The interest in angels has never been greater. But with so much speculation and misinformation out there, how can readers separate truth from fiction? This study ofangelologydiscusses the origin, nature, activities, and destiny of angels -- all based on solid, biblical teaching. While comprehensive in scope and biblical in foundation, this book is easy to read and understand. This fascinating and informative book assures readers that they are not alone in this world.

Dr. Edward P. Myers is a professor of Bible and Religion at Harding University. Other books he has written include The Problem of Evil and Suffering and Doctrine of the Godhead.

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Never Lick A Moving Blender
Chippie Doesn't Sing Much Anymore
The Fine Art of Frog Kissing
Turn It Loose!
Keep Your Cotton Pickin' Hands Off My Pickup Truck
How to Get a Turtle on a Fence Post
Never Wrestle with a Pig
Get Off Your Duff and Go
A Closed Mouth Gathers No Feet
Don't Follow Me, I'm Lost!
If You Want to Run with the Big Dogs, You've Got to Get Off the Porch
They've Just Slapped My Other Cheek
Keep Your Head in the Game!
Broccoli Can Kill
A Survival Plan for Planet Earth
Are You a Hot Dog or Just a Weenie?
Ten Things You Can Become That Don't Cost Money or Take Brains, but OtherFolks Need and Will Pay You More Than They Cost
It Was Spring, but I Wanted Summer
The Fresh Breeze of Integrity
Alone but Not Lonely
Don't Let Me Die 'Til I'm Dead
You're Only as Rich as Your Relationships
America the Beautiful
The Operation Was a Success, but the Patient Died
The Party
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Introduction

In her first lesson on "A Study of Angels," Francis Parr writes,

Mention the word angel and what do you visualize? In my mind's eye, I see a beautifulwoman with long, golden hair; a full, flowing, white robe; and lovely, shining wings thatflutter gracefully, propelling this wonder along. Her voice is soft and gentle.

Other times the picture is of a fat, pink baby with a crossbow and heart-shaped arrows,aiming at some hapless fellow who, unknown to him is the object of a girl's affection.

According to the Bible, both these images are almost totally inaccurate. But many peopleshare these misleading mental pictures.

This is a book on angelology, the theological term for the systematic study of angels. Wewill cover in this study the origin, the nature, the activities, and the destiny ofangels.

The words angel or angels occur some three hundred times in our English Bible. Our modernworld is apt to sneer at the existence of spirit beings, but the evidence in HolyScripture is undeniable. It seems that the philosophy of naturalism has become sowidespread that many educated people do not acknowledge anything but what the eye can seeand the ear can hear. Yet, in lands where education is not so available, people holdvarious beliefs in spirit beings. Furthermore, these beliefs are not passive, but ratherconvictions that influences the way they live.

When there is interest in spirit beings, a study of angels naturally follows. Angels makeup a great number of the beings in the heavenly realm and have a definite part in heaven'sconcern and care for mankind and God's plan of redemption. Therefore, it is a source ofgreat strength and encouragement to see what God reveals in his Word about the heavenlycreatures called angels.

Major areas affected by a study of angels

No Bible doctrine should be studied in isolation. Everything must be understood in lightof other teachings of Scripture. This is true in a study of the angelic beings. Majorareas of theology are affected by the biblical teaching on angels. Bibliology (doctrineof Scripture as the word of God) is affected by a study of angels because all of theinformation we have on angels must be gathered from the Bible. This does not denyreferences to angels in folklore, art, literature, and music. But our concern centers onwhat God has revealed to us in Scripture. Theology proper (doctrine of God) is effected byour study of angels because angels are his ministering servants. Christology (doctrine ofthe person and work of Christ) is affected not only because our Lord taught about angels,but also because he was associated with them in many ways throughout his ministry.Pneumatology (doctrine of the Holy Spirit) is affected by one's view of angels, for one'sview of demons, Satan, and angelic beings in general center on the study of the spiritworld. Angels are spirit beings, as evidenced by Hebrews 1:14. "Are not all angelsministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Anthropology(doctrine of man) is affected, for angels minister to the redeemed, and on the other hand,Satan's angels influence and harass man. Eschatology (doctrine of last things) isaffected, for angels will be employed by God to minister to the redeemed and to punish thelost.

Why study angels?

Why should angels be studied?

First, a study of angels is important because it is a biblical topic. Second Timothy 3:16,says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correctingand training in righteousness." Since angels are discussed in Scripture, it isimportant that we look at this biblical topic.

Second, angels are mentioned so many times in both the Old Testament and the New Testamentthat the topic can hardly be ignored.

