Angels

Angels

Just as today, some people in Jesus' day did not believe in the existence of angels.

Acts 23:8 HCSB For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, and no angel or spirit, but the Pharisees affirm them all.

There are different kinds of angels and they have varying ranks and roles.

Isaiah 6:1-3 HCSB In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and His robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphim were standing above Him; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 HCSB For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel's voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
1 Peter 3:22 HCSB Now that He has gone into heaven, He is at God's right hand, with angels, authorities, and powers subjected to Him.
Jude 1:9 HCSB Yet Michael the archangel, when he was disputing with the Devil in a debate about Moses' body, did not dare bring an abusive condemnation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
Revelation 12:7 HCSB Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels also fought,
Daniel 10:12-13 HCSB "Don't be afraid, Daniel," he said to me, "for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for 21 days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia.

Note: Michael is the only angel specifically identified as an archangel. “One of the chief princes” v.13 here, being primarily use to designate a military role, does not necessarily imply that there are other archangels.

Angels have various ministries toward believers:

Guide Genesis 24:7, 39-40 HCSB The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father's house and from my native land, who spoke to me and swore to me, 'I will give this land to your offspring'--He will send His angel before you, and you can take a wife for my son from there…But I said to my master, 'Suppose the woman will not come back with me?' 40 He said to me, 'The LORD before whom I have walked will send His angel with you and make your journey a success, and you will take a wife for my son from my family and from my father's household.
Provide for 1 Kings 19:5-8 HCSB Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, "Get up and eat." 6 Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 Then the angel of the LORD returned a second time and touched him. He said, "Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you." 8 So he got up, ate, and drank. Then on the strength from that food, he walked 40 days and 40 nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.
Protect Psalms 34:7 HCSB The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
Deliver

Daniel 6:22 HCSB My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths. They haven't hurt me, for I was found innocent before Him. Also, I have not committed a crime against you my king."
Acts 12:7-11 HCSB Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. Striking Peter on the side, he woke him up and said, "Quick, get up!" Then the chains fell off his wrists. 8 "Get dressed," the angel told him, "and put on your sandals." And he did so. "Wrap your cloak around you," he told him, "and follow me." 9 So he went out and followed, and he did not know that what took place through the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 After they passed the first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went outside and passed one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod's grasp and from all that the Jewish people expected."

Gather Matthew 24:31 HCSB He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.
Direct activities Acts 8:26 HCSB An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip: "Get up and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to desert Gaza."
Comfort Acts 27:23-24 HCSB For this night an angel of the God I belong to and serve stood by me, 24 saying, 'Don't be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And, look! God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.'
Minister Hebrews 1:14 HCSB Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?

Angels also minister toward unbelievers:

Destruction Genesis 19:1, 9-13 HCSB The two angels entered Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting at Sodom's gate. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them. He bowed with his face to the ground…"Get out of the way!" they said, adding, "This one came here as a foreigner, but he's acting like a judge! Now we'll do more harm to you than to them." They put pressure on Lot and came up to break down the door. 10 But the angels reached out, brought Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. 11 They struck the men who were at the door of the house, both young and old, with a blinding light so that they were unable to find the door. 12 Then the angels said to Lot, "Do you have anyone else here: a son-in-law, your sons and daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of this place, 13 for we are about to destroy this place because the outcry against its people is great before the LORD, and the LORD has sent us to destroy it."
Curse Judges 5:23 HCSB "Curse Meroz," says the Angel of the LORD, "Bitterly curse her inhabitants, for they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty warriors."
Pestilence 2 Samuel 24:15-17 HCSB So the LORD sent a plague on Israel from that morning until the appointed time, and from Dan to Beer-sheba 70,000 men died. 16 Then the angel extended his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, but the LORD relented concerning the destruction and said to the angel who was destroying the people, "Enough, withdraw your hand now!" The angel of the LORD was then at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 17 When David saw the angel striking the people, he said to the LORD, "Look, I am the one who has sinned; I am the one who has done wrong. But these sheep, what have they done? Please, let Your hand be against me and my father's family."
Sudden death Acts 12:23 HCSB At once an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give the glory to God, and he became infected with worms and died.

