Theological glossary · FaithLogic

Angel

A created, personal, spiritual being who serves and worships God, carries his messages, executes his purposes, and ministers to his people.

Greek angelos, 'messenger' (translating Hebrew malak, also 'messenger'); the word is used of human messengers too (Luke 7:24; James 2:25).

Genesis 18–19; Psalm 91:11; 103:20; 148:2, 5; Daniel 7:10; 10:10–21; Matthew 18:10; 22:30; Luke 1:11–38; 2:9–15; Acts 12:7–11; Hebrews 1:14; 12:22; Revelation 5:11.

Angels are creatures, made by and for Christ (Col 1:16); powerful but limited, immortal, non-marrying, innumerable. Named ranks appear (cherubim, seraphim, archangel — Michael; Gabriel) but Scripture gives no full hierarchy; the elaborate ninefold scheme is from pseudo-Dionysius (c. 500). Angels are not to be worshipped (Col 2:18; Rev 19:10; 22:8–9).

Their work centres on God's worship and his people's salvation — 'ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation'.

Whether angels are purely immaterial (Aquinas) or 'subtle-bodied'; the extent of guardian-angel doctrine; how literally to take the biblical imagery.

Open in the glossary for related terms and the doctrines this concept appears in.