There are many references of people encountering angels in the Bible. Sometimes the angels appeared in their supernatural form and other times they looked like ordinary humans. 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).
Scripture provides many examples of angels doing God's work. They come as God's messengers providing instruction and good news, appear in visions and dreams, help and protect people, and give worship to God. Multiple times angels appeared to men and women announcing that God was going to bless them with a child. This happens to the mother of Samson (Judges 13), 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). 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 travelled to the Promised Land by going ahead of them so they would successfully defeat the nations in their path (Exodus 23:20). Another 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).
It is clear that angels have played a key role in fulfilling God's plans. Yet do angels still do God's work on earth today? 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.
Based both on their role historically and in the future plans of God we can say that, yes, there are angels among us. Although we cannot be certain how they will appear or if we will know when we meet one, we can be certain that holy angels are here to fulfill God's plan. That being said, it is important to remember that we must not worship angels for their work; only God is worthy of our worship (Nehemiah 9:6; Revelation 19:10; 22:8–9). Also, we must be discerning so that we are not misled by demons acting under false pretenses (2 Corinthians 11:14–15; 1 John 4:1).
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