· Persecution

Psalms 35:5-6 HCSB Let them be like husks in the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away. 6 Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
1 Samuel 16:23 HCSB Whenever the spirit from God troubled Saul, David would pick up his harp and play, and Saul would then be relieved, feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

MessengerS

Angels are servants.

Hebrews 1:7, 14 HCSB And about the angels He says: He makes His angels winds, and His servants a fiery flame…Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?

They bring God’s messages and answers to prayer.

Daniel 9:21-23 HCSB while I was praying, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the first vision, came to me in my extreme weariness, about the time of the evening offering. 22 He gave me this explanation: "Daniel, I've come now to give you understanding. 23 At the beginning of your petitions an answer went out, and I have come to give it, for you are treasured by God. So consider the message and understand the vision:
Luke 2:9-10 HCSB Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:
Acts 27:23-24 HCSB For this night an angel of the God I belong to and serve stood by me, 24 saying, 'Don't be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And, look! God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.'

There are only two angels that are specifically given names in the Bible. The angel Gabriel is one and he is always bringing a message.

Luke 1:19 HCSB The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.
Luke 1:26 HCSB In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,
Daniel 8:16-20 HCSB I heard a human voice calling from the middle of the Ulai: "Gabriel, explain the vision to this man." 17 So he approached where I was standing; when he came near, I was terrified and fell facedown. "Son of man," he said to me, "understand that the vision refers to the time of the end." 18 While he was speaking to me, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me, made me stand up, 19 and said, "I am here to tell you what will happen at the conclusion of the time of wrath, because it refers to the appointed time of the end. 20 The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia.
Daniel 9:21 HCSB while I was praying, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the first vision, came to me in my extreme weariness, about the time of the evening offering.

They communicate the will of God and Christ

Daniel 8:16-17 HCSB I heard a human voice calling from the middle of the Ulai: "Gabriel, explain the vision to this man." 17 So he approached where I was standing; when he came near, I was terrified and fell facedown. "Son of man," he said to me, "understand that the vision refers to the time of the end."
Daniel 9:21-23 HCSB while I was praying, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the first vision, came to me in my extreme weariness, about the time of the evening offering. 22 He gave me this explanation: "Daniel, I've come now to give you understanding. 23 At the beginning of your petitions an answer went out, and I have come to give it, for you are treasured by God. So consider the message and understand the vision:
Daniel 10:11 HCSB He said to me, "Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I'm saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you." After he said this to me, I stood trembling.
Daniel 12:6-7 HCSB One said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long until the end of these extraordinary things?" 7 Then I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river. He raised both his hands toward heaven and swore by Him who lives eternally that it would be for a time, times, and half a time. When the power of the holy people is shattered, all these things will be completed.
Matthew 2:19-20 HCSB After Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, "Get up! Take the child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, because those who sought the child's life are dead."
Luke 1:19, 28-33 HCSB The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news…And the angel came to her and said, "Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you." 29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 Then the angel told her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.
Acts 5:19-21 HCSB But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night, brought them out, and said, 20 "Go and stand in the temple complex, and tell the people all about this life." 21 In obedience to this, they entered the temple complex at daybreak and began to teach. When the high priest and those who were with him arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin--the full Senate of the sons of Israel--and sent orders to the jail to have them brought.
Acts 8:26 HCSB An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip: "Get up and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to desert Gaza."
Acts 10:4-6 HCSB Looking intently at him, he became afraid and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he told him, "Your prayers and your acts of charity have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also named Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea."
Acts 27:23-24 HCSB For this night an angel of the God I belong to and serve stood by me, 24 saying, 'Don't be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And, look! God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.'
Revelation 1:1 HCSB The revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave Him to show His slaves what must quickly take place. He sent it and signified it through His angel to His slave John,

Angels announced:

The conception of John the Baptist Luke 1:13, 36 HCSB But the angel said to him: Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John…And consider your relative Elizabeth--even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren.
The conception of Christ

Matthew 1:20-21 HCSB But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."
Luke 1:31 HCSB Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name JESUS.

The birth of Christ Luke 2:10-12 HCSB But the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. 12 This will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough."
The resurrection of Christ

Matthew 28:5-7 HCSB But the angel told the women, "Don't be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.' Listen, I have told you."
Luke 24:23 HCSB and when they didn't find His body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said He was alive.

