There are different types of angels mentioned in the Bible. Great saints of the Church such as St. Dionysius, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Gregory have believed there to be nine choirs of angels. From their teachings we learn there are angels, archangels, principalities, thrones, dominations, powers, virtues, cherubim and seraphim. Verses about these choirs of angels are mentioned in both the Old and New Testament Bible.
Christ is the center of the angelic world. Source: CCC 331
What are angels?
Angels are pure and holy spiritual beings that live in union with God. They do not have a body like you and I do. They did, however, have to go through a time of testing before they could enter into the presence of God. They are far superior to us in terms of power, wisdom, and intelligence. The Church teaches the angels watch over us, they help protect us, and they pray to God for us. Each angel is its own species, and there are different choirs or ranks of angels, which is what this page is about.
St. Augustine says: “‘Angel’ is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is ‘spirit’; if you seek the name of their office, it is ‘angel’: from what they are, ‘spirit’, from what they do, ‘angel.'” With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they “always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” they are the “mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word”. Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church #329
#1 Choir – The Seraphim
The seraphim are known to be the highest order of angels in heaven. The name Seraphim in Hebrew means the burning or fiery ones. They are mentioned in the book of Isaiah and possibly mentioned in the 4th chapter of Revelation. They are known for their love of God and their close proximity to God. The book of Isaiah says the seraphim have six wings. Isaiah says they use their wings to cover their face and feet.
Why do the seraphim stretch forth their wings? There is no other reason than the statement made by the apostle: “God, who dwells in unapproachable light. – St. John Chrysostom
Seraphim were stationed above; each of them had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they hovered. Isaiah 6:2
One cried out to the other: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory!” Isaiah 6:3
Then one of the seraphim flew to me, holding an ember which he had taken with tongs from the altar. Isaiah 6:6
He touched my mouth with it. “See,” he said, “now that this has touched your lips, your wickedness is removed, your sin purged.” Isaiah 6:7
#2 Choir – The Cherubim
“What do the two cherubim signify but the two Testaments?” – St. Gregory the Great
According to the Church Fathers, the word cherubim means “the fullness of knowledge.” Cherubim are of the highest order of angels in the angelic world. It would seem because of their close proximity to God in heaven, the cherubim are infused with His wisdom. Cherubim are also guardians. God placed cherubim to guard the garden of Eden and the Tree of Life after the departure of Adam and Eve. God also ordered Moses to make images of cherubim on both sides of the tabernacle. Thus, cherubim are the guardians and protectors of holy places and holy things in this world.
He expelled the man, stationing the cherubim and the fiery revolving sword east of the garden of Eden, to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:24
Make two cherubim of beaten gold for the two ends of the cover; Exodus 25:18
Make one cherub at one end, and the other at the other end, of one piece with the cover, at each end. Exodus 25:19
The cherubim shall have their wings spread out above, sheltering the cover with them; they shall face each other, with their faces looking toward the cover. Exodus 25:20
There I will meet you and there, from above the cover, between the two cherubim on the ark of the covenant, I will tell you all that I command you regarding the Israelites. Exodus 25:22
The tabernacle itself you shall make out of ten sheets woven of fine linen twined and of violet, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim embroidered on them. Exodus 26:1
You shall make a veil woven of violet, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of fine linen twined, with cherubim embroidered on it. Exodus 26:31
The various artisans who were doing the work made the tabernacle with its ten sheets woven of fine linen twined, having cherubim embroidered on them with violet, purple, and scarlet yarn. Exodus 36:8
The veil was made of violet, purple, and scarlet yarn, and of fine linen twined, with cherubim embroidered on it. Exodus 36:35
Two cherubim of beaten gold were made for the two ends of the cover; Exodus 37:7
One cherub was at one end, the other at the other end, made of one piece with the cover, at each end. Exodus 37:8
The cherubim had their wings spread out above, sheltering the cover. They faced each other, with their faces looking toward the cover. Exodus 37:9
When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with God, he heard the voice addressing him from above the cover on the ark of the covenant, from between the two cherubim; and so it spoke to him. Numbers 7:89
So the people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the LORD of hosts, who is enthroned upon the cherubim. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, accompanied the ark of God. 1 Samuel 4:4
Then David and all the people who were with him set out for Baala of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which bears the name “the LORD of hosts enthroned above the cherubim.” 2 Samuel 6:2
Mounted on a cherub he flew, borne along on the wings of the wind. 2 Samuel 22:11
In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, made of pine. 1 Kings 6:23
Each wing of a cherub was five cubits so that the span from wing tip to wing tip was ten cubits. 1 Kings 6:24
The second cherub was also ten cubits: the two cherubim were identical in size and shape; 1 Kings 6:25
The first cherub was ten cubits high, and so was the second. 1 Kings 6:26
He placed the cherubim in the inmost part of the house; the wings of the cherubim were spread wide, so that one wing of the first touched the side wall and the wing of the second touched the other wall; the wings pointing to the middle of the room touched each other. 1 Kings 6:27
He overlaid the cherubim with gold. 1 Kings 6:28
The walls of the house on all sides of both the inner and the outer rooms had carved figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. 1 Kings 6:29
The two doors were of pine, with carved figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. The doors were overlaid with gold, and the cherubim and the palm trees were also covered with beaten gold. 1 Kings 6:32
And he carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and plated them with gold. 1 Kings 6:35
On the panels within the frames there were lions, oxen, and cherubim; and on the frames likewise, above and below the lions and oxen, there were wreaths in hammered relief. 1 Kings 7:29
On the flat ends of the handles and on the panels, wherever there was a bare space, cherubim, lions, and palm trees were carved, as well as wreaths all around. 1 Kings 7:36
The priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place, the inner sanctuary of the house, the holy of holies, beneath the wings of the cherubim. 1 Kings 8:6
The cherubim had their wings spread out over the place of the ark, sheltering the ark and its poles from above. 1 Kings 8:7
Hezekiah prayed in the LORD’s presence: “LORD, God of Israel, enthroned on the cherubim! You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. It is you who made the heavens and the earth. 2 Kings 19:15
David and all Israel went up to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath-jearim, of Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which was known by the name “LORD enthroned upon the cherubim.” 1 Chronicles 13:6
The refined gold, and its weight, to be used for the altar of incense; and, finally, gold to fashion the chariot: the cherubim spreading their wings and covering the ark of the covenant of the LORD. 1 Chronicles 28:18
