HEAVEN’S PERSONAL DELIVERY SERVICE

A STUDY OF ANGELS FROM THE BIBLE

Charles B. Hodges

A Thrilling Thought:

Psalm 34:7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

1.“Nothing can be known”2.Angelology is an Old Testament—not a

New Testament Study3.Angels are women4.Angels have wings and play harps5.Angels are dead saints in heaven6.Angels are to be worshipped.7.Angels are without personal feelings

MYTHS DISPELLED

A DOSSIER ON ANGELS

LESSON 2

“angel” in Hebrew is “malakh”Greek : AngelosSame derivation as Last Book of OT– Malachi

Elementary meaning is “messenger”

BIBLICAL FACTS1.They are created by GodPsa 148:2-5 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.3 Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.4 Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created,

Neh 9:6 6 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.

Col 1:16 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?    Tell me, if you understand.5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!    Who stretched a measuring line across it?6 On what were its footings set,    or who laid its cornerstone—7 while the morning stars sang together    and all the angels[a] shouted for joy?

Angels were created before the creation of the world.Job 38

Angels are HOLY and JOYFULLY PRAISING GOD

Mark 8:38 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Rev 5:11 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,    to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”

2.Angels are InnumerableMatt 26:53 53 Do you think I cannot

call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?

Heb 12:22 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly

A HIERARCHY OF ANGELS (?)The most influential Christian angelic hierarchy was that put forward by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite in the 4th or 5th century in his book De Coelesti Hierarchia (On the Celestial Hierarchy). During the Middle Ages, many schemes were proposed, some drawing on and expanding on Pseudo-Dionysius, others suggesting completely different classifications. According to medieval Christian theologians, the angels are organized into several orders, or "Angelic Choirs".[1][2]

Pseudo-Dionysius (On the Celestial Hierarchy) and Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologica) drew on passages from the New Testament, specifically Ephesians 1:21 and Colossians 1:16, to develop a schema of three Hierarchies, Spheres or Triads of angels, with each Hierarchy containing three Orders or Choirs. Although both authors drew on the New Testament, the Biblical canon is relatively silent on the subject. Thus these hierarchies are highly speculative.

Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite (Greek: Διονύσιος ὁ Ἀρεοπαγίτης), also known as Pseudo-Denys, was a Christian theologian and philosopher of the late 5th to early 6th century (writing before 532), probably Syrian, the author of the set of works commonly referred to as the Corpus Areopagiticum or Corpus Dionysiacum. The author pseudonymously identifies himself in the corpus as "Dionysios", portraying himself as the figure of Dionysius the Areopagite, the Athenian convert of St. Paul mentioned in Acts 17:34.[1] This false attribution resulted in the work being given great authority in subsequent theological writing in both East and West, with its influence only decreasing in the West with the fifteenth century demonstration of its later dating.

Eph 1:19 That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Col 1: 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

1 First Sphere 1.1 Seraphim1.2 Cherubim1.3 Thrones or Ophanim

2 Second Sphere 2.1 Dominions or Lordships2.2 Virtues or Strongholds2.3 Powers or Authorities

3 Third Sphere 3.1 Principalities or Rulers3.2 Archangels3.3 Angels

Seraphim (singular "Seraph"), mentioned in Isaiah 6:1-7 are the highest angelic class and serve as the caretakers of God's throne and continuously shout praises: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" According to Isaiah 6:2, the Seraphim have six wings: "with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew".

Seraphim surround the divine throne in this illustration from the Petites Heures de Jean de Berry, a 14th-century illuminated manuscript

A cherub, as described by Ezekiel and according to traditional Christian iconography

Cherubim have four faces: one of a man, an ox, a lion, and an eagle. They have four conjoined wings covered with eyes, a lion's body figure, and they have ox's feet. Cherubim guard the way to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24)[3] and the throne of God (Ezekiel 28:14–16).[4]

The cherubim are mentioned in Genesis 3:24;[3] Exodus 25:17–22; 2 Chronicles 3:7–14; Ezekiel 10:12–14,[5] 28:14–16;[4] 1 Kings 6:23–28;[6] and Revelation 4:6–8.Modern English usage has blurred the distinction between cherubim and putti. Putti are the winged human baby/toddler-like beings traditionally used in figurative art.

