St. Paul the Apostle mentions spiritual beings known as principalities in three of his epistles from the New Testament Bible: Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians. What exactly are they? What do we need to know about them? Are they angels, or are they something else?
What is a Principality Angel?
A principality angel is an angel of the third hierarchy of the known order of angels: principalities, archangels, and angels. Principalities angels were created by God, the Creator. As Catholics, we believe principalities belong to Christ, and they do ministry for Him. They are known to have authority, power, and influence over humanity. Principalities angels are primarily concerned with the protection of nations and cities.
Christ is the center of the angelic world. They are His angels. Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church #331
The Nature and Office of Principalities Angels
Principalities Angels are pure spirits. Their numbers are countless. Their intelligence and strength is far greater than ours. God gave the angels gifts according to the mission and tasks assigned to each of them. Principalities watch over us from above.
Certain angels have special charge of nations, communities, churches, etc. Source: My Catholic Faith
Overview of Principalities Angels
| Description | Good Principalities | Evil Principalities |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Angel | Demon |
| Nature | Pure Spirit | Demonic Spirit |
| Location | Cosmos | Cosmos |
| Office | Protect | Attack |
| Office | Influence | Deceive |
| Office | Assist | Persecute |
| Guardian | Nations | Nations |
| Guardian | Cities | Cities |
| Greek | Archē | Archē |
| Romans | None | Rom 8:38 |
| Ephesians | Eph 1:21 | None |
| Ephesians | Eph 3:10 | Eph 3:10 |
| Ephesians | None | Eph 6:12 |
| Colossians | Col 1:16 | Col 1:16 |
| Colossians | Col 2:10 | Col 2:10 |
| Colossians | None | Col 2:15 |
7 Verses About Principalities Angels
These 7 verses from the New Testament discuss principalities, both good and evil. Maybe the most important thing to know about them is that Christ rules over all of His creation, including principalities (good and evil), powers, angels, and demons.
Christ’s authority given to Him by the Father extends over the whole cosmos.
All power in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Matthew 28:18b
1. The Love of Christ Surpasses All of Creation
I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
Stars in the Morning Sky
“The flames of the Lord’s love burn beyond the stars.” – St. Columban
On thing to keep in mind when reading the Bible is that saints such as St. Paul generally had a better view of the stars than many of us do today. In the ancient world, spirits (including hostile spirits) were understood to dwell in the existence of the cosmos. They still do today, and they will continue to do so until Christ returns.
Through the love of Christ, His angels watch over us, and He helps to keep us safe from the evil spirits in the heavens that seek to keep us in the grip of darkness.
I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. John 12:46
The Love of Christ in Inseparable
Dr. Brant Pitre, a distinguished research professor of Sacred Scripture and Catholic author, provides excellent commentary on how nothing in our world, or in the invisible angelic world, can separate us from the love Christ has for each of us.
2. All Creation is Under Christ’s Authority
The exercise of His great might, which He (God) worked in Christ, raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in the heavens, 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 1:19b-21
Principalities Angels are Under Christ’s Authority
Christ has been exalted by God above all, including the nine choirs of the angels. Christ has been given authority over all of creation, including what His angels are tasked to do. The principalities and other ministering spirits (authorities, dominions, and powers) have had an influence over humanity throughout the ages.
He set up the boundaries of the peoples after the number of the divine beings. Deuteronomy 32:8b
May the holy angels help increase our faith in God who has authority over everything.
“The Fathers agree that there are nine orders of blessed spirits, of which some are specified here; in the Epistle to the Colossians we have the order of thrones, to which if we add the cherubim, seraphim, angels, and archangels, we shall have nine.” Source: George Leo Haydock
9 Choirs of Angels
Here is a list of the 9 choirs of angels with a scripture verse for each choir.
| Hierarchy | Choir | Angel | Verse |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 1 | Seraphim | Isa 6:2 |
| 1st | 2 | Cherubim | Exod 25:20 |
| 1st | 3 | Thrones | Col 1:16 |
| 2nd | 4 | Dominions | Eph 1:21 |
| 2nd | 5 | Authorities | Eph 1:21 |
| 2nd | 6 | Powers | Eph 1:21 |
| 3rd | 7 | Principalities | Eph 1:21 |
| 3rd | 8 | Archangels | 1 Thess 4:16 |
| 3rd | 9 | Angels | 1 Pt 3:22 |
Alternative Names of Angelic Choirs
- Choirs – are also be known as “ranks.”
- 4th Choir – Dominions are also known as Dominations.
- 5th Choir – Authorities are also known as Virtues.
- 7th Choir – Principalities are also known as Rulers.