The house, its beams and thresholds, as well as its walls and its doors, he overlaid with gold, and he engraved cherubim upon the walls. 2 Chronicles 3:7
For the room of the holy of holies he made two cherubim of carved workmanship, which were then covered with gold. 2 Chronicles 3:10
The wings of the cherubim spanned twenty cubits: one wing of each cherub, five cubits in length, extended to a wall of the house, while the other wing, also five cubits in length, touched the corresponding wing of the other cherub. 2 Chronicles 3:11
The wing of the cherub, five cubits, touched the wall of the house, and the other wing, five cubits, was joined to the wing of the other cherub. 2 Chronicles 3:12
The combined wingspread of the two cherubim was thus twenty cubits. They stood upon their own feet, facing toward the nave. 2 Chronicles 3:13
He made the veil of violet, purple, crimson, and fine linen, and had cherubim embroidered upon it. 2 Chronicles 3:14
The priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place: the inner sanctuary of the house, the holy of holies, beneath the wings of the cherubim. 2 Chronicles 5:7
The cherubim had their wings spread out over the place of the ark, covering the ark and its poles from above. 2 Chronicles 5:8
Mounted on a cherub he flew, borne along on the wings of the wind. Psalms 18:11
O Shepherd of Israel, lend an ear, you who guide Joseph like a flock! Seated upon the cherubim, shine forth Psalms 80:2
The LORD is king, the peoples tremble; he is enthroned on the cherubim, the earth quakes. Psalms 99:1
EZEKIEL beheld a vision and described the different creatures of the chariot; Sirach 49:8
“LORD of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned on the cherubim! You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. It is you who made the heavens and the earth. Isaiah 37:16
Then the glory of the God of Israel moved off the cherub and went up to the threshold of the temple. He called to the man dressed in linen with the scribe’s case at his waist, Ezekiel 9:3
Then I looked and there above the firmament over the heads of the cherubim was something like a sapphire, something that looked like a throne. Ezekiel 10:1
And he said to the man dressed in linen: Go within the wheelwork under the cherubim; fill both your hands with burning coals from the place among the cherubim, then scatter them over the city. As I watched, he entered. Ezekiel 10:2
Now the cherubim were standing to the south of the temple when the man went in and a cloud filled the inner court. Ezekiel 10:3
The glory of the LORD had moved off the cherubim to the threshold of the temple; the temple was filled with the cloud, the whole court brilliant with the glory of the LORD. Ezekiel 10:4
The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far as the outer court; it was like the voice of God Almighty speaking. Ezekiel 10:5
He commanded the man dressed in linen: Take fire from within the wheelwork among the cherubim. The man entered and stood by one of the wheels. Ezekiel 10:6
Thereupon a cherub stretched out a hand from among the cherubim toward the fire in the midst of the cherubim, took some, and put it in the hands of the one dressed in linen. He took it and came out. Ezekiel 10:7
Something like a human hand was visible under the wings of the cherubim. Ezekiel 10:8
I also saw four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside each cherub, and the wheels appeared to have the sparkle of yellow topaz. Ezekiel 10:9
When they moved, they went in any of the four directions without veering as they moved; in whatever direction the first cherub faced, the others followed without veering as they went. Ezekiel 10:11
Their entire bodies—backs, hands, and wings—and wheels were covered with eyes all around like the four wheels. Ezekiel 10:12
Each living creature had four faces: the first a cherub, the second a human being, the third a lion, the fourth an eagle. Ezekiel 10:14
When the cherubim rose up, they were indeed the living creatures I had seen by the river Chebar. Ezekiel 10:15
When the cherubim moved, the wheels went beside them; when the cherubim lifted up their wings to rise from the earth, even then the wheels did not leave their sides. Ezekiel 10:16
Then the glory of the LORD left the threshold of the temple and took its place upon the cherubim. Ezekiel 10:18
The cherubim lifted their wings and rose up from the earth before my eyes as they departed with the wheels beside them. They stopped at the entrance of the eastern gate of the LORD’s house, and the glory of the God of Israel was up above them. Ezekiel 10:19
These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the river Chebar. Now I knew they were cherubim. Ezekiel 10:20
Each of them had four faces and four wings, and something like human hands under their wings. Ezekiel 10:21
Their faces looked just like the faces I had seen by the river Chebar; and each one went straight ahead. Ezekiel 10:22
Then the cherubim lifted their wings and the wheels alongside them, with the glory of the God of Israel above them. Ezekiel 11:22
With a cherub I placed you; I put you on the holy mountain of God, where you walked among fiery stones. Ezekiel 28:14
Your commerce was full of lawlessness, and you sinned. Therefore I banished you from the mountain of God; the cherub drove you out from among the fiery stones. Ezekiel 28:16
Were figures of cherubim and palm trees: a palm tree between each pair of cherubim. Each cherub had two faces: Ezekiel 41:18
From the floor to the lintel of the door, cherubim and palm trees decorated the walls. Ezekiel 41:20
Cherubim and palm trees decorated the doors of the nave like the decoration on the walls. Outside a wooden lattice faced the vestibule. Ezekiel 41:25
Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. Daniel 3:55
Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the place of expiation. Now is not the time to speak of these in detail. Hebrews 9:5
#3 Choir – The Thrones
The thrones have their dwelling in heaven with the Most High God. And for this reason thrones are God’s pure, holy angels, and it would seem they have various levels of authority given to them by God. Thrones (Greek: thronos) are mentioned by St. Paul in Colossians (1:16). Despite their exalted and hallowed status, thrones might be the first to tell us that Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, far above them all.
Thrones are commonly understood to refer to the celestial hierarchy of Angels, though as to their particular rank nothing certain is known. – St. Dionysius
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16
#4 Choir – The Dominations
The dominations (also known as dominions) make up the highest rank in the 2nd hierarchy of angels. According to St. Jerome, St. Paul, who was highly educated in the Torah, may have learned about these ranks of angels from a secret Hebrew teaching, or possibly from an ancient Hebrew teaching that has been lost. Dominions are known to specialize in governance and directing God’s divine will to the angels.
St. Paul says not merely “above” but “far above.” For God is higher than the powers on high. – St. John Chrysostom
Far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:21
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16
#5 Choir – The Virtues
“Whoever wishes to live perfectly should do nothing but disdain what Christ disdained on the cross and desire what he desired, for the cross exemplifies every virtue.” – St. Thomas Aquinas
The virtues (also known as authorities) are mentioned in several of St. Paul’s letters, including his letter to the 1st Corinthians and his letter to the Ephesians. The authorities are also mentioned in the 1st book of St. Peter. Like some of the other ranks of angels mentioned, perhaps the key thing to know about the authorities is that there are some that are benign (angels) while there are other authorities that are hostile (demons). Despite their status and share of influence given to them by God over the cosmos, both of the verses in St. Peter and Paul’s letters make it clear that Christ is seated at the right hand of God far above them all and under His authority.
Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power. 1 Corinthians 15:24
Far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:21
So that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens. Ephesians 3:10
Who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him. 1 Peter 3:22
#6 Choir – The Powers
“In the first coming Christ endured the cross, despising the shame; in the second coming he will be in glory, escorted by an army of angels.” – St. Cyril of Jerusalem
The powers (Greek: dynamis) are the last choir in the 2nd hierarchy of angels. The powers are mentioned in the same cluster of verses in the books of the New Testament about various choirs of angels: Romans, 1st Corinthians, Ephesians, Colossians, and 1st Peter. Powers are also mentioned in the Old Testament in the Book of Daniel. An alternative translation would be hosts, as in “the LORD of hosts.” The LORD of hosts is in reference to God and His angelic armies, but it can also mean the Lord of the armies of Israel, thus it is difficult to distinguish whether the LORD of hosts Old Testament verses (over 250) are in reference to armies of angels, armies of Israel, or both. In regards to the New Testament verses, the powers are angelic forces that influence and help govern or manage the known cosmos by God’s divine will. The Bible mentions that there are both good and evil powers (angels and demons).
The good powers help to protect us from the hostile powers and evil spirits.
All you powers, bless the Lord; praise and exalt him above all forever. Daniel 3:61
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, Romans 8:38
Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power. 1 Corinthians 15:24
Far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:21
For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Ephesians 6:12
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16
And you share in this fullness in him, who is the head of every principality and power. Colossians 2:10
Despoiling the principalities and the powers, he made a public spectacle of them, leading them away in triumph by it. Colossians 2:15
Who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him. 1 Peter 3:22
#7 Choir – The Principalities
The angels belong to Christ because they were created through and for him: “for in him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities – all things were created through him and for him.” Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church #331
The principalities angels are one of the most popular choirs of angels mentioned in the Bible. Mentioned by St. Paul in several of his epistles, principalities are the highest choir of angels in the 3rd hierarchy. The good principalities help assist us here on earth while the evil principalities seek our destruction. The first hierarchy of angels (seraphim, cherubim, and thrones) are known to dwell with God in heaven. The second hierarchy of angels (dominions, authorities, and powers) are an intermediary hierarchy between heaven and earth who govern order. The third hierarchy of angels (principalities, archangels, and angels) are known to dwell in the cosmic heavens and the earthly realm. They serve as guardians and influencers of nations, cities, communities, churches, etc. Principalities play a vital role in God’s plan of salvation.
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, Romans 8:38
Far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:21
So that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens. Ephesians 3:10
For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. Ephesians 6:12
For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16
And you share in this fullness in him, who is the head of every principality and power. Colossians 2:10
Despoiling the principalities and the powers, he made a public spectacle of them, leading them away in triumph by it. Colossians 2:15
#8 Choir – The Archangels
“Those who deliver messages of lesser importance are called angels; and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called archangels.” – St. Gregory the Great
In the book of Tobit, the archangel St. Raphael declares to Tobias and his father that he is one of seven angels who stand and serve before the glory of the Lord. The seven intercede for us and present our prayers before the presence of the Almighty God. Only three of the seven archangels are mentioned in the Bible: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael. All three of the archangels are active in the Old Testament. St. Michael and St. Gabriel in the book of Daniel, while St. Raphael serves as a guide, guardian, and messenger in the book of Tobit. In the New Testament, St. Gabriel delivers important messages (the birth of Jesus!) to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah in St. Luke’s Gospel. The warrior St. Michael and his army of angels defeat Satan and his demons in the book of Revelation.
For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16
St. Michael
St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle! St. Michael is the angelic leader of God’s armies of angels in the heavens. St. Michael’s name means, “Who is like God?” St. Michael and his army of angels defeated the devil and his demons in the book of Revelation. St. Michael contended with a principality in the book of Daniel to the help of St. Gabriel, and he disputed with the devil about the body of Moses in the Letter of St. Jude. St. Michael is credited with doing much more throughout Church history. He is the patron and guardian angel of Israel and a defender of the Church.
Christian tradition has revered St. Michael and honored his role as the great spiritual warrior fighting for the Church. From early times Christians have asked for his help in the heat of the battle with the dragon.” – Dr. Paul Thigpen
Old Testament
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia stood in my way for twenty-one days, until finally Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me. I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia, Daniel 10:13
But I shall tell you what is written in the book of truth. No one supports me against these except Michael, your prince, Daniel 10:21
“At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; It shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since the nation began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book. Daniel 12:1
New Testament
“In the liturgy of the Mass, St. Michael is regarded as the Angel who leads the souls of the faithful departed to Heaven: ‘Deliver them from the lion’s mouth, that hell engulf them not, that they fall not into darkness; but let Michael, the holy standard-bearer, bring them into the holy light.'” – Fr. Pascale Parente
Yet the archangel Michael, when he argued with the devil in a dispute over the body of Moses, did not venture to pronounce a reviling judgment upon him but said, “May the Lord rebuke you!” Jude 1:9
Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, Revelation 12:7
St. Gabriel
St. Gabriel is God’s holy messenger in the New Testament. His name, Gabriel, means “the strength of God,” or “the power of God,” and it would suffice to say he is one powerful angel. St. Gregory the Great said that St. Gabriel is the greatest of angels because only the most powerful angel of God could be sent by God to deliver a message of such supreme importance as Gabriel did delivering the mysterious message of “The Annunciation,” which is the announcement of the Incarnation of the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, who was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary. St. Gabriel delivered the message to the Blessed Virgin Mary with respect, tact, and reverence.
St. Gabriel was also sent by God to tell the priest and prophet Zechariah that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would conceive a son, John the Baptist, who would be the forerunner of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. We also witness a glimpse of the angel’s power in St. Luke’s gospel when he made Zechariah temporarily mute for his lack of belief in the angel’s message from God about their conception of the child, John.
“Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee!!”
If the strength of St. Michael is the with the sword, perhaps St. Gabriel’s strength could be considered to be a battering ram, as it is his words that we repeat again and again when we recite the rosary in prayer. Consider the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary to our beloved saint of the Church, St. Dominic, about the holy rosary:
“Dear Dominic, do you know which weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world?…I want you to know that, in this kind of warfare, the battering ram has always been the Angelic Psalter, which is the foundation stone of the New Testament.” – Our Lady to St. Dominic
Old Testament
And on the Ulai I heard a human voice that cried out, “Gabriel, explain the vision to this man.” Daniel 8:16
I was still praying, when the man, Gabriel, whom I had seen in vision before, came to me in flight at the time of the evening offering. Daniel 9:21
New Testament
The angel of the Lord (Gabriel) appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Luke 1:11
But the angel (Gabriel) said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. Luke 1:13
Then Zechariah said to the angel (Gabriel), “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” Luke 1:18
And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. Luke 1:19
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, Luke 1:26
And coming to her, he (Gabriel) said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28
Then the angel (Gabriel) said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Luke 1:30
But Mary said to the angel (Gabriel), “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” Luke 1:34
St. Raphael
St. Raphael stands before God as an angel of healing. His name means, “God heals” or “Healer of God.” Unlike St. Michael and St. Gabriel, St. Raphael is not mentioned in the New Testament by name. He is, however, highly involved in the book of Tobit in the Old Testament. In the book of Tobit, St. Raphael serves as a guardian and guide for the young man Tobias. Not only did he lead Tobias safely along his journey, but he also led him to marriage and prosperity, and he healed Tobias’ father from blindness. St. Raphael is unique in that while other angels in the Bible make brief appearances and leave, St. Raphael was with Tobias during his entire journey, even protecting him from a demon, and in this way, he is symbolic of the guardian angels who are with us at our side throughout our entire lives. St. Raphael revealed to Tobias and his father that he is “one of seven holy angels who stand before the glory of the Lord.”
