Angels are referred to many times in the Bible. Through the centuries, many people, clerics, artists, poets, and song writers have tried to explain or portray their interpretation of Angels. People nowadays are often fascinated by the subject in both secular and religious society. Often, we hear of an angel being anything from a white feathered female form to even a cute chubby baby. But what does the Bible say? Throughout the Old and New Testament there are references to Angels sometimes referred to as ‘heavenly hosts. Let us look at some references.
Genesis tells us that angels have not always existed but that the heavenly hosts were created before us. Psalm 8v5 reminds us that we were made a little lower than the angels/ heavenly beings. They are supernatural beings which means they are above, higher, and greater than the natural – God is supernatural. ‘To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God be honour and glory for ever and ever.’ (1 Timothy 1v17)
Holy Scripture confirms the role of angels as God’s messengers or agents – they bring messages of hope, comfort, protection, and assurance. They are God’s servants who guide, guard, and protect us. They reflect God’s glory in everything they do or represent. Their purpose is to turn our eyes to God. They are not to be worshipped or prayed to. When John tried to bow to an angel, he was told, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you’ (Revelation 22v9)
Some Bible references to angels are more familiar than others, like the angels in Jacob’s dream (Genesis 28), and the angel which God sent to shut the lions’ mouths in the story of Daniel (Daniel 6), and the Angel Gabriel who appeared to Mary or the multitude of the heavenly hosts who appeared to the shepherds.
There are other less well-known references like the angel who appeared to Peter who, when waiting in his cell for his execution (Acts 12). That appearance reminds us that Jesus is the key to releasing the spiritual chains which bind us. In our recent celebration of harvest, we are reminded of the harvest of souls (salvation). Matthew says, ‘And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other’, and‘The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.’
As we think of angels it is also encouraging that the Lord protects and delivers those who fear God…Psalm 34v7… ‘the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them’. This was the personal testimony of David.
This blog can only touch on some of the aspects of angels in the Bible. If you would like to go deeper and to be challenged to learn more about God’s supernatural agents – Angels – there is an opportunity from 28 November to 7 December 2025 to visit Magheralin Parish Church where a faith-based exhibition called Angels Among Us will be held.
What is it? It is a superb collection of angels crafted from different types of materials; each exhibit reveals the character, attributes, and heart of God through His Holy angels. They creatively proclaim the gospel of Jesus in a visually unique way. There will be an easily read, comprehensive brochure which gives details with Bible references helping visitors to understand the twenty-five angels featured in the exhibition. Plan a visit and take some friends…
Please note that the statements and views expressed in this article of those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Contemporary Christianity.
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