Angels in the Bible

1. Creation of Angels

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.” (Colossians 1:16 KJV)

The Bible states clearly that, as it is with all creatures, God created the angels as well (Nehemiah 9:6). It doesn’t mention which was the first angel ever created, though.

In Genesis chapter 2, before the Bible describes the creation of Adam and Eve, it says that “the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them” (Genesis 2:1 KJV). In beautiful poetic language, Job 38:4–7 says that the angels (also called “sons of God” and “morning stars” in some Bible versions) “shouted for joy” (Job 38:7 KJV) when the Lord “laid the foundations of the earth” (Job 38:4 KJV).

Therefore, we can assume that they were created before all other living creatures, including human beings. But we cannot determine the precise moment when that happened. Scripture also tells us that God made humans “a little lower than the angels” (Psalm 8:5 KJV).

2. Characteristics of Angels

“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14 KJV)

The Bible doesn’t give us many details about angels. From what the Bible does tells us about them, we can list a few of their characteristics:

• Angels are spiritual beings (Psalm 104:4; Hebrews 1:14).
• They inhabit the spiritual realm called heaven (Mark 13:32; Galatians 1:8).
• They can be in only one place at a time (Daniel 10:11–14).
• They are immortal. They were created at one point in time, but they don’t die (Luke 20:36).
• They don’t marry (Matthew 22:30).

3. What Angels Look Like

“Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.” (Isaiah 6:2 NKJV)

We know that angels are spiritual beings. They don’t have physical bodies (Hebrews 1:14; Luke 24:39). However, the Bible presents a few different descriptions of angels:

• Angels with human form: Genesis 18:1–3; Daniel 9:21; Luke 24:4–5.
• Angels with wings: Exodus 25:20; 1 Kings 6:27; Isaiah 6:2.
• Some impressive descriptions: Ezekiel 1:5–14; Matthew 28:2–3; Revelation 10:1–6.
• In some cases, even though the angels looked like men, they still struck fear upon those who saw them (Judges 13:6; Luke 1:11–12,30; Luke 24:4–5).

There are too many for me to post. You will find the complete list in your King James Version (or the Bible of your choice). There are twenty-five more numbered paragraphs written about this ‘Angel’ topic. Check it out when you have time—very interesting.

Suggested by Robert D. Anderson