The "Thrones" (Greek: thronoi, pl. of thronos) or Elders, also known as the Erelim or Ophanim,[citation needed] are a class of celestial beings mentioned by Paul of Tarsus in Colossians 1:16 (New Testament). They are living symbols of God's justice and authority, and have as one of their symbols the throne.The Ophanim (Heb. ofanim: Wheels, also known as Thrones, from the vision of Daniel 7:9) are unusual looking even compared to the other celestial beings; They appear as a beryl-coloured wheel-within-a-wheel, their rims covered with hundreds of eyes.They are closely connected with the Cherubim: "When they moved, the others moved; when they stopped, the others stopped; and when they rose from the earth, the wheels rose along with them; for the spirit of the living creatures [Cherubim] was in the wheels." Ezekiel 10:17 NRSV.

The "Dominions" (Eph. 1:21; Col. 1:16) (lat. dominatio, plural dominationes, also translated from the Greek term kyriotetes, pl. of kyriotes, as "Lordships") or "Dominations" are presented as the hierarchy of celestial beings "Lordships" in the De Coelesti Hierarchia. The Dominions, also known as the Hashmallim, regulate the duties of lower angels. It is only with extreme rarity that the angelic lords make themselves physically known to humans. They are also the angels who preside over nations.The Dominions are believed to look like divinely beautiful humans with a pair of feathered wings, much like the common representation of angels, but they may be distinguished from other groups by wielding orbs of light fastened to the heads of their scepters or on the pommel of their swords.

The "Virtues" or "Strongholds" lay beyond the ophanim (Thrones/Wheels). Their primary duty is to supervise the movements of the heavenly bodies in order to ensure that the cosmos remains in order.The term appears to be linked to the attribute "might", from the Greek root dynamis (pl. dynameis) in Ephesians 1:21, which is also translated as "Virtue". They are presented as the celestial Choir "Virtues", in the Summa Theologica. Traditional theological conceptions of the Virtues might appear to describe the same Order called the Thrones (in which case the Ophanim may not be the same thing as "Thrones").

The "Powers" (lat. potestas (f), pl. potestates), or "Authorities", from the Greek exousiai, pl. of exousia (see Greek root in Eph 3:10), appear to collaborate, in power and authority, with the Principalities (Rulers).The Powers are the bearers of conscience and the keepers of history. They are also the warrior angels created to be completely loyal to God. (see also Ephesians 6:12 12 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.). Their duty is to oversee the distribution of power among humankind, hence their name.Paul used the term rule and authority in Ephesians 1:21,[9] and rulers and authorities in Ephesians 3:10.[10] He may have been referring to the rulers and authorities of humanity, instead of referring to angels.[

The "Principalities" (lat. principatus, pl. principatūs) also translated as "Princedoms" and "Rulers", from the Greek archai, pl. of arche (see Greek root in Eph 3:10), appear to collaborate, in power and authority, with the Powers (Authorities).The Principalities are shown wearing a crown and carrying a sceptre. Their duty also is said to be to carry out the orders given to them by the Dominions and bequeath blessings to the material world. Their task is to oversee groups of people. They are the educators and guardians of the realm of earth. Like beings related to the world of the germinal ideas, they are said to inspire living things to many things such as art or science.Paul used the term rule and authority in Ephesians 1:21,[9] and rulers and authorities in Ephesians 3:10.

The word "archangel" comes from the Greek ἀρχάγγελος (archangělǒs), meaning chief angel, a translation of the Hebrew רב־מלאך (rav-mal'ákh) [11] It derives from the Greek archō, meaning to be first in rank or power; and angělǒs which means messenger or envoy. The word is only used twice in the New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Jude 1:9. Only Archangels Gabriel and Michael are mentioned by name in the New Testament. In most Christian traditions Gabriel is also considered an archangel, but there is no direct literal support for this assumption. It is also worth noting that the term 'archangel' appears only in the singular, never plural, and only in specific reference to Michael. Some Christian faiths take this to mean that Michael is, in fact, the only archangel.

