Lesson No. 24 

Chapter 3 Creations Of God Lesson No. 24 About Angels

Among God's decrees related to His creative activities, it seems, according to what is evident in the Holy Bible, the creation of celestial beings is foremost, among which are the angels. Their study is theologically known as angelology.

Angel is a translation of the Greek "άγγελος" (ángelos: ["angel"]),1 which means messenger. Regarding this, let us consider the following biblical references: (trans.)

Hebrews chapter 1: verses 13 and 14: “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”. 51

Luke offers us an account providing clear evidence about this activity of angels, stating: And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. (Luke chapter 1: verses 26 to 33).51

As confirmed by these passages, angels constitute a class of celestial beings, whose ministry involves serving as messengers of God in carrying out His divine will, especially related to human beings.

Regarding the creation of angels, the Scriptures reveal only a slight reflection. In this regard, let us consider the following passages:

Hebrews chapter 1: verse 7: “And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire”.51

Hebrews chapter 2: verses 6 and 7: “But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? 7Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands”.51

The Apostle Paul provides us with a concept that corroborates the idea that angels were created by God, according to the following statement: 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 chapter 1: verse 16).51

Although these references do not elaborate extensively on the origin of angels as in the case of the creation of man, nonetheless, they enable us to clearly understand that these were created by God. Moreover, as demonstrated by several biblical passages, it is assumable that angels, as well as other orders of celestial beings, were created before our world. In this regard, let us consider the following citation:

Job chapter 38: verse 1 and 4 to 7: “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 4Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”. 51

According to this passage, when God founded the earth, all His sons rejoiced. Now, if He had not yet created human beings, who were these sons of God? Clearly, it is deduced that it referred to all orders of celestial beings, which include angels.

Moreover, in various biblical passages, subsequent to the narration of the creation of our world, angels frequently appear performing their functions without prior explanation of their origin; thus, their creation must have occurred at a time before this.

According to the passage read in Hebrews chapter 2: verses 6 and 7,51 angels are superior to man. If you wish to learn more about the broad activities and extraordinary abilities of these marvelous celestial beings in God's service, it is most recommended to follow consecutive biblical reading. As an example, see Genesis chapter 19: verses 1 to 11;51  Second Kings chapter 19: verse 35;51 and Acts chapter 12: verses 7 to 11.51