The closer it gets to Christmas, the more we will see artwork and scenes of beautiful angels. Artwork usually depicts them as cute little baby angels or powerful, robed, winged beings. But you may be surprised at some of the biblical descriptions of angels. Some are pretty terrifying. One incident in the Bible describes one “destroying angel” as an entity sent by God to carry out judgment, including instances where it killed large numbers of people, such as 185,000 Assyrians in one night (2 Kings 19:35). When they came for Jesus to arrest and crucify him Jesus reminded his disciples that they did not need to fight and told them if he wanted to he could call 12 legions of angels to defend him (Matthew 26:53). These celestial beings, often envisioned with soft wings and serene countenances, are in fact dynamic entities whose roles vary throughout the Old and New Testaments. Angels ultimately are God’s messengers (Daniel 4:13). Other angels are listed as servants of God (Psalm 103:20; Hebrews 1:7; Psalm 104:4). “Watcher angels” are mentioned in the book of Daniel (Daniel 4:13, 17, 23). Angels are often described as military “hosts” of the celestial armies (Jeremiah 5:14; 38:17; 44:7; Hosea 12:5). Other times, angels are called “sons of the mighty” (Psalm 89:6) or “sons of God” (Job 2:1).
Angels were created by God to serve him and accomplish his purpose on Earth and were created long before humans, as indicated in Job 38:4-7, where God asks Job about the creation of the earth and mentions the “morning stars” and “sons of God” rejoicing at its foundation. Additionally, Genesis 2:1 states that all of God’s creations, including angels, were completed before the creation of humanity.
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” Job 38-4-7
Angels are not to be worshipped
Angels are created beings, though just like we are and are not to be worshipped. Many scriptures make this very clear when they appear, instructing people that bow down to them to rise and remind them that only God is to be worshipped. For example, in Revelation 19:10 and 22:8-9, the angel tells John when he bows before him, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you… Worship God!”
Angels surround all of creation. Hebrews 13:2 even tells us to “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Psalms 91:11-12 reminds us, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.” Though the Bible does not specify an exact number of angels, it suggests that there are countless angels, described as “myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands”; in Revelation 5:10-12 and in Hebrews 12:22 implies that the total number of angels created by God is beyond human counting, possibly exceeding 100 million.
Portrayals of angels evolve significantly between the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT). While their core identity as God’s messengers remains constant, their appearances, primary functions, and interactions with humanity also vary, achieving their part in God’s unfolding plan of salvation.
Let’s contrast angels depicted in the Old Testament vs. the New Testament.
| Feature | Old Testament (OT) | New Testament (NT) |
| Identity/Title | The term “Angel of the Lord” (Mal’akh YHWH), often conflated with a direct appearance of God (a theophany or Christophany). Other specific groups like Cherubim (guardians) and Seraphim (worshipers) are mentioned with unique, often frightening, appearances (e.g., Ezekiel, Isaiah). | The term “Angel of the Lord” (angelos Kyriou) is used, but the distinction between a created angel and a direct appearance of God is clearer. The generic term “angel” is more frequent. The named archangels, Michael and Gabriel, are explicitly mentioned. |
| Appearance | Often appear in terrifying, complex, or awe-inspiring visionary forms (e.g., the Seraphim with six wings in Isaiah 6; the Cherubim/living creatures in Ezekiel with multiple faces, wings, and eyes). | Generally appear in a human form (often as young men) or in a dazzling, white-robed form that inspires awe and terror, necessitating the phrase “Do not be afraid” (e.g., at the tomb of Jesus, in the announcement to the shepherds). |
| Primary Role | Primarily served as messengers (the literal meaning of the Hebrew mal’akh) to deliver God’s word, execute judgment (e.g., Sodom, the Assyrian army), and guard sacred spaces (e.g., Eden). | Primarily served as messengers related to the events of Christ’s life (birth, resurrection), ministering to Jesus (after temptation, in Gethsemane), guiding and protecting the early church/apostles, and carrying out the final judgments (especially in Revelation). |