“The angels take whatever form the Lord may command, and thus they appear to people and reveal the Divine mysteries to them.” – St. John of Damascus
Old Testament
So Raphael was sent to heal them both: to remove the white scales from Tobit’s eyes, so that he might again see with his own eyes God’s light; and to give Sarah, the daughter of Raguel, as a wife to Tobiah, the son of Tobit, and to rid her of the wicked demon Asmodeus. For it fell to Tobiah’s lot to claim her before any others who might wish to marry her. Tobit 3:17
Tobiah went out to look for someone who would travel with him to Media, someone who knew the way. He went out and found the angel Raphael standing before him (though he did not know that this was an angel of God). Tobit 5:4
He (Raphael) replied, “Very well, I will wait; but do not be long.” Tobit 5:8
Tobiah went out to summon him, saying, “Young man, my father is calling for you.” When Raphael entered the house, Tobit greeted him first. He replied, “Joyful greetings to you!” Tobit answered, “What joy is left for me? Here I am, a blind man who cannot see the light of heaven, but must remain in darkness, like the dead who no longer see the light! Though alive, I am among the dead. I can hear people’s voices, but I do not see them.” The young man said, “Take courage! God’s healing is near; so take courage!” Tobit then said: “My son Tobiah wants to go to Media. Can you go with him to show him the way? I will pay you your wages, brother.” He answered: “Yes, I will go with him, and I know all the routes. I have often traveled to Media and crossed all its plains so I know well the mountains and all its roads.” Tobit 5:10
He (Raphael) replied, “Why? What need do you have for a tribe? Aren’t you looking for a hired man?” Tobit replied, “I only want to know, brother, whose son you truly are and what your name is.” Tobit 5:12
He answered, “I am Azariah (Raphael), son of the great Hananiah, one of your own kindred.” Tobit 5:13
I will even add a bonus to your wages!” The young man (Raphael) replied: “I will go with him. Do not fear. In good health we will leave you, and in good health we will return to you, for the way is safe.” Tobit 5:16
Tobit said, “Blessing be upon you, brother.” Then he called his son and said to him: “Son, prepare whatever you need for the journey, and set out with your kinsman. May God in heaven protect you on the way and bring you back to me safe and sound; may his angel accompany you for your safety, son.” Tobit 5:17
For a good angel will go with him, his journey will be successful, and he will return in good health.” Tobit 5:22
When the young man left home, accompanied by the angel (Raphael), the dog followed Tobiah out and went along with them. Both journeyed along, and when the first night came, they camped beside the Tigris River. Tobit 6:2
But the angel (Raphael) said to the young man, “Grab the fish and hold on to it!” He seized the fish and hauled it up on dry land. Tobit 6:4
The angel (Raphael) then told him: “Slit the fish open and take out its gall, heart, and liver, and keep them with you; but throw away the other entrails. Its gall, heart, and liver are useful for medicine.” Tobit 6:5
After Tobiah had slit the fish open, he put aside the gall, heart, and liver. Then he roasted and ate part of the fish; the rest he salted and kept for the journey. Afterward the two of them (Tobiah and Raphael) traveled on together till they drew near to Media. Tobit 6:6
Then the young man asked the angel this question: “Brother Azariah (Raphael), what medicine is in the fish’s heart, liver, and gall?” Tobit 6:7
Raphael said to the young man, “Brother Tobiah!” He answered, “Here I am!” Raphael continued, “Tonight we must stay in the house of Raguel, who is a relative of yours. He has a beautiful daughter named Sarah, Tobit 6:11
But Tobiah said to Raphael in reply, “Brother Azariah, I have heard that she has already been given in marriage to seven husbands, and that they have died in the bridal chamber. On the very night they approached her, they would die. I have also heard it said that it was a demon that killed them. Tobit 6:14
Raphael said to him: “Do you not remember your father’s commands? He ordered you to marry a woman from your own ancestral family. Now listen to me, brother; do not worry about that demon. Take Sarah. I know that tonight she will be given to you as your wife! Tobit 6:16
(Raphael speaking) As soon as the demon smells the odor, it will flee and never again show itself near her. Then when you are about to have intercourse with her, both of you must first get up to pray. Beg the Lord of heaven that mercy and protection be granted you. Do not be afraid, for she was set apart for you before the world existed. You will save her, and she will go with you. And I assume that you will have children by her, and they will be like brothers for you. So do not worry.” Tobit 6:18
When they entered Ecbatana, Tobiah said, “Brother Azariah (Raphael), bring me straight to the house of our kinsman Raguel.” So he did, and they came to the house of Raguel, whom they found seated by his courtyard gate. They greeted him first, and he answered, “Many greetings to you, brothers! Welcome! You have come in peace! Now enter in peace!” And he brought them into his house. Tobit 7:1
Afterward, Raguel slaughtered a ram from the flock and gave them a warm reception. When they had washed, bathed, and reclined to eat and drink, Tobiah said to Raphael, “Brother Azariah, ask Raguel to give me my kinswoman Sarah.” Tobit 7:9
The odor of the fish repulsed the demon, and it fled to the upper regions of Egypt; Raphael went in pursuit of it and there bound it hand and foot. Then Raphael returned immediately. Tobit 8:3
Then Tobiah called Raphael and said to him: Tobit 9:1
“Brother Azariah (Raphael), take along with you from here four servants and two camels and travel to Rages. Go to Gabael’s house and give him this bond. Get the money and then bring him along with you to the wedding celebration. Tobit 9:2
So Raphael, together with the four servants and two camels, traveled to Rages in Media, where they stayed at Gabael’s house. Raphael gave Gabael his bond and told him about Tobit’s son Tobiah, that he had married and was inviting him to the wedding celebration. Gabael got up and counted out for him the moneybags with their seals, and they packed them on the camels. Tobit 9:5
Weeping, he exclaimed, “I can see you, son, the light of my eyes!” Then he prayed, “Blessed be God, blessed be his great name, and blessed be all his holy angels (Raphael). May his great name be with us, and blessed be all the angels throughout all the ages. Tobit 11:14
Raphael said: “You know how we left your father. Tobit 11:2
So both went on ahead together, and Raphael said to him, “Take the gall in your hand!” And the dog ran along behind them. Tobit 11:4
Raphael said to Tobiah before he came near to his father: “I know that his eyes will be opened. Tobit 11:7
So Tobiah called Raphael and said, “Take as your wages half of all that you have brought back, and farewell!” Tobit 12:5
Raphael called the two of them aside privately and said to them: “Bless God and give him thanks before all the living for the good things he has done for you, by blessing and extolling his name in song. Proclaim before all with due honor the deeds of God, and do not be slack in thanking him. Tobit 12:6
I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand and serve before the Glory of the Lord.” Tobit 12:15
But Raphael said to them: “Do not fear; peace be with you! Bless God now and forever. Tobit 12:17
(Raphael speaking) So now bless the Lord on earth and give thanks to God. Look, I am ascending to the one who sent me. Write down all that has happened to you.” And he ascended. Tobit 12:20
They kept blessing God and singing his praises, and they continued to give thanks for these marvelous works that God had done, because an angel of God (Raphael) appeared to them. Tobit 12:22
#9 Choir – The Angels
“When we say: Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, we are asking God to make us obedient so that His will may be done in us as it is done in heaven by His angels.” – St. Augustine
Angels are pure and holy spirits who live in union with God. Angels are messengers, and they do a variety of ministries for God. A lot of that ministry at the 9th choir are the angels who watch over us. Angels can take on human form if God wills it. According to the book of Hebrews, it is possible that we have talked with an angel (in human form) but not being aware of it if they did not reveal to us they were angels. The Church teaches each of us have a guardian angel. Like St. Raphael in the book of Tobit, our guardian angel helps us to make decisions that are in accord with God’s will (as the Guardian angel prayer says, “to light and guard, to rule and guide”). Angels help protect us from harm, and most importantly, from the Evil One. Angels are far superior to us in strength, wisdom, and intelligence. They pray to God for us, and they can provide messages to us through various promptings to help lead and guide us, especially with major life decisions. Our guardian angels have been with us ever since the day we were born, thus, we should pray to our Guardian Angel every day.
