Many people imagine angels as figures with wings, white clothes and a harp in their hand. Others see them as heavenly guardians, always ready to protect humans from evil. But if you go straight to the source - the Bible - you'll realize that angels are much more complex, powerful and surprising than we imagine.

1# Angels are not humans who have died

Many people believe that when a person dies, they "turn into an angel". This idea is common in movies, cartoons and even everyday conversations. But according to the Bible, angels and human beings are different creations.

The angels were created by God before the creation of the physical world. They are part of the spiritual world and exist to fulfill specific purposes.

"For in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or rulers or principalities or powers." (Colossians 1:16)

Angels have no human origin. They aren't born, they don't die, they don't get married, they don't have children. They are spiritual beings with defined missions.

While human beings are "made in the image and likeness of God" (Genesis 1:27), angels are ministers and messengers. They have power, but do not have the same kind of intimate relationship with God that humans can have through Christ.

2# There are different types of angels - with different functions

The Bible presents different categories of angels, each of which has specific characteristics and functions. They they're not all the same e don't do the same kind of work.

Here are some examples:

  • CherubsThey are associated with guarding God's presence. The first cherub appears in Genesis, when God places one of them with a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24).
  • SeraphimThey appear in Isaiah 6, in a vision of the prophet. They have six wings and stand around the throne of God, proclaiming: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts". (Isaiah 6:2-3)
  • ArchangelThe only archangel mentioned with this title in the Bible is Miguel. He appears at times of spiritual battle, as in Revelation 12, leading the fight against the dragon (Satan).

"But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil..." (Jude 1:9)

Each type of angel has a role, and they all act according to God's will - never on their own.

3# Angels are messengers - but also warriors

The word "angel" comes from the Greek angeloswhich means messenger. In fact, many angels appear in the Bible bearing important messages:

  • The angel Gabriel warned Zechariah about the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:13)
  • He was also the one who appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-28)

But the angels are not just calm, smiling messengers. They also appear in scenarios of war, protection and even judgment.

"The same night the angel of the Lord went out and killed a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp." (2 Kings 19:35)

In Revelation, they also blow trumpets that trigger powerful events on Earth. In other words, Angels are agents of the supernatural - both in communication and intervention.

They protect, warn and also execute orders of divine justice.

4# Angels don't know everything

As powerful as they are, the angels are not omniscient. They don't know everything that God knows - and they often stay put. curious about what He is doing with human beings.

An example of this appears in 1 Peter 1:12:

"These are the things that angels long to scrutinize."

This passage talks about the plan of salvation through Christ - something so marvelous and profound that even the angels want to understand it better.

Furthermore, Jesus made it clear that not even the angels know the day of his return:

"But about that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven..." (Matthew 24:36)

In other words: angels have a lot of power, but they don't know everything - and this keeps them subject to divine authority.

5# Angels are still at work today

The work of angels was not restricted to biblical times. They continue to act, even if we often don't even realize it.

"Do not neglect hospitality, for some by practicing it have received angels without knowing it." (Hebrews 13:2)

This verse suggests that Angels can appear invisibly - or even disguised as humans.

They still do:

  • Protecting people
  • Free from accidents and dangers
  • Strengthen those who are praying
  • They heed God's commands on behalf of the faithful

You may have already been helped by an angel - and not even realized it.

The Bible also shows that there is a heavenly army at work in the spirit worldeven if we can't see it with our natural eyes.

What does all this teach us?

Learn more about angels it's not about myths or mysticism. It's about understanding more about God's greatness and his care for his children.

The angels do not replace God. They should not be worshipped. But they are living proof that heaven works on behalf of those who trust in the Lord.

They are around, acting in silence, fulfilling missions - sometimes visible, sometimes secret.

And all this reminds us of something very important: you are never alone.

See also: Why does the Church keep Sunday and not Saturday?

April 7th, 2025