The ascension and second coming of Christ Acts 1:11 HCSB They said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven."

Angels were instrumental in delivering the Old Testament law to humankind.

Acts 7:30, 35, 38, 53 HCSB After 40 years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the desert of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush…"This Moses, whom they rejected when they said, Who appointed you a ruler and a judge?--this one God sent as a ruler and a redeemer by means of the angel who appeared to him in the bush…He is the one who was in the congregation in the desert together with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our forefathers. He received living oracles to give to us…You received the law under the direction of angels and yet have not kept it."
Hebrews 2:2 HCSB For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding, and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment,
Galatians 3:19 HCSB Why the law then? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. The law was ordered through angels by means of a mediator.

However, the coming of the Messiah and the creation of the church made the mystery of God’s grace known to them.

Ephesians 3:8-11 HCSB This grace was given to me--the least of all the saints!--to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of the Messiah, 9 and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. 10 This is so that God's multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. 11 This is according to the purpose of the ages, which He made in the Messiah, Jesus our Lord,
1 Timothy 3:16 HCSB And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
1 Peter 1:10-12 HCSB Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that would come to you searched and carefully investigated. 11 They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when He testified in advance to the messianic sufferings and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you concerning things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Angels desire to look into these things.

Angels are not authorized to reveal a different gospel. If they do, it is a false gospel.

Galatians 1:8 HCSB But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than what we have preached to you, a curse be on him!

Caretakers

Angels are interested observers of the servants of God.

1 Corinthians 4:9 HCSB For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: we have become a spectacle to the world and to angels and to men.
1 Peter 1:12 HCSB It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you concerning things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Angels desire to look into these things.

Angels carry out God's orders.

Psalms 103:20-21 HCSB Praise the LORD, all His angels of great strength, who do His word, obedient to His command. 21 Praise the LORD, all His armies, His servants who do His will.
Matthew 6:10 HCSB Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

They sometimes minister to our physical needs.

1 Kings 19:5-8 HCSB Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, "Get up and eat." 6 Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 Then the angel of the LORD returned a second time and touched him. He said, "Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you." 8 So he got up, ate, and drank. Then on the strength from that food, he walked 40 days and 40 nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.

Angels provide protection.

Psalms 91:9-12 HCSB Because you have made the LORD--my refuge, the Most High--your dwelling place, 10 no harm will come to you; no plague will come near your tent. 11 For He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways. 12 They will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

Note: This particular passage is messianic. That is, it is a promise made to the Messiah – not to us. However, it clearly describes the angelic ministry of protection.

2 Kings 6:14-17 HCSB he sent horses, chariots, and a massive army there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, "Oh, my master, what are we to do?" 16 Elisha said, "Don't be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them." 17 Then Elisha prayed, "LORD, please open his eyes and let him see." So the LORD opened the servant's eyes. He looked and saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Angels are special guardians. They have been given the responsibility of watching over the children of God.

Psalms 34:7 HCSB The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
Daniel 6:21-22 HCSB Then Daniel spoke with the king: "May the king live forever. 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths. They haven't hurt me, for I was found innocent before Him. Also, I have not committed a crime against you my king."

Apparently even children have angels that are specifically assigned to them. The children’s treatment is reported to God.

Matthew 18:10 HCSB "See that you don't look down on one of these little ones, because I tell you that in heaven their angels continually view the face of My Father in heaven.

Angels will come to our rescue if we pray to God and He so commands.

Psalms 34:7 HCSB The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
Matthew 26:53 HCSB Or do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He will provide Me at once with more than 12 legions of angels?
Acts 12:7-11 HCSB Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. Striking Peter on the side, he woke him up and said, "Quick, get up!" Then the chains fell off his wrists. 8 "Get dressed," the angel told him, "and put on your sandals." And he did so. "Wrap your cloak around you," he told him, "and follow me." 9 So he went out and followed, and he did not know that what took place through the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 After they passed the first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went outside and passed one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod's grasp and from all that the Jewish people expected."

They carry our souls to the afterlife.