| Activity | Closely tied to the formation of Israel and key covenant figures like Abraham, Jacob, and Moses. Often involved in national events and judgments. | Closely tied to Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Church. They announce the New Covenant and Christ’s return. |
| Frequency | Appearances are significant, but less numerous across the span of OT history. | Appearances are frequent and concentrated around the birth, resurrection, and second coming of Christ, as well as in the prophetic visions of Revelation. |
Some angels have terrifying appearances
While angels maintain their core identity as created, spiritual messengers of God in both Testaments, the NT shifts the focus from the esoteric, highly symbolic, and nationalistic manifestations of the OT (like Cherubim and Seraphim) to appearances specifically related to proclaiming and advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Church. The Old Testament introduces angels in forms that are often awe-inspiring, mysterious, and even terrifying. Far from the cherubic figures of popular culture, these beings embody a raw, unadulterated holiness that evokes profound fear and reverence. OT angels frequently defy conventional human understanding. The prophet Ezekiel, in Ezekiel chapter 1, for instance, provides a breathtaking account of Cherubim – “living creatures” with four faces (man, lion, ox, eagle), four wings, and bodies covered in eyes. There are the Ophanim, sometimes called ‘thrones’ but not to be confused with a king’s chair type throne. Ezekiel described their appearance as “wheels within wheels” that sparkle like topaz, that are dreadful in appearance and covered in eyes. Their
movement is described to be like lightning, their sound like rushing waters. In Isaiah’s temple vision (Isaiah 6:1-3), Seraphim (meaning “Burning Ones”) attend God’s throne, fiery beings with six wings, two covering their faces, two their feet, and two for flight. Even the “Man in Linen” seen by Daniel in Daniel chapter 10 had eyes like torches of fire and a voice like a multitude, leaving Daniel physically weak and his companions fleeing in terror. In the New Testament, angels most often appear in human form, frequently as young men, or in dazzling, white-robed glory that, while still awe-inspiring, doesn’t carry the same monstrous complexity of the Cherubim or Seraphim. This more relatable appearance is perhaps fitting for a covenant centered on God becoming man.
As far as names of angels, the Bible only names two. Many more are named in extrabiblical books like Enoch and Tobit and fallen angels are also named. But for the purpose of this study, I am concentrating on just the Holy Bible, the Canon of the scriptures. I discuss fallen angels in my previous article on the origin of Satan and demons. The two angels named in the Bible are Gabriel who is a Messenger angel who delivers important messages, like he delivered to Daniel, Mary and Zechariah (Daniel 8:16, Luke 1:19, Luke 1:26). The other is Michael who is an Archangel known for his role as a protector and warrior against evil forces (Daniel 10:13, Jude 1:9,
Revelation 12:7).
Contrast of Archangels: Gabriel and Michael
Gabriel: The Messenger of Prophecy and Incarnation
Gabriel’s primary role is consistent across both testaments: delivering and explaining high-stakes, time-sensitive divine messages.
| Feature | Old Testament (OT) | New Testament (NT) |
| Appearances | Appeared to the prophet Daniel (Daniel 8 & 9). | Appeared to the priest Zechariah and to Mary (Luke 1). |
| Message/Focus | Brought prophetic understanding of God’s plans concerning the future of Israel, the rise and fall of nations, and the timing of the Messiah’s coming. | Announced the birth of John the Baptist and, most significantly, the Incarnation (birth of Jesus Christ). |
| Function | The Revealer/Interpreter of complex visions and apocalyptic timelines. | The Announcer of the fulfillment of those Old Testament prophecies in Christ. |
| Outcome | Daniel was overwhelmed and physically weak after the encounter and the message (Daniel 8:27). | Zechariah was struck mute for his disbelief, while Mary was troubled but believed, leading to the birth of Jesus. |
In the OT, Gabriel’s message was about what was coming (prophecy). In the NT, his message was that it is happening now (fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus).
