• Their functions are manifold. (a) In the widest sense they are agents of God's providence (Exodus 12:23; Psalm 104:4; Hebrews 11:28; 1 Corinthians 10:10; 2 Samuel 24:16; 1 Chronicles 21:16; 2 Kings 19:35; Acts 12:23 ). (b) They are specially God's agents in carrying on his great work of redemption. There is no notice of angelic appearances to man till after the call of Abraham. From that time onward there are frequent references to their ministry on earth (Genesis 18; 19; 24:7,40; 28:12; 32:1 ). They appear to rebuke idolatry (Judges 2:1-4 ), to call Gideon (Judges 6:11,12 ), and to consecrate Samson (13:3). In the days of the prophets, from Samuel downward, the angels appear only in their behalf (1 Kings 19:5; 2 Kings 6:17; Zechariah 1-6; Daniel 4:13,23; 10:10,13,20,21 ).

    The Incarnation introduces a new era in the ministrations of angels. They come with their Lord to earth to do him service while here. They predict his advent (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:26-38 ), minister to him after his temptation and agony (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43 ), and declare his resurrection and ascension (Matthew 28:2-8; John 20:12,13; Acts 1:10,11 ). They are now ministering spirits to the people of God (Hebrews 1:14; Psalm 34:7; 91:11; Matthew 18:10; Acts 5:19; 8:26; 10:3; 12:7; 27:23 ). They rejoice over a penitent sinner (Luke 15:10 ). They bear the souls of the redeemed to paradise (Luke 16:22 ); and they will be the ministers of judgement hereafter on the great day (Matthew 13:39,41,49; 16:27; 24:31 ). The passages (Psalm 34:7 , Matthew 18:10 ) usually referred to in support of the idea that every individual has a particular guardian angel have no such meaning. They merely indicate that God employs the ministry of angels to deliver his people from affliction and danger, and that the angels do not think it below their dignity to minister even to children and to the least among Christ's disciples.

    The "angel of his presence" (Isaiah 63:9 . Compare Exodus 23:20,21; 32:34; 33:2; Numbers 20:16 ) is probably rightly interpreted of the Messiah as the guide of his people. Others have supposed the expression to refer to Gabriel (Luke 1:19 ).

    Copyright StatementThese dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.

    Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. Entry for 'Angel'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/a/angel.html. 1897.