Luke 16:22 HCSB One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried.

What is their place in the order of the universe?

Angels were created by Christ

Nehemiah 9:6 HCSB You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them, and the heavenly host worships You.
John 1:1-3 HCSB In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.
Colossians 1:16-17 HCSB because by Him everything was created, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together.

Note: Everything was made by Christ. All the angels were created by Christ. Nothing exists that He didn’t make. That includes Michael the archangel, which some cults wrongly think is Jesus.

Angels worship Christ.

Nehemiah 9:6 HCSB You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them, and the heavenly host worships You.
Philippians 2:9-11 HCSB For this reason God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow--of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth-- 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Hebrews 1:6 HCSB When He again brings His firstborn into the world, He says, And all God's angels must worship Him.

They celebrate the praises of God.

Job 38:5-7 HCSB Who fixed its dimensions? Certainly you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 What supports its foundations? Or who laid its cornerstone 7 while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Psalms 148:2 HCSB Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts.
Isaiah 6:1-4 HCSB In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and His robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphim were standing above Him; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth. 4 The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke.
Luke 2:13-14 HCSB Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!
Revelation 5:11-12 HCSB Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures, and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands. 12 They said with a loud voice: The Lamb who was slaughtered is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!
Revelation 7:11-12 HCSB All the angels stood around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.

Angels are not a higher order of beings than humans.

Psalms 8:4-6 HCSB what is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him? 5 You made him little less than God and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him lord over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet:

Note: some older translations say “a little lower than angels” but the word is actually “Elohim” which is a name of God.

1 Corinthians 6:3 HCSB Do you not know that we will judge angels--not to speak of things pertaining to this life?

Note: If humans are going to be judging the angels, they cannot be a higher order of humans. They will be subject to us.

Psalms 148:2-5 HCSB Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts. 3 Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars. 4 Praise Him, highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for He commanded, and they were created.
Colossians 1:16-17 HCSB because by Him everything was created, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together.

Note: Angels are created beings just like us. They are not evolved humans as some hold. We do not become angels when we die. They are a different order of being altogether.

We are neither to worship nor pray to angels. God’s angels refuse worship. An angel that accepts and encourages worship of someone other than God is thus a demon.

Colossians 2:18 HCSB Let no one disqualify you, insisting on ascetic practices and the worship of angels, claiming access to a visionary realm and inflated without cause by his fleshly mind.
Revelation 19:10 HCSB Then I fell at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "Don't do that! I am a fellow slave with you and your brothers who have the testimony about Jesus. Worship God, because the testimony about Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
Revelation 22:8-9 HCSB I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown them to me. 9 But he said to me, "Don't do that! I am a fellow slave with you, your brothers the prophets, and those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."
1 Timothy 2:5 HCSB For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, a man, Christ Jesus,
Acts 12:23 HCSB At once an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give the glory to God, and he became infected with worms and died.

An angel of God appeared to an unsaved man and accurately told him how to learn about God's salvation.

Acts 10:3-5 HCSB At about three in the afternoon he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him, "Cornelius!" 4 Looking intently at him, he became afraid and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he told him, "Your prayers and your acts of charity have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also named Peter.

Note: An angel from God will always promote the message found in the Bible! The angel in this passage told Cornelius how to find Peter, one of the Lord's disciples, who could tell him the truth about salvation. (Cp Acts 10:43). When a "spirit guide" communicates a message, we can determine whether he is from God or not by learning what such a spirit being says about the Lord Jesus and the salvation he provided for all of mankind when he shed His precious, cleansing blood on the cross. A spirit being can be confidently identified as demonic and deceptive if this Gospel is denied in any way or if it promotes any unscriptural message or practice. Hence, there exists an incredible need to know the Bible to safeguard against demonic influences. The end result of the angelic visitation to Cornelius was Biblical salvation for him and his household!

Someone who teaches that we should worship or pray to angels is a false teacher.

Colossians 2:18 HCSB Let no one disqualify you, insisting on ascetic practices and the worship of angels, claiming access to a visionary realm and inflated without cause by his fleshly mind.