Michael: The Warrior and Defender
Michael’s role is consistently that of a military commander and a national protector, though his battles take on a cosmic scope in the NT. He is the only angel explicitly called the “archangel” in the Bible (Jude 1:9).
| Feature | Old Testament (OT) | New Testament (NT) |
| Appearances | Mentioned to the prophet Daniel by an unnamed angel (Daniel 10 & 12). | Mentioned in the Epistle of Jude and the Book of Revelation (Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7). |
| Message/Focus | Described as “your prince” and “the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people” (Israel). He is seen fighting against the spiritual princes of other nations (Persia, Greece). | Described as contending with Satan over the body of Moses. He is the leader of the heavenly army that casts Satan and his angels out of heaven. |
| Function | The Protector and Advocate for the nation of Israel against demonic principalities. | The Cosmic Warrior who leads the final battle against the forces of evil (Satan/the Dragon). |
| Significance | His OT role is explicitly national (protecting Israel). | His NT role is explicitly cosmic and eschatological (leading God’s army in the last days). |
Michael transitions from a defender of a single nation (Israel) to a defender of God’s entire people and the heavenly realm itself.
The primary New Testament description of the role of angels in relation to believers is found in the book of Hebrews, where they are defined as “ministering spirits.”
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)
Here is a breakdown of the specific ways angels minister to the saints in the New Testament:
Protection and Deliverance
Angels are active agents of divine protection, often intervening physically on behalf of believers.
Prison Release: An angel of the Lord supernaturally opened the prison doors and released the apostles, instructing them to continue preaching (Acts 5:19). Later, an angel freed Peter from prison, causing his chains to fall off and guiding him out past the guards (Acts 12:7-10).
Divine Warning: An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, warning him to take Mary and the young Jesus and flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s murderous plot (Matthew 2:13).
Communication and Guidance
Angels continue their Old Testament role as messengers, delivering crucial divine instructions and revelations.
Prophetic Announcement: The angel Gabriel announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah (Luke 1:11-20) and the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1:26-38).
Encouragement/Instruction: An angel appeared to Paul during a severe storm at sea to assure him that he would survive and stand before Caesar (Acts 27:23-24).
Provision and Strengthening
Angels provide supernatural support, especially during times of weakness or spiritual warfare.
Ministering to Jesus: After Jesus was tempted by the Devil for forty days in the wilderness, “angels came and ministered to Him” (Matthew 4:11).
Strengthening in Crisis: During Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, an angel from heaven appeared to strengthen Him (Luke 22:43).
Guiding the Departed
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus indicates a role for angels in the afterlife.
Escorting the Dead: When the beggar Lazarus died, he was “carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom” (Luke 16:22). This suggests angels act as escorts for believers entering the presence of God.
Guardian Ministry
While the Bible does not explicitly state that every believer has a single, personal guardian angel, Jesus spoke of the angels associated with children:
Caring for the Young: Jesus warned against causing little ones to stumble, saying, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10). This points to an intimate, protective ministry over believers, particularly the most vulnerable.
In summary, the New Testament defines angels as powerful, supernatural beings under Christ who are actively and continually working under God’s command for the benefit, protection, and salvation of all believers.
In conclusion, I hope this article gives you a better understanding of who angels are according to the Bible, which should always be our source for truth. Take time to look up the scriptures referenced for an even deeper understanding. Don’t dabble in false doctrines about angels. The Bible does not support the idea that we can command angels to do things for us; rather, it teaches that angels act on God’s behalf and respond to His commands. While believers can pray for God’s assistance and ask Him to send angels, the authority to command angels rest solely with God. Our prayers and petitions should always be made to God not conjuring angels or other spirits like some New Age teachings tell us. We can take comfort in the fact that angels do surround us, however, always waiting for God to direct them to carry out his will in our lives. Trust in God and allow him to direct your path.
I wrote and recorded a story of what I imagined the angels were like when Jesus was on the cross. Enjoy this recording!
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