Old Testament
I will make your descendants so numerous,” added the LORD’s angel, “that they will be too many to count.” Genesis 16:10
Then the LORD’s angel said to her: “You are now pregnant and shall bear a son; you shall name him Ishmael, For the LORD has heeded your affliction. Genesis 16:11
The two angels reached Sodom in the evening, as Lot was sitting at the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he got up to greet them; and bowing down with his face to the ground, Genesis 19:1
As dawn was breaking, the angels urged Lot on, saying, “Come on! Take your wife with you and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.” Genesis 19:15
God heard the boy’s voice, and God’s angel called to Hagar from heaven: “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not fear; God has heard the boy’s voice in this plight of his. Genesis 21:17
“Do not lay your hand on the boy,” said the angel. “Do not do the least thing to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you did not withhold from me your son, your only one.” Genesis 22:12
But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. Genesis 22:11
A second time the angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven. Genesis 22:15
The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and the land of my relatives, and who confirmed by oath the promise he made to me, ‘I will give this land to your descendants’ – He will send His angel before you, and you will get a wife for my son there. Genesis 24:7
He replied: ‘The LORD, in whose presence I have always walked, will send His angel with you and make your journey successful, and so you will get a wife for my son from my own family and my father’s house. Genesis 24:40
Then he had a dream: a stairway rested on the ground, with its top reaching to the heavens; and God’s angels were going up and down on it. Genesis 28:12
In the dream God’s angel said to me, ‘Jacob!’ and I replied, ‘Here I am!’ Genesis 31:11
Meanwhile Jacob continued on his own way, and God’s angels encountered him. Genesis 32:2
The angel who has delivered me from all harm, bless these boys, that in them my name be recalled, and the names of my fathers, Abraham and Isaac, And they may become teeming multitudes upon the earth!” Genesis 48:16
There the angel of the LORD appeared to him as fire flaming out of a bush. When he looked, although the bush was on fire, it was not being consumed. Exodus 3:2
The angel of God, who had been leading Israel’s army, now moved and went around behind them. And the column of cloud, moving from in front of them, took up its place behind them, Exodus 14:19
See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Exodus 23:20
My angel will go before you and bring you to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites; and I will wipe them out. Exodus 23:23
Driving out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, I will send an angel before you. Exodus 33:2
Now, go and lead the people where I have told you. See, My angel will go before you. When it is time for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin. Exodus 32:34
When we cried to the LORD, He heard our cry and sent an angel who led us out of Egypt. Now here we are at Kadesh, a town at the edge of your territory. Numbers 20:16
But now God’s anger flared up at him for going, and the angel of the LORD took up a position on the road as his adversary. As Balaam was riding along on his donkey, accompanied by two of his servants, Numbers 22:2
The donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with sword drawn. The donkey turned off the road and went into the field, and Balaam beat the donkey to bring her back on the road. Numbers 22:23
Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow lane between vineyards with a stone wall on each side. Numbers 22:24
When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD there, she pressed against the wall; and since she squeezed Balaam’s leg against the wall, he beat her again. Numbers 22:25
Then the angel of the LORD again went ahead, and stood next in a passage so narrow that there was no room to move either to the right or to the left. Numbers 22:26
When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD there, she lay down under Balaam. Balaam’s anger flared up and he beat the donkey with his stick. Numbers 22:27
Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, so that he saw the angel of the LORD standing on the road with sword drawn; and he knelt and bowed down to the ground. Numbers 22:31
But the angel of the LORD said to him: “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come as an adversary because this rash journey of yours is against my will. Numbers 22:32
Then Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned. Yet I did not know that you took up a position to oppose my journey. Since it has displeased you, I will go back home.” Numbers 22:34
But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam: “Go with the men; but you may say only what I tell you.” So Balaam went on with the princes of Balak. Numbers 22:35
An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her: Though you are barren and have had no children, you will conceive and bear a son. Judges 13:3
The woman went and told her husband, “A man of God came to me; he had the appearance of an angel of God, fearsome indeed. I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name. Judges 13:6
God heard the prayer of Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman as she was sitting in the field; but her husband Manoah was not with her. Judges 13:9
The angel of the LORD answered Manoah: Your wife must be careful about all the things of which I spoke to her. Judges 13:13
Then Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “Permit us to detain you, so that we may prepare a young goat for you.” Judges 13:15
But the angel of the LORD answered Manoah: Though you detained me, I would not eat your food. But if you want to prepare a burnt offering, then offer it up to the LORD. For Manoah did not know that he was the angel of the LORD. Judges 13:16
Then Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “What is your name, that we may honor you when your words come true?” Judges 13:17
The angel of the LORD answered him: Why do you ask my name? It is wondrous. Judges 13:18
As the flame rose to the heavens from the altar, the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell on their faces to the ground; Judges 13:20
But the angel of the LORD was seen no more by Manoah and his wife. Then Manoah, realizing that it was the angel of the LORD, Judges 13:21
And your servant says, ‘Let the word of my lord the king lead to rest; indeed, my lord the king is like an angel of God, discerning good and evil. The LORD your God be with you.’” 2 Samuel 14:7
“I recognize,” Achish answered David, “that you are trustworthy, like an angel of God. But the Philistine commanders are saying, ‘He must not go with us into battle.’ 1 Samuel 29:9
Your servant Joab did this in order to approach the matter in a roundabout way. But my lord is wise with the wisdom of an angel of God, knowing all things on earth.” 2 Samuel 14:20
But he slandered your servant before my lord the king. But my lord the king is like an angel of God. Do whatever seems good to you. 2 Samuel 19:28
But when the angel stretched forth his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD changed his mind about the calamity, and said to the angel causing the destruction among the people: Enough now! Stay your hand. The angel of the LORD was then standing at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 2 Samuel 24:16
When David saw the angel who was striking the people, he said to the LORD: “It is I who have sinned; it is I, the shepherd, who have done wrong. But these sheep, what have they done? Strike me and my father’s family!” 2 Samuel 24:17
But he said to him, “I, too, am a prophet like you, and an angel told me by the word of the LORD: Bring him back with you to your house to eat bread and drink water.” But he was lying to him. 1 Kings 13:18
But the angel of the LORD came back a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat or the journey will be too much for you!” 1 Kings 19:7
That night the angel of the LORD went forth and struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. Early the next morning, there they were, dead, all those corpses! 2 Kings 19:35
God also sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it; but as the angel was on the point of destroying it, the LORD saw and changed his mind about the calamity, and said to the destroying angel, “Enough now! Stay your hand!” The angel of the LORD was then standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. Chronicles 21:15
When David raised his eyes, he saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven, drawn sword in hand stretched out against Jerusalem. David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell face down, 1 Chronicles 21:16
Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to tell David to go up and set up an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 1 Chronicles 21:18
Then the LORD gave orders to the angel to return his sword to its sheath. 1 Chronicles 21:27
But David could not go into his presence to inquire of God, for he was fearful of the sword of the angel of the LORD. 1 Chronicles 21:30
Then the LORD sent an angel, who destroyed every warrior, leader, and commander in the camp of the Assyrian king, so that he had to return shamefaced to his own country. And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own offspring struck him down there with the sword. 2 Chronicles 32:21
She replied: “I saw you, my lord, as an angel of God, and my heart was shaken by fear of your majesty. Esther 4:13
“When they who were sent by the king blasphemed, Your angel went out and killed a hundred and eighty-five thousand of them. 1 Maccabees 7:41
When Maccabeus and his companions learned that Lysias was besieging the strongholds, they and all the people begged the Lord with lamentations and tears to send a good angel to save Israel. 2 Maccabees 11:6
Calling upon God, he spoke in this manner: “You, master, sent Your angel in the days of King Hezekiah of Judea, and he slew a hundred and eighty-five thousand men of Sennacherib’s camp. 2 Maccabees 15:22
And now, Sovereign of the heavens, send a good angel to spread fear and trembling ahead of us. 2 Maccabees 15:23
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he saves them. Psalms 34:8
Make them like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them on. Psalms 35:5
Make their way slippery and dark, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them. Psalms 35:6
Man ate the bread of the angels; food he sent in abundance. Psalms 78:25
For he commands His angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go. Psalms 91:11
For He commands His angels with regard to you, to guard you wherever you go. Psalms 91:12
Bless the LORD, all you His angels, mighty in strength, acting at his behest, obedient to his command. Psalms 103:20
Of David. I thank you, Lord, with all my heart; in the presence of the angels to you I sing. Psalms 138:1
Praise him, all you His angels; give praise, all you his hosts. Psalms 148:2
Instead of this, you nourished your people with food of angels and furnished them bread from heaven, ready to hand, untoiled-for, endowed with all delights and conforming to every taste. Wisdom 16:20
God made him like the angels in honor, and strengthened him with fearful powers. Sirach 45:2
Then the angel of the LORD went forth and struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp. Early the next morning, there they were, all those corpses, dead! Isaiah 37:36
For My angel is with you, and he will keep watch on you. Baruch 6:6
But the angel of the Lord went down into the furnace with Azariah and his companions, drove the fiery flames out of the furnace, Daniel 3:49
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all forever. Daniel 3:58
Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent His angel to deliver the servants that trusted in him; they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Daniel 3:95
My God sent His angel and closed the lions’ mouths so that they have not hurt me. For I have been found innocent before him; neither have I done you any harm, O king!” Daniel 6:23
“Under a mastic tree,” he answered. “Your fine lie has cost you your head,” said Daniel; “for the angel of God has already received the sentence from God and shall split you in two.” Daniel 13:55
“Under an oak,” he said. “Your fine lie has cost you also your head,” said Daniel; “for the angel of God waits with a sword to cut you in two so as to destroy you both.” Daniel 13:59
When an angel of the Lord told him, “Take the meal you have to Daniel in the lions’ den at Babylon.” Daniel 14:34
The angel of the Lord seized him by the crown of his head and carried him by the hair; with the speed of the wind, he set him down in Babylon above the den. Daniel 14:36
So Daniel ate, but the angel of God at once brought Habakkuk back to his own place. Daniel 14:39
He contended with an angel and prevailed, he wept and entreated him. At Bethel he met with him, and there he spoke with him. Hosea 12:5
I asked, “What are these, my lord?” Then the angel who spoke with me answered, “I will show you what these are.” Zechariah 1:9
And they answered the angel of the LORD, who was standing among the myrtle trees: “We have been patrolling the earth, and now the whole earth rests quietly.” Zechariah 1:11
Then the angel of the LORD replied, “LORD of hosts, how long will you be without mercy for Jerusalem and the cities of Judah that have felt your anger these seventy years?” Zechariah 1:12
To the angel who spoke with me, the LORD replied favorably, with comforting words. Zechariah 1:13
The angel who spoke with me then said to me, Proclaim: Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion intensely jealous. Zechariah 1:14
Then I asked the angel who spoke with me, “What are those?” He answered, “Those are the horns that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.” Zechariah 2:2
Then the angel who spoke with me advanced as another angel came out to meet him. Zechariah 2:7
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, while the adversary stood at his right side to accuse him. Zechariah 3:1
And the angel of the LORD said to the adversary, “May the LORD rebuke you, O adversary; may the LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” Zechariah 3:2
Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clad in filthy garments. Zechariah 3:3
Then the angel said to those standing before him, “Remove his filthy garments.” And to him he said, “Look, I have taken your guilt from you, and I am clothing you in stately robes.” Zechariah 3:4
Then he said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” And they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with the garments while the angel of the LORD was standing by. Zechariah 3:5
Then the angel of the LORD charged Joshua: Zechariah 3:6
Then the angel who spoke with me returned and aroused me, like one awakened from sleep. Zechariah 4:1
Then I said to the angel who spoke with me, “What are these things, my lord?” Zechariah 4:4
And the angel who spoke with me replied, “Do you not know what these things are?” I said, “No, my lord.” Zechariah 4:5
Then the angel who spoke with me came forward and said to me, “Raise your eyes and look. What is this that comes forth?” Zechariah 5:5
I said to the angel who spoke with me, “Where are they taking the basket?” Zechariah 5:10
I asked the angel who spoke with me, “What are these, my lord?” Zechariah 6:4
The angel answered me, “These are the four winds of the heavens, which are coming forth after presenting themselves before the LORD of all the earth. Zechariah 6:5
On that day the LORD will shield the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the weakest among them will be like David on that day; and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them. Zechariah 12:8
New Testament
Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. Matthew 1:20
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. Matthew 1:24
When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Matthew 2:13
When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. Matthew 2:19
And said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning you’ and ‘with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” Mathew 4:06
Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him. Matthew 4:11
And the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Matthew 13:39
Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous Matthew 13:49
The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. Matthew 13:41
For the Son of Man will come with His angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct. Matthew 16:27
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. Matthew 18:10
At the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the angels in heaven. Matthew 22:30
And he will send out His angels with a trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Matthew 24:31
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, Matthew 25:31
“But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Matthew 24:36
Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? Matthew 26:53
And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. Matthew 28:2
Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. Matthew 28:5
And He remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. Mark 1:13
Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38
When they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven. Mark 12:25
And then He will send out the angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky. Mark 13:27
“But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Mark 13:32
And to strengthen Him an angel from heaven appeared to Him. Luke 22:43
The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. Luke 2:9
The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Luke 2:13