The "angels" or malakhim, i.e. the "plain" angels (ἄγγελοι, pl. of the Greek word ἄγγελος, angělǒs, i.e. messenger or envoy), are the lowest order of the angels, and the most recognized. They are the ones most concerned with the affairs of living things. Within the category of the angels, there are many different kinds, with different functions. The angels are sent as messengers to mankind.

3.Angels are a distinct creation, being neither God, human, nor animal

Psa 8: 3 When I consider your heavens,    the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars,    which you have set in place,4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,    human beings that you care for them?[c]

5 You have made them[d] a little lower than the angels[e]    and crowned them[f] with glory and honor.

Heb 1: 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,“You are my Son;    today I have become your Father”[a

6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,“Let all God’s angels worship him.”[c]

7 In speaking of the angels he says,“He makes his angels spirits,  and his servants flames of fire.”[d]

8 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.13 To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand  until I make your enemies    a footstool for your feet”[g]?14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Heb 2: 6 But there is a place where someone has testified:“What is mankind that you are mindful of them,    a son of man that you care for him?7 You made them a little[a] lower than the angels;    you crowned them with glory and honor8     and put everything under their feet {Psalm 8:4-6}9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.

Heb 2: 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them,[k] fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

QUESTION: Why don’t angels have a Savior? A Cross? Mercy?From Jude 1 and 2 Peter, they are without propitiation.Jude 1 6 And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. 2Pet 2: 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell,[a] putting them in chains of darkness[b] to be held for judgment;10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh[c] and despise authority.Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; 11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from[d] the Lord.

Why does man have a savior and angels do not? Granted this question cannot fully be answered. But angels are not God’s great experiment with FREEDOM! Man is! Again, angels are created– not reproduced. They are immortal. Jesus could be born into the human family. He would have to have ceased as God and been created as an angel to be an angel! This emphasizes the beauty, reality, and necessity of the Virgin Birth! Jesus could be God in man; He could not be God in angels!

4.Satan has angels, also.Hell is prepared for Satan

and his angels.Matt 25:41 41 “Then he will say to

those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Rev 12:7 7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.

God’s angels do not fall only to become Satan’s any more than Satan’s can repent and become God’s. Angels do not simply “change sides”. How Satan “created” demons, angels, hosts no one knows! But they are uniquely his. Fallen angels are “chained awaiting judgment”. (2Pet 2; Jude)

5.Angels must not be worshipped.The worship of anyone outside the Holy

Trinity is directly condemned in the Ten Commandments. (Ex 20)

Rome sinned by worshipping the created rather than the Creator (Rom 1:25)

Col 2:18 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.

Christians do not pray TO nor THROUGH nor BY angels.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ANGELS

1.Angels are without sexThey are created; they do not reproduce. Procreation

(human trait) implies death! Angels do not die; man lives by reproduction.

Matt 22:30 30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

Mark 12:25 25 When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

Lk 20:36 35 But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels.

2.Angels have strength but are not omnipotent.

They are stronger than man but not as strong as God

2 Pet 2: 10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh[c] and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings; 11 yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from[d] the Lord.Psa 91: 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.Psa 103: 20 Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.

Dan 6:22 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.2 Thes 1: 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.

Angels in Scripture are better known for their power than any other trait. Angels rolled back the stone at Jesus’ tomb.

3. Angels are brilliant but not omniscient.They are super-intelligent yet limited.Psa 148: 2 Praise him, all his angels;  praise him, all his

heavenly hosts.2 Sam 14: 17 “And now your servant says, ‘May the word

of my lord the king secure my inheritance, for my lord the king is like an angel of God in discerning good and evil. 20 …... My lord has wisdom like that of an angel of God—he knows everything that happens in the land.”

1 Pet 1:12 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

However, angels are not God. They do not know everything God knows.

Matt 24:26 36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,[f] but only the Father.

4.Angels are beautiful and usually in white apparel

Matt 28:3 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.

Lk 2:9 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

Ac 1:10 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.

They can accommodate themselves as men as need be.

Heb 13: 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

John 12:29 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

I Cor 13:1 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

ANGELS !

An overpowering thought!The more one learns of the universe the more aware he is of the mysteries for which he has no explanation.The more one learns Scripture the more humbling it is---Angels minister to the heirs of salvationHeb 1:14 14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?