Angelology is the study, or doctrine of Angels.
The words for Angels, both in the Old and New Testaments mean messengers. They are spirit beings, created by God, and have periodically throughout scripture taken on the appearance as men. Angels are also named Cherubim Genesis 3:24, Ezekiel 28:11-15 and Seraphim (Isaiah 6:2). The scriptures appear to teach a hierarchy of angels: Ephesians 3:10, 6:12. Revelation 12:7 Quite often God used Angels to communicate with mankind. Read about the two Angels in Sodom: Genesis 19:1-22, Balaam's donkey seeing an angel and speaking: Numbers 22:22-35, and the Angel of Yahweh striking dead 185,000 of the Assyrians: 2 Kings 19:35.
The Names of Angels
There are only four specifically named Angels in the Bible. The Angel of the Lord (see heading below), is no doubt a reference to the pre-incarnate Christ.
- Michael
- Gabriel
- Lucifer
- Abaddon
The Angel of the Lord
Most biblical theologians believe this Angel of the Lord is a preincarnate appearance of the Son of God. Notice in the following scriptures where the Angel of the Lord and Lord are spoken of as one and the same: Genesis 16:7-13, Genesis 18:1-33, 31:11-13; Judges 2:1-4, 6:11-24, 13:3-22.
The Holy Angels and their work
Michael, the Archangel
The meaning of his name is "who is like God". You can read about him in: Daniel 10:13, 21, Daniel 12:1, Jude 9, Revelation 12:7
Gabriel
The meaning of his name is "mighty one of God". You can read about him in: Daniel 8:16, Daniel 9:21 Luke 1:19
Holy angels worship and praise God (Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 4:8; 5:11-12; Psalm 148:1-2; Isaiah 6:3; Luke 2:9-14), render service to believers (Hebrews 1:14; Matthew 4:11), announce and administer God's judgment (Genesis 19:10-14; Revelation 14:6-7; 19:17-18; Acts 12:23; Revelation 16:1), and influence world affairs (Dan 4:17; 10:21; 12:1)
The Fallen Angels (Demons) and their activity
An innumerable amount of angels "fell" along with Lucifer. Some are bound: 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6, others are free: Mark 5:8-9, 1 Timothy 4:1.
Their purpose, being of the evil one (Satan), as they fell with him, is to oppose everything that God does. He hates Israel (the people of God and the Savior), and God's church.
Lucifer
The meaning of his name is (was) "star of the morning". Isaiah 14:12. This was his name prior to his being cast out of heaven. He is a cherub: Ezekiel 28:11-15. He is now named:
- Satan: Matthew 4:10,
- Devil: Matthew 4:1,
- Evil one: John 17:15,
- Great red dragon: Revelation 12:3, 7,
- Serpent of old: Revelation 12:9,
- Adversary: 1 Peter 5:8,
- Beelzebul: Matthew 12:24,
- Belial: 2 Corinthians 6:15,
- god of this world: 2 Corinthians 4:4,
- Ruler of this world: John 12:31,
- Prince of the power of the air: Ephesians 2:2,
- Enemy: Matthew 13:28,
- Tempter: Matthew 4:3,
- Murderer: John 8:44,
- Liar: John 8:44,
- Accuser: Revelation 12:10.
Abaddon (Apollyon)
The meaning of his name is "Destroyer". Revelation 9:11, Is he one of the angels kept in prison? 2 Peter 2:4.