Note: It is also important to know that you should never call on an angel for guidance, deliverance, etc. To do so will open yourself up for spiritual deception. According to the Bible, we should ONLY call on God. We are also to trust only in God for deliverance, not an angel. While it is true that God might deliver us with angels it is still God who is our Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, etc. God commands his angels what to do and they obey Him.

Angels rejoice over every repentant sinner

Luke 15:7, 10 HCSB I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don't need repentance… I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels over one sinner who repents."

They are powerful spirit beings

They are mighty.

Psalms 103:20 HCSB Praise the LORD, all His angels of great strength, who do His word, obedient to His command.
Isaiah 6:1-3 HCSB In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and His robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphim were standing above Him; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth.
2 Peter 2:10-11 HCSB especially those who follow the polluting desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold, arrogant people! They do not tremble when they blaspheme the glorious ones; 11 however, angels, who are greater in might and power, do not bring a slanderous charge against them before the Lord.

When they appear in their normal form however, they are fearsome to behold.

Daniel 8:17-18, 27 HCSB So he approached where I was standing; when he came near, I was terrified and fell facedown. "Son of man," he said to me, "understand that the vision refers to the time of the end." 18 While he was speaking to me, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me, made me stand up… I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for days. Then I got up and went about the king's business. I was greatly disturbed by the vision and could not understand it.
Daniel 10:5-11 HCSB I looked up, and there was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist. 6 His body was like topaz, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. 7 Only I, Daniel, saw the vision. The men who were with me did not see it, but a great terror fell on them, and they ran and hid. 8 I was left alone, looking at this great vision. No strength was left in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless. 9 I heard the words he said, and when I heard them I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. 10 Suddenly, a hand touched me and raised me to my hands and knees. 11 He said to me, "Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I'm saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you." After he said this to me, I stood trembling.
Matthew 28:2-5 HCSB Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5 But the angel told the women, "Don't be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.
Luke 1:11 HCSB An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense… The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. 20 Now listen! You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."
Acts 10:3-4 HCSB At about three in the afternoon he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him, "Cornelius!" 4 Looking intently at him, he became afraid and said, "What is it, Lord?" And he told him, "Your prayers and your acts of charity have come up as a memorial offering before God.
2 Thessalonians 1:7 HCSB and to reward with rest you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His powerful angels,

Under God’s direct command and control, an angel referred to as “the Destroyer” killed all the firstborn children of Egypt whose parents had not obeyed His command to put blood on their door lintels and posts.

Exodus 12:12-13, 23, 29-30 HCSB "I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night and strike every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, both man and beast. I am the LORD; I will execute judgments against all the gods of Egypt. 13 The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will be among you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt… When the LORD passes through to strike Egypt and sees the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, He will pass over the door and not let the destroyer enter your houses to strike you… Now at midnight the LORD struck every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the prisoner who was in the dungeon, and every firstborn of the livestock. 30 During the night Pharaoh got up, he along with all his officials and all the Egyptians, and there was a loud wailing throughout Egypt because there wasn't a house without someone dead.

Note: It is interesting to note the immanent language used to describe God’s role in this matter. He himself passed through the land. He executed judgment. When He saw the blood, connoting serial time and sequence. Passing over. It seems to be intimating that the immanent aspect of God, the Son, is the one who directed this judgment. The Destroyer (the angel of death as described in Hebrews) was under the Son’s direct control. How ironic that the First Born Son of God who would later die for our sins, directed the taking of Egypt’s first born.

Hebrews 11:28 HCSB By faith he instituted the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.

Angels executing the purposes of God are not always pretty or comforting.

Numbers 22:22-27 HCSB But God was incensed that Balaam was going, and the Angel of the LORD took His stand on the path to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD standing on the path with a drawn sword in His hand, she turned off the path and went into the field. So Balaam hit her to return her to the path. 24 Then the Angel of the LORD stood in a narrow passage between the vineyards, with a stone wall on either side. 25 The donkey saw the Angel of the LORD and pressed herself against the wall, squeezing Balaam's foot against it. So he hit her once again. 26 The Angel of the LORD went ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or the left. 27 When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she crouched down under Balaam. So he became furious and beat the donkey with his stick.
2 Kings 19:35 HCSB That night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning--there were all the dead bodies!

