Are there angels among us?

TL;DR:

Angels have been among people since the beginning of creation, and angels are among us today. Knowing that there is more to this world than what we physically see calls us to know God’s Word and to trust in the One who is sovereign over even the angels.

what does the bible say?

There are many references of people encountering angels in the Bible. Angels in the Bible appeared to people in three main ways: as humans (Genesis 18:1–3; Luke 1:26–38), in dreams (Genesis 28:12; Matthew 1:20–21), and in visions (Zechariah 1:8; Revelation 1:9–20). Angels appear to us because angels do God’s work, including in relationship to humanity. In the Old Testament, angels appeared to figures such as Hagar (Genesis 16:7–11), Abraham (Genesis 22:11–12), Moses (Exodus 3:2), Gideon (Judges 6:11–24), and Manoah's wife (Judges 13:2–21), guiding and encouraging them according to God's plans. In the New Testament, angels appeared to announce significant events, such as the births of John the Baptist (Luke 1:13) and Jesus (Luke 1:30; Matthew 1:20–21). Angels also provided guidance, as seen when an angel warned Joseph in a dream to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod (Matthew 2:13). Hebrews 13:2 suggests that showing hospitality to strangers might mean unknowingly entertaining angels, while Revelation describes angels playing crucial roles in God's final plan (Revelation 5:11; 8:2), alongside the presence of demons who seek to lead people away from God (Matthew 12:43–45). It is clear that angels have played and play a key role in fulfilling God's plans.

from the old testament

Angels were among humanity because they served as God's messengers. Multiple times angels appeared to men and women announcing that God was going to bless them with a child. This happened to the mother of Samson (Judges 13).
Angels encouraged Hagar, the mother of Ishmael (Genesis 16:7–14).
Angels protected Daniel when he was thrown in the lion's den and came to him in visions that gave insight into what would happen in the end times (Daniel 6:22; 10:12–14).
An angel protected the Israelites as they traveled to the Promised Land by going ahead of them, so they would successfully defeat the nations in their path (Exodus 23:20).

from the new testament

Angels appeared to announce births in the New Testament as well, such as with Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:13), and Joseph and Mary, the parents of Jesus (Luke 1:30; Matthew 1:20–21).
An angel came to Joseph in a dream, warning him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape from King Herod, who wanted baby Jesus dead (Matthew 2:13).
An entire host of angels appeared to shepherds the night Jesus was born and praised God (Luke 2:9–14).
The author of the book of Hebrews said, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2). This verse refers to Abraham's encounter with angels who looked like men (Genesis 18).
Revelation describes many holy angels doing God's work in the end times. They will worship God on His throne, fight against demons, sound the seven trumpets of judgment, and preach the gospel around the globe (Revelation 5:11; 8:2; 14:6). The Bible also tells us that demons, who are fallen angels, wander the earth with the intention of causing destruction and leading people away from God (Matthew 12:43–45). They follow Satan, whose purpose is to deceive and kill. The book of Revelation tells us that one day he will embody a person as the Antichrist.

implications for today

In our lives today, recognizing that angels might be present helps us cultivate a sense of spiritual awareness and openness to God's work. While we may not always recognize angels or understand their exact roles, their presence reminds us of the spiritual dimensions beyond our physical reality. This calls us to recognize that God's purposes are being fulfilled in ways we might not fully see. However, it is crucial to ensure that our focus remains on worshiping God alone (Nehemiah 9:6; Revelation 19:10; 22:8–9). Angels, though significant in their roles, are not objects of worship; they serve to direct us toward God, who is the sole recipient of our reverence and praise. This distinction helps prevent misplaced adoration and ensures we are following and worshiping God alone.

At the same time, being aware of the potential for deceptive spirits emphasizes the need for discernment, so we are not misled by demons acting under false pretenses (2 Corinthians 11:14–15; 1 John 4:1). Not all spiritual encounters are divine; some may be deceptive influences trying to mislead us. Therefore, it is essential to test all spiritual experiences against Scripture to safeguard our faith from counterfeit teachings or misleading spirits. This practice of discernment protects us from spiritual deception and helps us maintain a faithful and grounded relationship with God. Our ultimate allegiance and worship are directed solely to God, the source of all that is true and good.

understand

Angels have appeared throughout the Bible in various ways, fulfilling roles like delivering messages and providing guidance.
Angels are believed to still be among us today, highlighting the spiritual dimension of our world, though their presence is often unseen.
We should worship God alone, not angels, and be discerning to avoid being misled by deceptive spirits.

reflect

How does the idea of angels being among us influence your view of God and His guidance in your life?
How might being aware of angels impact your daily decisions and spiritual practices?
How can you ensure that your worship is directed solely toward God, even with the awareness of angels?

engage

How do angels influence our understanding of God’s involvement today compared to their roles in the Bible?
How does Hebrews 13:2 challenge or inspire your approach to hospitality?
What steps can we take to discern between genuine spiritual experiences and potential deceptions?