When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2:15
When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Luke 2:21
For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you,’ Luke 4:10
Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Luke 9:26
I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. Luke 12:8
But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. Luke 12:9
In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10
When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, Luke 16:22
They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. Luke 20:36
And did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Luke 24:23
And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John 1:51
The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” John 12:29
And saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been. John 20:12
But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said, Acts 5:19
All those who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:15
Forty years later, an angel appeared to him in the desert near Mount Sinai in the flame of a burning bush. Acts 7:30
This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who appointed you ruler and judge?’ God sent as both ruler and deliverer, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. Acts 7:35
It was he who, in the assembly in the desert, was with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai and with our ancestors, and he received living utterances to hand on to us. Acts 7:38
You received the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not observe it.” Acts 7:53
Then the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, “Get up and head south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, the desert route.” Acts 8:26
One afternoon about three o’clock, he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God come in to him and say to him, “Cornelius.” Acts 10:3
When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from his staff, Acts 10:7
They answered, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, respected by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to summon you to his house and to hear what you have to say.” Acts 10:22
He related to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, saying, ‘Send someone to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter, Acts 11:13
Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists. Acts 12:7
The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” Acts 12:8
So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. Acts 12:9
They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him. Acts 12:10
Then Peter recovered his senses and said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting.” Acts 12:11
They told her, “You are out of your mind,” but she insisted that it was so. But they kept saying, “It is His angel.” Acts 12:15
At once the angel of the Lord struck him down because he did not ascribe the honor to God, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. Acts 12:23
For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, while the Pharisees acknowledge all three. Acts 23:8
A great uproar occurred, and some scribes belonging to the Pharisee party stood up and sharply argued, “We find nothing wrong with this man. Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” Acts 23:9
For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood by me. Acts 27:23
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, Romans 8:38
For as I see it, God has exhibited us apostles as the last of all, like people sentenced to death, since we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and human beings alike. 1 Corinthians 4:9
Do you not know that we will judge angels? Then why not everyday matters? 1 Corinthians 6:3
For this reason a woman should have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels. 1 Corinthians 11:10
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than the one that we preached to you, let that one be accursed! Galatians 1:8
Why, then, the law? It was added for transgressions, until the descendant came to whom the promise had been made; it was promulgated by angels at the hand of a mediator. Galatians 3:19
And you did not show disdain or contempt because of the trial caused you by my physical condition, but rather you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. Galatians 4:14
Let no one disqualify you, delighting in self-abasement and worship of angels, taking his stand on visions, inflated without reason by his fleshly mind, Colossians 2:18
Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16
As far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. Hebrews 1:4
For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are my son; this day I have begotten you”? Or again: “I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me”? Hebrews 1:5
And again, when he leads the first-born into the world, he says: “Let all the angels of God worship him.” Hebrew 1:6
Of the angels he says: “He makes His angels winds and his ministers a fiery flame”; Hebrews 1:7
But to which of the angels has he ever said: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool”? Hebrews 1:13
For if the word announced through angels proved firm, and every transgression and disobedience received its just recompense, Hebrews 2:2
For it was not to angels that he subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. Hebrews 2:5
You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, Hebrews 2:7
But we do see Jesus “crowned with glory and honor” because he suffered death, he who “for a little while” was made “lower than the angels,” that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9
Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; Hebrews 2:16
No, you have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering, Hebrews 12:22
Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2
It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you with regard to the things that have now been announced to you by those who preached the good news to you through the holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels longed to look. 1 Peter 1:12
Whereas angels, despite their superior strength and power, do not bring a reviling judgment against them from the Lord. 2 Peter 2:11
For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but condemned them to the chains of Tartarus and handed them over to be kept for judgment; 2 Peter 2:4
Who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him. 1 Peter 3:22
The angels too, who did not keep to their own domain but deserted their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains, in gloom, for the judgment of the great day. Jude 1:6
Revelation
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show his servants what must happen soon. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, Revelation 1:1
This is the secret meaning of the seven stars you saw in my right hand, and of the seven gold lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20 Revelation 1:20
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus, write this: “‘The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands says this: Revelation 2:1
“To the angel of the church in Smyrna, write this: “‘The first and the last, who once died but came to life, says this: Revelation 2:8
“To the angel of the church in Pergamum, write this: “‘The one with the sharp two-edged sword says this: Revelation 2:12
“To the angel of the church in Thyatira, write this: “‘The Son of God, whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like polished brass, says this: Revelation 2:18
“To the angel of the church in Sardis, write this: “‘The one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says this: “I know your works, that you have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Revelation 3:1
“‘“The victor will thus be dressed in white, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name in the presence of my Father and of His angels. Revelation 3:5
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia, write this: “‘The holy one, the true, who holds the key of David, who opens and no one shall close, who closes and no one shall open, says this: Revelation 3:7
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea, write this: “‘The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God’s creation, says this: Revelation 3:14
Then I saw a mighty angel who proclaimed in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” Revelation 5:2
I looked again and heard the voices of many angels who surrounded the throne and the living creatures and the elders. They were countless in number, Revelation 5:11
After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind could blow on land or sea or against any tree. Revelation 7:1
Then I saw another angel come up from the East, holding the seal of the living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to damage the land and the sea, Revelation 7:2
All the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshiped God, Revelation 7:11