Note: A Isaiah predicted, King Sennacherib of Assyria threatened Jerusalem around 701 BC. King Hezekiah prayed and God responded mercifully by forcing the Assyrians to withdraw. (Isaiah 37:6-7)

God’s tactful and gentle method was to send the angel of the Lord who killed 185,000 soldiers in the span of a single night.(Isaiah 37:36-37 cp 2 Kings 19:35-36) King Sennacherib found this slightly unsettling and decided to withdraw.

As a side note, in order for you to understand the power of the angel of the Lord, he killed 185,000 professional soldiers in a span of about 8 hours.

That means 23,125 men an hour or 385 men per minute. That means one angel killed 6 professional soldiers every second for 8 hours straight and there is no evidence that it even tired him.

Psalms 103:21 HCSB Praise the LORD, all His armies, His servants who do His will.
Matthew 13:39-42 HCSB the enemy who sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 Therefore just as the weeds are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather from His kingdom everything that causes sin and those guilty of lawlessness. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 28:2 HCSB Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it.
Acts 12:23 HCSB At once an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give the glory to God, and he became infected with worms and died.
Revelation 16:1 HCSB Then I heard a loud voice from the sanctuary saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the seven bowls of God's wrath on the earth."

As powerful as they are, they are respectful of Satan’s power.

Jude 1:8-9 HCSB Nevertheless, these dreamers likewise defile their flesh, despise authority, and blaspheme glorious beings. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when he was disputing with the Devil in a debate about Moses' body, did not dare bring an abusive condemnation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
2 Peter 2:10-11 HCSB especially those who follow the polluting desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold, arrogant people! They do not tremble when they blaspheme the glorious ones; 11 however, angels, who are greater in might and power, do not bring a slanderous charge against them before the Lord.

God executes His judgment through angels.

Psalms 78:49 HCSB He sent His burning anger against them: fury, indignation, and calamity--a band of deadly messengers.

They are described as an army in constant battle.

Psalms 103:21 HCSB Praise the LORD, all His armies, His servants who do His will.
Daniel 10:12-13 HCSB "Don't be afraid, Daniel," he said to me, "for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for 21 days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia.
Jude 1:9 HCSB Yet Michael the archangel, when he was disputing with the Devil in a debate about Moses' body, did not dare bring an abusive condemnation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
Revelation 12:7 HCSB Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels also fought,

The only other angel named in Scripture is Michael. The archangel Michael is a warring angel, but there are other archangels too (Dan. 10:13). Michael and his angels will continue to fight against Satan [the dragon] and his angels:

Daniel 10:13 HCSB But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for 21 days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia.
Jude 1:9 HCSB Yet Michael the archangel, when he was disputing with the Devil in a debate about Moses' body, did not dare bring an abusive condemnation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
Revelation 12:7-9 HCSB Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels also fought, 8 but he could not prevail, and there was no place for them in heaven any longer. 9 So the great dragon was thrown out--the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the one who deceives the whole world. He was thrown to earth, and his angels with him.

Christ is the leader in charge of the angels.

Matthew 16:27 HCSB For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will reward each according to what he has done.
Matthew 25:31 HCSB "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.
Mark 8:38 HCSB For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."
Ephesians 1:21-22 HCSB far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put everything under His feet and appointed Him as head over everything for the church,
Colossians 1:16 HCSB because by Him everything was created, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.
Colossians 2:10 HCSB and you have been filled by Him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 HCSB and to reward with rest you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His powerful angels, 8 taking vengeance with flaming fire on those who don't know God and on those who don't obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
1 Peter 3:22 HCSB Now that He has gone into heaven, He is at God's right hand, with angels, authorities, and powers subjected to Him.

Jesus describes Himself as “the commander of the Lord’s army.”

Joshua 5:13-15 HCSB When Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, "Are You for us or for our enemies?" 14 "Neither," He replied. "I have now come as commander of the LORD's army." Then Joshua bowed with his face to the ground in worship and asked Him, "What does my Lord want to say to His servant?" 15 The commander of the LORD's army said to Joshua, "Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.

