We have always pictured angels as glowing beings having big wings, flowing robes, and gentle faces. The Bible has also made many references to angels, but surprisingly, it portrays them differently. Angels in the Bible are not just beautiful figures that sing in heaven; they have powerful roles, awe-inspiring appearances, and deep spiritual significance.
Every angel mentioned in the Bible has different roles; their duties and their significance are something to dive into for believers today.
What Are Angels According to the Bible?
Messengers that deliver God’s word and perform his tasks for him are fundamentally spiritual and divine beings for God, known in the Bible as angels. Their physical appearance is not human. Angelic beings are part of the divine order of God and show up in crucial moments of history, delivering messages from God, protecting people, warning them, and even guiding them through orchestrating human events. At times, they take a human shape.
Unlike the common notion that every angel has wings, the Bible gives different descriptions of angels, and not all of them fit the modern imagery. Some inspire comfort, while others inspire holy fear.
The Different Types of Angels in the Bible
While Scripture doesn’t give us a complete manual of angelic rankings, it does describe several kinds of angels with distinct roles.
1. Seraphim – The Fiery Ones
- In Isaiah chapter 6, the Seraphim scream, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.” As they stand around God’s throne, they scream in His praise.
- They have six wings: two to cover their faces, two to cover their feet, and two to fly.
- Their main role is to worship and glorify God.
2. Cherubim – The Guardians
- Mention of the Cherubim first appears after Adam and Eve’s exile from Eden. In Genesis 3:24, it is stated that the cherubim’s task was to guard the entrance to Eden so that Adam and Eve would not get in.
- They further appear in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25.
- Cherubim symbolize protection and holiness as they guard the presence of God.
3. Archangels – The Messengers of Power
- The Bible specifically names Michael as an archangel (Jude 1:9). He leads heavenly armies against Satan in Revelation 12.
- Gabriel is another well-known angel, although not specifically referred to as an archangel. He brings messages to Daniel, Zechariah, and Mary (Luke 1).
- Archangel’s execution of tasks is of great importance, marking the power and authority of God.
4. Living Creatures – The Throne Bearers
- As Ezekiel 1 and Revelation 4 describe, these creatures have four faces: a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle, and they are covered with eyes.
- They constantly attend God’s throne and sing His praises.
- All of creation is represented in the choir.
5. Ministering Spirits – The Protectors
- In Hebrews 1:14, angels are characterized as “ministering spirits sent to help those who are meant to attain salvation.”
- Additionally, angels act as guardians and guides, caring for the followers of God.
- This is where the concept of guardian angels originates.
What Do Angels Look Like in the Bible?
Here’s where it gets fascinating. Forget the soft, glowing angels of paintings; biblical angels are often described as mighty and fearsome beings.
- Some appear as ordinary men (Genesis 18, Hebrews 13:2).
- Some have multiple wings and eyes all around (Ezekiel 10).
- Others are described as shining like lightning with faces bright as the sun (Matthew 28:3).
- Almost always, when angels appear, their first words are “Do not be afraid”, showing just how overwhelming their presence is.
So, angels are not delicate or fragile. They bear God’s authority and command wonder.
The Roles of Angels in the Bible
Angels are mentioned in the Bible to fulfill particular functions:
- Some are seen as messengers, like Gabriel, who announced the birth of Jesus.
- They serve as protectors, like the angel who closed the mouths of the lions for Daniel (Daniel 6:22).
- Many as worshippers, like the angelic multitudes worshipping in Revelation 5:11-12.
- Then we have the warriors, like Michael, who led the angels in battle against Satan (Revelation 12:7).
- They also guide us, like the angel who led Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26).
To summarize, these are angels that serve God in heaven and on earth as His soldiers executing His commands.
Meaning of Angels for Believers
In modern Christianity, angels are viewed as the power, protection, and nearness of the divine. They signify that a person is not alone; God is with the person, and His messengers are active in the spiritual realm.
While the Bible forbids the worship of angels (Colossians 2:18), it shows angels as a necessary part of God’s plan and as symbols of His glory and care.
Bible History and the Significance of Angels
Angelic figures appear all through Scripture, as do all other significant individuals and events. They guarded the way to the Garden of Eden, appeared to the prophets, and assisted Jesus after His temptation (Matthew 4:11). They will also be at Jesus’ second coming (Matthew 25:31).
Knowing about angels helps us understand Christianity’s history beyond the natural, helping us appreciate how God relates to His world in extraordinary ways.
Final Thoughts
The Bible’s portrayal of angels surpasses in the description and magnificence that popular culture offers. They are fighters, devotees, and heralds who declare God’s sacredness and His love for His people.
The next time you think about angels, remember they are not just those with wings and halos. Recall the blazing Seraphim, the guarding Cherubim, the powerful Archangels, and the countless voices raising praises to God.
And if you want to explore these passages more deeply, having the Best Devotional App like The Divine Bible App on your phone can make Bible history and lessons about angels accessible wherever you are, whether on Android or iOS.
FAQs
How many angels are mentioned in the Bible?
The Bible does not give a specific count but describes them as “myriads of myriads” (Revelation 5:11), which suggests a limitless amount.
Are guardian angels real?
Although the Bible doesn’t explicitly state that each person has an angel, passages such as Psalm 91:11 and Hebrews 1:14 imply that angels provide protection and guidance to believers.
Do angels have free will?
Yes, this explains why figures such as Lucifer (Satan) opted to defy God (Isaiah 14:12-15, Revelation 12:4).
Can we see angels today?
Angels can appear in human form, but often their work is invisible. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us that some have entertained angels without realizing it.
Should Christians pray to angels?
No. The Bible teaches that prayer is only to God. Angels serve God and fulfill His commands; they are not to be worshiped.