Third, angels are interested in man. According to Luke 15:7, 10, angels rejoice over manwhen he repents and comes back to God. If angels are that interested in us, it is naturalthat we should have an interest in them.

Fourth, in Luke 20:36, the Scripture says we shall be like them. This scripture should notbe misunderstood to say that we will become angels. A little girl said to her mother,"Mommy, I can hardly wait till I die so I can become an angel." This concept israther widespread, but it is totally untrue. The Bible says we shall be like angels (Luke20:36), but never that we will become angels. Since we will be like them, to study theirnature is to learn more about our own destiny.

Fifth, angels minister to us. Hebrews 1:14 speaks of angels as ministering spirits sentforth to do service for the sake of those who shall inherit salvation. What that serviceis will be examined later. The point here is simply that angels minister to us, and sincethey minister to us we need to know what they are like.

Sixth, Hebrews 13:2 says we need to be a people who practice hospitality because some indoing so have thereby entertained angels unaware. The likelihood of anyone proving ordisproving the possibility of entertaining angels unaware today is a continuing discussionamong Bible students, but since the Bible does mention the entertaining of angels unaware,perhaps it would help us to study angels to learn what happened when one did entertainthem and wasn't aware of it and how that affected his life.

Finally, Luke 16:22 says that at death the righteous are escorted by angels to Abraham'sside. Angels are the ones who provide transit for Christians into heaven when they die.This makes the study of angels even more precious to the child of God.

What is an angel?

Several terms are used in Scripture to describe angels. The Hebrew word malak occurs onehundred eight times in the Old Testament. Angellos is the Greek word translated"angel" that occurs one hundred eighty six times in the New Testament. Bothwords can be literally translated "messenger." While it is true these termssometimes refer to human messengers (Luke 7:24), the terms most commonly refer to theheavenly order that is above man.

But how would you answer the question, "What is an angel?" Herbert Lockyer says"the word is chiefly used in the Bible to represent those super human beings whoseabode is heaven, and who function as the unseen agents in the execution of the will ofGod." Peter A. Angeles says an angel is "a supernatural, celestial being, ofpure spirit, superior to humans in power, goodness, beauty, intelligence, and abilities,who serves God in many capacities, one being as a messenger, another as an attendantspirit for a human or humans."

Millard J. Erickson offers the definition I consider most fitting: "by angels we meanthose spiritual beings which God created higher than man, some of whom have remainedobedient to God and carry out His will, and others of whom disobeyed, lost their holycondition, and oppose and hinder His work."

Use of the word angel in scripture

The words malak and angellos are used in many ways throughout the Scriptures. To simplyinterpret the word as "messenger" does not always yield the intended meaning.Anyone-whether a celestial or terrestrial being-could be considered a messenger. Context,not definition, is the ultimate means to determine the way any word is used. What are thevarious ways the words malak and angellos are used in Scripture?

In 2 Samuel 2:5, the mention is made of David sending messengers (malak) unto the men ofJabesh-gilead. In this instance the word malak refers to human messengers.

The messengers in Haggai 1:13 and Galatians 4:14 are human messengers bearing divinemessages.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7, the Scripture speaks of one who is a messenger (angellos) of Satan.

In Revelation 2-3, mention is made of the angels of the churches in Asia. Some think thisrefers to the fact that the letter was written to the preacher of that local congregationto instruct him regarding the situation and how to handle it in that church.

In Matthew 12:24 and 26:41, the references to angels refer to demons without bodies whoroam the air in partial bondage and take possession of men.

The angels in Genesis 32:1-2 are heavenly beings who met Jacob and guarded him as he wason his way to meet his brother Esau.

Exodus 3:2 refers to a special angel called the "angel of the Lord."

Biblical titles given to angels

In many instances, the Scriptures clearly refer to the angelic host even though the wordsmalak and angellos are not used.

Angels are sometimes called "holy ones" (Dan. 4:13; 4:23; Ps. 89:5-7; Deut.33:2; Dan. 8:13).

Angels are referred to as "sons of God," and "sons of the Mighty" (Job1:6; 2:1; 38:7; NIV translates "angels").

Angels are called "ministering spirits" [of God] (Heb. 1:14), "mightyones" (Ps. 103:21), and "messengers" [of God's interests] (Dan. 4:13, 17,23). Collectively they are referred to as "the council of holy ones" (Ps. 89:7).

Reference is made to angels as the "heavenly hosts," (Luke 2:13) and to the"hosts" [as in "Lord of Hosts"]. Isaiah uses the term"host/hosts" more than 60 times. Angels are also called "heavenlybeings" (Ps. 89:6).

Excerpted from A Study of Angels: Systematic Bible Doctrines by Edward P. Myers
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