Note: We know that this is Jesus because (1) no good angel accepts worship, (2) it is not the Father for “no man has seen God the Father at any time” (3) it is not the Spirit for He is Spirit and does not have flesh and bone. Therefore this must be the Son in His preincarnate form, what is referred to as a “theophany”. This is a preliminary manifestation of the Eternal Word of God, who, in the fullness of time, 'became flesh and dwelt among us'. We always find Him revealing God. In the Bible the Triune God is alone seen or manifested in Christ. Cf. John 1:18; 14:9; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3.

Jesus could have been delivered by legions of angels from His cruel death on the cross if He had so chosen.

Matthew 26:53 HCSB Or do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He will provide Me at once with more than 12 legions of angels?

Angels ministered to Christ.

Matthew 4:11 HCSB Then the Devil left Him, and immediately angels came and began to serve Him.
Luke 22:43 HCSB [Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him.

They will do so again.

John 1:51 HCSB Then He said, "I assure you: You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

What else do we know about angels?

They are spiritual beings.

Hebrews 1:14 HCSB Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?

Angels are immortal.

Luke 20:36 HCSB For they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are sons of God, since they are sons of the resurrection.

They are innumerable.

Job 25:2-3 HCSB Dominion and dread belong to Him, the One who establishes harmony in the heavens. 3 Can His troops be numbered? Does His light not shine on everyone?
Hebrews 12:22 HCSB Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels in festive gathering,
Revelation 5:11 HCSB Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and also of the living creatures, and of the elders. Their number was countless thousands, plus thousands of thousands.

Angels can appear in the form of ordinary people.

Hebrews 13:2 HCSB Don't neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.
Genesis 18:2-10 HCSB He looked up, and he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them and bowed to the ground. 3 Then he said, "My lord, if I have found favor in your sight, please do not go on past your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 I will bring a bit of bread so that you may strengthen yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant's way. Later, you can continue on." "Yes," they replied, "do as you have said." 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, "Quick! Knead three measures of fine flour and make bread." 7 Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd and got a tender, choice calf. He gave it to a young man, who hurried to prepare it. 8 Then Abraham took curds and milk, and the calf that he had prepared, and set them before the men. He served them as they ate under the tree. 9 "Where is your wife Sarah?" they asked him. "There, in the tent," he answered. 10 The LORD said, "I will certainly come back to you in about a year's time, and your wife Sarah will have a son!" Now Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent behind him.

They can be invisible

Numbers 22:22-27 HCSB But God was incensed that Balaam was going, and the Angel of the LORD took His stand on the path to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD standing on the path with a drawn sword in His hand, she turned off the path and went into the field. So Balaam hit her to return her to the path. 24 Then the Angel of the LORD stood in a narrow passage between the vineyards, with a stone wall on either side. 25 The donkey saw the Angel of the LORD and pressed herself against the wall, squeezing Balaam's foot against it. So he hit her once again. 26 The Angel of the LORD went ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or the left. 27 When the donkey saw the Angel of the LORD, she crouched down under Balaam. So he became furious and beat the donkey with his stick.

Angels are not bound by human marriage traditions and rituals.

Matthew 22:30 HCSB For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like angels in heaven.
Mark 12:25 HCSB For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like angels in heaven.
Luke 20:34-36 HCSB Jesus told them, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are counted worthy to take part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 For they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are sons of God, since they are sons of the resurrection.

This does not mean that they are necessarily without gender, however.

Zechariah 5:9 HCSB Then I looked up and saw two women approaching with the wind in their wings. Their wings were like those of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and sky.

Note: While angels generally appear as men in Scripture, Zechariah 5:9 may suggest this is not always the case. The two women mentioned in this passage are not specifically called angels, but they are clearly agents of God. The fate of the woman (wickedness) is portrayed: She is to be removed from the land. Although some regard the two women as agents of evil (partly because the stork is an unclean bird, Lev 11:19), it seems preferable to regard them as divinely chosen agents because they, along with the wind (also an instrument of God, Ps 104:3-4), would thus demonstrate that the removal was the work of God alone. The simile “wings like those of a stork” is evidently intended to show that the winged women—carried along by the wind—were capable of supporting the woman in the basket over a great distance. Though Scripture does not clearly identify them as angels we must be careful about making dogmatic statements about angels being without gender or sex.