3. God’s Plan Revealed Through St. Paul
The manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens. This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:10-11
St. Paul is a Chosen Instrument of God
This is an intriguing verse (Eph 3:10). St. Paul is basically saying that God has entrusted him (as a chosen instrument of His) to help reveal His saving plan. This saving plan of God is not only revealed to the Gentiles, but also, the principalities angels.
In speaking of principalities and powers, he speaks both of those above and those beneath. – St. John Chrysostom
The Manifold Wisdom of God
When St. Paul speaks of the manifold wisdom of God, he is speaking about a plan that is unfolding with many layers, or with many colors and variations. My great aunt (may she rest in peace) made us a quilt. Up close, you just see the stitches, but if you look at it from a distance you see the beauty of it. God’s plan is like a beautifully made quilt.
How varied are your works, LORD! Psalms 104:24a
God’s Plan is Still Unfolding
Jesus said in the Gospel that no one knows, including His angels (who are infused with a massive amount of knowledge), when the second coming of Christ will be.
“But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Matthew 24:36
4. The Church in Spiritual Warfare
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
Principalities and Powers Battle the Church
This verse is in reference to demonic spirits. There are good principalities angels and there are bad principalities angels. St. Paul is referencing the bad principalities angels. They are evil. They do not dwell in heaven with the Most High God. They are demons of the air. According to St. Jerome, they can stir up bad weather, and they deceive.
“Principalities and powers – i.e. devils, or apostate angels, who before their fall were in such ranks of spirits, and who are permitted to rule over the wicked in this world of darkness. By which we are to understand the fallen angels. For as by nature, and from their creation, they were the governors of this corporeal world, and were deprived of this their power on account of their pride, they received it (though limited by certain restrictions) in order to tempt man.” – St. Jerome
How to Combat the Fallen Principalities Angels
St. Paul advises us to detach from the world, to gear up spiritually, be a soldier of Christ, and combat the evil principalities and powers. We do this with the grace God gives us: the courage to pray devoutly to the Lord and stand firm against the wicked who threaten the Church. To have zeal for Our Lord and Our Lady. To be faithful to God. To recognize the tactics of the devil and overcome his temptations and deceit.
Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17
“To advance against the foe involves a bold resistance to the powers of this world in defense of the flock.” – St. Gregory the Great
Clear Out the Air with Gregorian Chant
Whether it be at home, work, drive time, etc., you can help purify the air by listening to Gregorian Chant. This was the liturgical music of the Church for many centuries.
“Gregorian Chant is the monastic music and chant that was formalized by the Church. It is essentially prayers that are sung by monks, often in Latin. Gregorian Chant, in addition to being relaxing, is effective in clearing the air of evil presences. I recommend chant recorded at monasteries, not performed by a commercial choir.” – Adam Blai
5. All Creation Belongs to Christ
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 Different Ranks of Angels in Colossians
St. Paul mentions 4 different ranks or choirs of angels in Colossians 1:16:
- Thrones
- Dominions
- Principalities
- Powers
God is the Creator of the Angels
St. Paul alludes to these angelic creatures being much more powerful than us. He mentions later in the book of Colossians, that some of the Colossians were known to even worship the angels (Col 2:18). The crux of St. Paul’s message, however, is that Christ the Lord is seated far above the ranks of all the angels. Christ is the Creator.
“Before Abraham, I Am”; that’s what He said Himself, the Gospel speaks. Listen to it, or read it. But that’s little enough, being the Creator before Abraham; He’s the Creator before Adam, Creator before heaven and earth, before all the angels, and the whole spiritual creation, ‘thrones, dominions, principalities and powers,‘ Creator before all things whatsoever.” – St. Augustine
The Lord of Authority
God, the Creator, rules over the entire cosmos. Not only does His authority and power extend over the hierarchy of angels, but He also has the final say on what demonic spirits (the fallen principalities angels and powers) can and cannot do.
“There is literally not one iota of the spiritual battle of which Christ is not in absolute control over. It’s God’s chess game, and they (the demons) know it, and they have to obey it, and they can’t do certain things unless He allows it.” – Fr. Chad Ripperger
The devil and his demons are not roaming around the earth wreaking havoc on us unchecked. God’s authority rules over them, and Christ can calm their storms.
A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Mark 4:37-39
6. Christians Share in the Divine Life
For in Him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily, and you share in this fullness in Him, who is the head of every principality and power. Colossians 2:9-10
Baptism Gives Christians Access to the Divine Life
When we are baptized, we are sealed with an indelible mark on our souls. The sacrament of baptism fills us with sanctifying grace, the breath of God. Christ dwells within us. He has raised us up with Him through the mystery of the holy sacrament.