And I saw that the seven angels who stood before God were given seven trumpets. Revelation 8:2
Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a gold censer. He was given a great quantity of incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the holy ones, on the gold altar that was before the throne. Revelation 8:3
The smoke of the incense along with the prayers of the holy ones went up before God from the hand of the angel. Revelation 8:4
Then the angel took the censer, filled it with burning coals from the altar, and hurled it down to the earth. There were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. Revelation 8:5
The seven angels who were holding the seven trumpets prepared to blow them. Revelation 8:6
When the second angel blew his trumpet, something like a large burning mountain was hurled into the sea. A third of the sea turned to blood, Revelation 8:8
When the third angel blew his trumpet, a large star burning like a torch fell from the sky. It fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. Revelation 8:10
When the fourth angel blew his trumpet, a third of the sun, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them became dark. The day lost its light for a third of the time, as did the night. Revelation 8:12
Then I looked again and heard an eagle flying high overhead cry out in a loud voice, “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth from the rest of the trumpet blasts that the three angels are about to blow!” Revelation 8:14
Then the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. It was given the key for the passage to the abyss. Revelation 9:1
Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the four horns of the gold altar before God, Revelation 9:13
Telling the sixth angel who held the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the banks of the great river Euphrates.” Revelation 9:14
So the four angels were released, who were prepared for this hour, day, month, and year to kill a third of the human race. Revelation 9:15
Then I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven wrapped in a cloud, with a halo around his head; his face was like the sun and his feet were like pillars of fire. Revelation 10:1
Then the angel I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven Revelation 10:5
At the time when you hear the seventh angel blow his trumpet, the mysterious plan of God shall be fulfilled, as he promised to his servants the prophets.” Revelation 10:7
Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, “Go, take the scroll that lies open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.” Revelation 10:9
So I went up to the angel and told him to give me the small scroll. He said to me, “Take and swallow it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will taste as sweet as honey.” Revelation 10:9
I took the small scroll from the angel’s hand and swallowed it. In my mouth it was like sweet honey, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour. Revelation 10:10
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet. There were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world now belongs to our Lord and to his Anointed, and he will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15
Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, Revelation 12:7
Then I saw another angel flying high overhead, with everlasting good news to announce to those who dwell on earth, to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. Revelation 14:6
A second angel followed, saying: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, that made all the nations drink the wine of her licentious passion.” Revelation 14:8
A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice, “Anyone who worships the beast or its image, or accepts its mark on forehead or hand, Revelation 14:9
Will also drink the wine of God’s fury, poured full strength into the cup of his wrath, and will be tormented in burning sulfur before the holy angels and before the Lamb. Revelation 14:10
Another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud, “Use your sickle and reap the harvest, for the time to reap has come, because the earth’s harvest is fully ripe.” Revelation 14:15
Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven who also had a sharp sickle. Revelation 14:17
Then another angel came from the altar, who was in charge of the fire, and cried out in a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Use your sharp sickle and cut the clusters from the earth’s vines, for its grapes are ripe.” Revelation 14:18
So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and cut the earth’s vintage. He threw it into the great wine press of God’s fury. Revelation 14:19
Then I saw in heaven another sign, great and awe-inspiring: seven angels with the seven last plagues, for through them God’s fury is accomplished. Revelation 15:1
And the seven angels with the seven plagues came out of the temple. They were dressed in clean white linen, with a gold sash around their chests. Revelation 15:6
One of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven gold bowls filled with the fury of God, who lives forever and ever. Revelation 15:7
Then the temple became so filled with the smoke from God’s glory and might that no one could enter it until the seven plagues of the seven angels had been accomplished. Revelation 15:8
I heard a loud voice speaking from the temple to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the seven bowls of God’s fury upon the earth.” Revelation 16:1
The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth. Festering and ugly sores broke out on those who had the mark of the beast or worshiped its image. Revelation 16:2
The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea. The sea turned to blood like that from a corpse; every creature living in the sea died. Revelation 16:3
The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water. These also turned to blood. Revelation 16:4
Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: “You are just, O Holy One, who are and who were, in passing this sentence. Revelation 16:5
The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun. It was given the power to burn people with fire. Revelation 16:8
The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast. Its kingdom was plunged into darkness, and people bit their tongues in pain Revelation 16:10
The sixth angel emptied his bowl on the great river Euphrates. Its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings of the East. Revelation 16:12
The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, “It is done.” Revelation 16:17
Then one of the seven angels who were holding the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come here. I will show you the judgment on the great harlot who lives near the many waters. Revelation 17:1
The angel said to me, “Why are you amazed? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, the beast with the seven heads and the ten horns. Revelation 17:7
After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth became illumined by his splendor. Revelation 18:1
A mighty angel picked up a stone like a huge millstone and threw it into the sea and said: “With such force will Babylon the great city be thrown down, and will never be found again. Revelation 18:21
Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These words are true; they come from God.” Revelation 19:9
Then I saw an angel standing on the sun. He cried out in a loud voice to all the birds flying high overhead, “Come here. Gather for God’s great feast, Revelation 19:17
Then I saw an angel come down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss and a heavy chain. Revelation 20:1
One of the seven angels who held the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come here. I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” Revelation 21:9
It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed and on which names were inscribed, the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites. Revelation 21:12
He also measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits according to the standard unit of measurement the angel used. Revelation 21:17
Then the angel showed me the river of life-giving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb Revelation 22:1
And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true, and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits, sent His angel to show his servants what must happen soon.” Revelation 22:7
It is I, John, who heard and saw these things, and when I heard and saw them I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. Revelation 22:8
“I, Jesus, sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the root and offspring of David, the bright morning star.” Revelation 22:16
“In the first coming Christ endured the cross, despising the shame; in the second coming He will be in glory, escorted by an army of angels.” – Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
Learn More About Angels
18 Unique Names of Angels in the Bible
Angel Bible Verses – From Genesis to Revelation