Angels are described as holy.

Mark 8:38 HCSB For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."
Luke 9:26 HCSB For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and that of the Father and the holy angels.
Revelation 14:10 HCSB he will also drink the wine of God's wrath, which is mixed full strength in the cup of His anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb,

Angels are wise.

2 Samuel 14:17-20 HCSB Your servant thought: May the word of my lord the king bring relief, for my lord the king is able to discern the good and the bad like the Angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you." 18 Then the king answered the woman, "I'm going to ask you something; don't conceal it from me!" "Let my lord the king speak," the woman replied. 19 The king asked, "Did Joab put you up to all this?" The woman answered. "As surely as you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right or left from all my lord the king says. Yes, your servant Joab is the one who gave orders to me; he told your servant exactly what to say. 20 Joab your servant has done this to address the issue indirectly, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the Angel of God, knowing everything on earth."

Angels are obedient.

Psalms 103:20-21 HCSB Praise the LORD, all His angels of great strength, who do His word, obedient to His command. 21 Praise the LORD, all His armies, His servants who do His will.

However, angels are not perfect.

Job 4:18 HCSB If God puts no trust in His servants and He charges His angels with foolishness,

Angels are emotional creatures. They are:

Joyful Luke 15:7, 10 HCSB I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don't need repentance… I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels over one sinner who repents."
Cautious Jude 1:9 HCSB Yet Michael the archangel, when he was disputing with the Devil in a debate about Moses' body, did not dare bring an abusive condemnation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"
Humble and Meek 2 Peter 2:10-11 HCSB especially those who follow the polluting desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold, arrogant people! They do not tremble when they blaspheme the glorious ones; 11 however, angels, who are greater in might and power, do not bring a slanderous charge against them before the Lord.
Worshipping Nehemiah 9:6 HCSB You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them, and the heavenly host worships You.
Praising Psalms 148:2 HCSB Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts.
Singing Isaiah 6:1-4 HCSB In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and His robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphim were standing above Him; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth. 4 The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke.
Filled with holy awe Revelation 7:11-12 HCSB All the angels stood around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.
Expectant and Curious 1 Peter 1:12 HCSB It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you concerning things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Angels desire to look into these things.

Manna is described as “angel’s food” and Elijah ate an angel’s cooking.

Psalms 78:25 HCSB People ate the bread of angels. He sent them an abundant supply of food.
1 Kings 19:5-8 HCSB Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, "Get up and eat." 6 Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 Then the angel of the LORD returned a second time and touched him. He said, "Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you." 8 So he got up, ate, and drank. Then on the strength from that food, he walked 40 days and 40 nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.

Angels in the end times

Angels will return with Jesus and gather His elect.

Matthew 16:27 and 24:31HCSB For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will reward each according to what he has done.
Mark 13:27 HCSB He will send out the angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.

Angels will be used to find everything that causes sin and all who do evil (the unsaved).

Matthew 13:41 HCSB The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather from His kingdom everything that causes sin and those guilty of lawlessness.
Matthew 13:49-50 HCSB So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out, separate the evil people from the righteous, 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 HCSB and to reward with rest you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His powerful angels, 8 taking vengeance with flaming fire on those who don't know God and on those who don't obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of everlasting destruction, away from the Lord's presence and from His glorious strength, 10 in that day when He comes to be glorified by His saints and to be admired by all those who have believed, because our testimony among you was believed.

Angels will throw people into the fiery furnace.

Matthew 13:49-50 HCSB So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out, separate the evil people from the righteous, 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

One solitary angel of God will seize Satan, the great deceiver, and throw him into the Abyss during the 1,000 year reign of Christ.

Revelation 20:1-3 HCSB Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for 1,000 years. 3 He threw him into the abyss, closed it, and put a seal on it so that he would no longer deceive the nations until the 1,000 years were completed. After that, he must be released for a short time.

During the Millennium, angels will be stationed as guards at the twelve gates entering New Jerusalem.

Revelation 21:12 HCSB The city had a massive high wall, with 12 gates. Twelve angels were at the gates; on the gates, names were inscribed, the names of the 12 tribes of the sons of Israel.