You were buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead. Colossians 2:12
Principalities Angels Influence and Deceive People
Much like today, the Colossians were susceptible to the false teachers of their times. St. Paul is telling the Colossians to admonish the false teachings and embrace the Gospel. The Good News of the Gospel is Christ, who is the ruling head of all the principalities angels and powers (good and evil) who can influence or deceive them.
“Christ enters by the open door; He has promised to come in, and He cannot deceive.” – St. Ambrose
Stay the Course in Christ
St. Paul is telling the Colossians there is no need to follow principalities and powers, the elemental powers of the world, etc., because everything they need is found in Christ, who is the fullness of they deity. God, whose Spirit extends throughout the whole universe, both visible and invisible, dwells completely in Jesus Christ.
Jesus’s deeds, miracles and words all revealed that “in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily. Source: Catechism of the Catholic Church #515
7. The Triumph of the Cross
(Christ) despoiling the principalities and the powers, He made a public spectacle of them, leading them away in triumph by it (the cross). Colossians 2:15
Victory Parade of Christ Over His Enemies
Championship sports teams will often participate in a victory parade to celebrate the big win over their opponents to the cheers of many fans. In ancient Roman times, after a successful battle, the Roman general would have a victory parade. His disgraced and scorned enemies would be marched along through the streets for all to see.
Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. Romans 12:19
Through the triumph of the Cross, Christ has achieved victory over all of His enemies. His enemies, like ours, are not flesh and blood, but the devil and the evil spirits, the fallen principalities and the powers of the cosmos that rule over the world.
The ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over Me. John 14:30
The Cross of Christ Frees Us from the Evil Spirits
When Jesus was crucified at Calvary, the devil and the evil spirits thought they had both Him and us through the power of death. But Jesus put an end to death, through His own death and resurrection. Saints even rose from the dead when Jesus died on the cross! The fallen principalities and powers must have been utterly humiliated.
Tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. Matthew 27:52-53
Lift High the Cross, the Love of Christ Proclaim
Until Christ’s return, we will continue to praise His holy name for Christ’s saving work on the cross. We will strive to honor our baptismal promises. We will continue to combat against the evil principalities and powers that seek to deceive us. Affirm your faith in God with the sign of the cross, and the evil spirits will flee from you (Jas 4:7).
“Let us not be ashamed to confess the Crucified. Let the cross, as our seal, be boldly made with our fingers upon our brow, and on all occasions…for it is a grace from God, a badge of the faithful, and a terror to devils; for “He displayed them openly, leading them away in triumph by force of it.” For when they see the cross, they are reminded of the Crucified.” – St. Cyril of Jerusalem
27 New Testament Angel Choirs Verses
I put together a table of most of the verses from the New Testament that have ranks of angels grouped together. Many of the verses have principalities (good and evil) mentioned, and most of the verses are from St. Paul’s Epistles. Angels (9th choir) frequent many verses in the New Testament, but only 2 here. The archangel verses (2) are not mentioned with other ranks of angels. The Seraphim (1st choir) are not mentioned in the New Testament (although they are most likely mentioned in Revelation (4:8)). Cherubim (2nd choir) are mentioned only once, in Hebrews (9:5).
| 3. Thrones | 4. Dominions | 5. Authorities | 6. Powers | 7. Principalities | 8. Archangels | 9. Angels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rom 8:38 | Rom 8:38 | Rom 8:38 | ||||
| 1 Cor 15:24 | 1 Cor 15:24 | 1 Cor 15:24 | ||||
| Eph 1:21 | Eph 1:21 | Eph 1:21 | Eph 1:21 | |||
| Eph 3:10 | Eph 3:10 | |||||
| Eph 6:12 | Eph 6:12 | |||||
| Col 1:16 | Col 1:16 | Col 1:16 | Col 1:16 | |||
| Col 2:10 | Col 2:10 | |||||
| Col 2:15 | Col 2:15 | |||||
| 1 Thess 4:16 | ||||||
| 1 Pt 3:22 | 1 Pt 3:22 | 1 Pt 3:22 | ||||
| Jude 1:9 | ||||||
| 1 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 2 |
Recap About Principalities Angels
Principalities angels have influence, and they are involved with God’s plan for our salvation. We also learned the evil spirits combat against us. We only have to look at Jesus on a cross and know that He is higher than the heavens. God has given Christ all authority. Christ has the final say on everything. So let us be resolute to do God’s will. Let us rely on His angels to help lead us and guide us safely to be with Christ forever.
The angels are here; they are at your side, they are with you present on your behalf. – St. Bernard
