The term “angel” (Hebrew: malak; Greek: angelos) means “messenger.” The Bible mentions numerous heavenly beings fulfilling this role, from the moment they guard the Garden of Eden to their final appearance in the New Jerusalem.
👑 I. Named Archangels and Chief Angels
Only a few angels are named in the canonical books of the Bible. These figures hold positions of great authority and power.
- Michael: The only figure in the Bible explicitly called an archangel (Jude 1:9, KJV). He is identified as the great prince who stands for the children of Israel and engages in spiritual warfare.“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people…” (Daniel 12:1, KJV)
- Gabriel: Known as the messenger angel, he is tasked with delivering crucial prophecies concerning the Messiah.
- He appeared to the prophet Daniel to explain visions (Daniel 8:16, 9:21, KJV).
- He appeared to Zacharias to announce the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:19, KJV).
- He appeared to the Virgin Mary to announce the birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:26, KJV).
- Lucifer (Satan): Though not an angel by name, the figure described as Lucifer, son of the morning, in Isaiah 14:12 (KJV) and the Dragon in Revelation is understood to be the highest of the created angels who fell from heaven due to pride.“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” (Isaiah 14:12, KJV)
🛡️ II. Distinct Orders and Classes of Angels
The Bible describes distinct classes of angelic beings based on their function, appearance, and proximity to God’s throne.
- Cherubim (Cherubs): These powerful beings are associated with the presence of God and the guarding of sacred things.
- They were placed to guard the way of the tree of life after the Fall (Genesis 3:24, KJV).
- Their figures were embroidered on the veil and curtains of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1, 31, KJV).
- They are described as having four faces and four wings in the visions of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 10:14, KJV).
- Seraphim (Seraphs): Described only in the vision of Isaiah, these beings are intimately involved in worship and purifying service around the throne of God.“Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isaiah 6:2-3, KJV)
- The Angel of the Lord: A unique manifestation, previously discussed, who speaks and acts with divine authority, often identified as a Christophany (Pre-Incarnate Christ). This figure appears approximately 59 times in the KJV.
🕊️ III. Angels of Special Office and Function
The New Testament records several angels associated with specific, monumental events.
- The Angel at the Tomb: The angel who rolled away the stone and announced the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:2-6, KJV).
- The Angel of the Apocalypse (Revelation): This title refers to the many powerful, distinct angels in the Book of Revelation who hold the seven trumpets (Revelation 8:2), the seven vials (Revelation 16:1), or who carry out judgments and warnings upon the earth.
- The Angel of the Waters: The angel who stirs the water at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:4, KJV).
- The Angel of the Abyss/Bottomless Pit (Apollyon/Abaddon): The angel who is given the key to open the bottomless pit during the end times (Revelation 9:1, 11, KJV).