord defending the Israelite army against the Assyrians (2 Kings 19:35)
- An angel breaking Peter’s chains and leading him out of prison (Acts 12:6-11)
In these situations, angels directly intervened to shelter people from threats or provide the means of escape. Angels also facilitated God’s provision for individuals in stories like the angel strengthening Jesus after His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11), and an angel feeding Elijah when fleeing from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:5-8). These accounts demonstrate angels working on God’s behalf to supply for needs and ensure protection.
Worshipers of God
Angels were created to praise and glorify God. Even angels with other roles like Gabriel and Michael are described as being in God’s presence in heaven (Luke 1:19, Revelation 12:7-9). Revelation 5:11 speaks of myriads of angels surrounding the throne worshiping God and the Lamb. Other passages mention angels lifting their voices to offer continuous praise and adoration to the Lord (Psalm 103:20, Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 5:8-12). Angels not only deliver God’s messages to humans on earth but also declare His glory and majesty to one another as they worship Him in heaven.
Agents of Judgment
At times in Scripture, angels are depicted as agents of God’s judgment and wrath. Examples include:
- Two angels sent to Sodom to destroy the city for its wickedness (Genesis 19:1,13)
- An angel sent to inflict judgment on Israel for David’s unauthorized census (2 Samuel 24:15-17)
- Seven angels pouring out bowls of plagues on the earth during the end times (Revelation 16)
When carrying out such acts of divine judgment, angels are working as extensions of God’s holy wrath against unrighteousness and rebellion. Their power and authority to inflict harm come from God alone.
Warriors and Elite Forces
The Bible describes angels in military terms, referring to them as armies, hosts, and chariots. They are depicted as warriors engaged in conflict:
- The angel of the Lord destroying 185,000 Assyrian soldiers (2 Kings 19:35)
- Michael and his angels fighting a war against Satan and his fallen angels (Revelation 12:7-9)
- Jesus saying He could ask the Father for more than twelve legions of angels to defend Him (Matthew 26:53)
These examples portray the angels as comprising an elite heavenly army under God’s command, far superior in power to any earthly forces. They only wage war at God’s directive, fighting on His behalf against spiritual evil and physical threats to His people.
Caring for Believers
Angels have a special role in relating to believers during this present age. Though they are mighty spirit beings, Scripture shows them ministering gently to the needs of God’s people:
- Angels carried Lazarus’s soul to Abraham’s side when he died (Luke 16:22)
- Angels will separate the wicked from the righteous at Christ’s second coming (Matthew 13:41, 49)
- Angels observe and rejoice over each sinner who repents (Luke 15:10)
- Jesus taught that children’s angels continually behold the Father (Matthew 18:10)
These passages reveal the angels’ active involvement and loving care for every believer as “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). They take joy in each soul saved and attend to children and saints in the midst of spiritual battles.
Dispensers of God’s Judgments
Angels frequently appear in the book of Revelation directing or carrying out divine judgments during the end times. Examples include:
- Angels holding back the four winds of judgment (Revelation 7:1-3)
- Seven angels blowing trumpets to unleash apocalyptic plagues (Revelation 8-9)
- An angel proclaiming the eternal gospel and pronouncing judgment on Babylon (Revelation 14:6-8)
- Angels administering the seven last plagues (Revelation 15:1)
- An angel binding Satan and casting him into the bottomless pit (Revelation 20:1-3)
In the eschatological scenes depicted, angels enact various judgments as commanded by God, from plague to imprisonment to extermination. They pour out divine wrath on the wicked as the Lord establishes His eternal kingdom.
Servants and Slaves of God
A final overarching role angels play is as obedient servants and willing slaves carrying out God’s will. As Psalm 103:20 declares, “Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!” Angels heed God’s voice and fulfill whatever task He gives, no matter how great or small. Jesus said angels “always see the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10), constantly awaiting His orders. Whether praising God, punishing sinners, guiding saints, or executing judgment, angels act as faithful agents devoted to the Master they serve.
Conclusion
In summary, angels primarily function as heavenly messengers and heralds of God’s truth. They guard and provide for God’s people as ministering spirits. Angels offer ceaseless worship and praise in God’s presence. They discharge divine wrath against spiritual and earthly evil. Angels care for and attend to the souls of believers. And overall, they obediently carry out the Lord’s will and work to advance His kingdom. The varied responsibilities of angels all align with God’s purposes to communicate with mankind, protect His own, defeat the devil, establish righteousness and punish rebellion. Their roles typify pure service and willing submission to their Creator. While there is still much unknown about the angels, Scripture provides this overview of how these magnificent beings fulfill God’s plans through their service, worship, protection, judgment and care.