What are Angels

QUESTION: What are Angels - Do they walk among us?

ANSWER:

Wistful thinking causes us to consider the possibilities that angels exist to benefit the human race. Many people will tell a listener about an experience they had, which they believe involved angelic activities. Societies in every nation have stories to tell about the existence of angels. Media supports the hunger people have to learn more about angels. Do angels really walk among us?

The Bible is our main source of study in the on-going activities of angels. There are many characteristics attributed to angels, and the list of their abilities and duties are innumerable.

• What do they look like?
• How many are there?
• Do they have intelligence?
• Do they feel emotion?
• Do they have a will?
• What are the different types of angels?
• Do angels have a purpose?
• Do angels have limitations?
• How are we to treat angels?

What are Angels? The descriptions
An overall summary of the study of angels brings to light the answers to many of the questions aforementioned. Angels can take on the outward appearances of (2 Kings 6:17; Genesis 18:1-8; Daniel 10:5-6; Revelation 4:6-8):

• Humans
• Human-like creatures
• Unusual living creatures
• Spirit animals
• They can be visible or invisible (Numbers 22:22-35; John 20:12; Hebrews 13:2).

John saw a great multitude in heaven (Revelation 5:11-12; Luke 2:13; Hebrews 12:22). This gives us an idea of how many angels there are available to do God’s bidding. We know they can speak, sing, learn, and are curious about God’s salvation plan to redeem mankind (Matthew 28:5; 1 Peter 1:12; Luke 2:13-14).

Besides having intelligence, angels feel emotion and have a will. One third of heaven’s angels followed after Lucifer in rebelling against God. This shows us they possess cognitive abilities in making their own decisions and solving problems (Matthew 25:41). Angels run the whole gamut of emotions, feelings, desires, and all intellectual powers; as we understand intellect (Genesis 6:1-4; Jude 6:7; Genesis 18:8; 19:3; Revelation 12:12; John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8; 1:12; Ezekiel 28:17; 1 Timothy 3:6; 2 Samuel 12:20; 19:27; Matthew 24:36; Ephesians 3:10; Numbers 22:22-35; 2 Peter 2:11; Jude 9; 1 Corinthians 11:10; Mark 8:38; Psalm 103:20; Matthew 6:10; Mark 13:32; 1 Peter 1:12; Isaiah 14:12-14; 1 Corinthians 13:1).

Angel Picture - Learn More!