Angels are mentioned throughout the Bible. Jesus talks about angels in the Gospels. The saints such as St. Dionysius and St. Thomas Aquinas have taught that there are nine choirs of angels. The Bible also mentions other unique names given to angels in both the Old and New Testaments: divine beings, messengers, sons of God, watchers, etc. All of these spiritual beings are God’s angels, and they serve Him.
1. Commander
The commander or captain of the army of the Lord that appeared to Joshua on the battlefield was most likely St. Michael the Archangel. Church Fathers St. Jerome and St. Augustine agreed that Michael appeared to Joshua with sword in hand to assure him they would be victorious in battle against their ungodly opponents.
Divine providence surrounds all persons at all times, but it is not visible except to those who have purified their souls of sin and think about God at all times. – St. Isaac the Syrian
He replied, “Neither. I am the commander of the army of the LORD: now I have come.” Then Joshua fell down to the ground in worship, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?” Joshua 5:14
The commander of the army of the LORD replied to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. Joshua 5:15
2. Divine Beings
By an ancient and divine ordinance angels are assigned to the different nations. – St. Clement of Alexandria
The “divine beings” in Deuteronomy 32:8 might be the same angelic rank as the as principalities angels mentioned by St. Paul in the New Testament. These angels are also referred to as “princes” in the Book of Daniel. Similar to St. Michael, who is the patron angel of Israel, these spirits are known to be defenders of nations.
“Oh, no, my lords!” Lot replied to them. Genesis 19:18
When the Most High allotted each nation its heritage, when he separated out human beings, He set up the boundaries of the peoples after the number of the divine beings; Deuteronomy 32:8
Exult with him, you heavens, bow to him, all you divine beings! For he will avenge the blood of his servants, take vengeance on his foes; He will requite those who hate him, and purge his people’s land. Deuteronomy 32:43
If then there be a divine messenger, a mediator, one out of a thousand, to show him what is right, Job 33:23
See how he is accounted among the heavenly beings; how his lot is with the holy ones! Wisdom 5:5
In the womb he supplanted his brother, and in his vigor he contended with a divine being; Hosea 12:4
And especially those who follow the flesh with its depraved desire and show contempt for lordship. Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to revile glorious beings, 2 Peter 2:10
3. Encampment
“Queen of Heaven and St. Michael, send down the legions of angels under your command to fight off any spirits that would seek to harm me.” Source: Deliverance Prayers for Use by the Laity p.37
The word Mahanaim means “double encampment”. The name was given because Jacob’s campground was a camp for his people and the angels of God. Jacob encountered these angels after his departure from Laban in Mesopotamia. The appearance of the angels, whom Jacob had seen ascending and descending on “Jacob’s ladder” years earlier, were sent by God to assure Jacob of God’s protection.
When Jacob saw them he said, “This is God’s encampment.” So he named that place Mahanaim. Genesis 32:3
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he saves them. Psalms 34:8
And from day to day men kept coming to David’s help until there was a vast encampment, like God’s own encampment. 1 Chronicles 12:23
4. Fearsome
It is thought that an army of spirits went before David, and threw the enemy into a panic. – Theodoret of Cyrus
Perhaps the only thing more fearsome than hearing a marching army approaching is to hear a marching army of angels approaching. These verses give heed to the power of God’s fearsome, warrior angels. Whether on horseback or on chariots, angels fight for God, and they are very capable of striking the opposition at God’s command. This is why we should always pray to our guardian angels and St. Michael, the leader of the army of angels, for their assistance in our own spiritual warfare.
But just as Heliodorus was arriving at the treasury with his bodyguards, the Lord of spirits and all authority produced an apparition so great that those who had been bold enough to accompany Heliodorus were panic-stricken at God’s power and fainted away in terror. 2 Maccabees 3:24
There appeared to them a richly caparisoned horse, mounted by a fearsome rider. Charging furiously, the horse attacked Heliodorus with its front hooves. The rider was seen wearing golden armor. 2 Maccabees 3:25
But when Judas’ first cohort appeared, the enemy was overwhelmed with fear and terror at the manifestation of the all-seeing One. Scattering in every direction, they rushed away in such headlong flight that in many cases they wounded one another, pierced by the points of their own swords. 2 Maccabees 12:22
Fighting with their hands and praying to God with their hearts, they laid low at least thirty-five thousand, and rejoiced greatly over this manifestation of God’s power. 2 Maccabees 15:27
When you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, act decisively, for then the LORD has already gone before you to strike the army of the Philistines. 2 Samuel 5:24
Then he prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes, that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw that the mountainside was filled with fiery chariots and horses around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17
The Lord had caused the army of the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, the sound of a large army, and they had reasoned among themselves, “The king of Israel has hired the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to fight us.” 2 Kings 7:6
5. Four Living Creatures
The Four Living Creatures in the Book of Ezekiel are mysterious angelic beings that appeared to Ezekiel in a vision. He saw four powerful looking creatures, each with its own appearance. One had the face of a human, one had the face of a lion, one had the face of an ox, and one had the face of an eagle. Like the cherubim, they had wings.
St. Jerome, a well known Doctor of the Catholic Church provides his interpretations of the four faces of the living creatures in Ezekiel’s vision (Ezekiel 1:10):
The Face of a Man – Signifies the Gospel of St. Matthew. The beginning of Matthew’s Gospel begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
The Face of a Lion – Signifies the Gospel of St. Mark. The beginning of Mark’s Gospel begins with the voice of John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness.
The Face of an Ox – Signifies the Gospel of St. Luke. In Luke’s Gospel, Zechariah was the righteous priest, foretelling the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
The Face of an Eagle – Signifies the Gospel of St. John. St. John’s Gospel begins from the heavenly theological heights with his preaching of the Incarnation.
From within it figures in the likeness of four living creatures appeared. This is what they looked like: Ezekiel 1:5
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 they stood still, the wheels stood still; when they rose up, the wheels rose up with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in them. Ezekiel 10:17
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
They were in human form, but each had four faces and four wings, Ezekiel 1:6
And their legs were straight, the soles of their feet like the hooves of a bull, gleaming like polished brass. Ezekiel 1:7
Human hands were under their wings, and the wings of one touched those of another. Ezekiel 1:8
Their faces and their wings looked out on all their four sides; they did not turn when they moved, but each went straight ahead. Ezekiel 1:9
Their faces were like this: each of the four had a human face, and on the right the face of a lion, and on the left, the face of an ox, and each had the face of an eagle. Ezekiel 1:10
Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above. On each one, two wings touched one another, and the other two wings covered the body. Ezekiel 1:11
Each went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they went; they did not change direction when they moved. Ezekiel 1:12
And the appearance of the living creatures seemed like burning coals of fire. Something indeed like torches moved back and forth among the living creatures. The fire gleamed intensely, and from it lightning flashed. Ezekiel 1:13
The creatures darting back and forth flashed like lightning. Ezekiel 1:14
As I looked at the living creatures, I saw wheels on the ground, one alongside each of the four living creatures. Ezekiel 1:15
The wheels and their construction sparkled like yellow topaz, and all four of them looked the same: their construction seemed as though one wheel was inside the other. Ezekiel 1:16
When they moved, they went in any of the four directions without veering as they moved. Ezekiel 1:17
The four of them had rims, high and fearsome—eyes filled the four rims all around. Ezekiel 1:18
When the living creatures moved, the wheels moved with them; and when the living creatures were raised from the ground, the wheels also were raised. Ezekiel 1:19
Wherever the spirit would go, they went. And they were raised up together with the living creatures, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. Ezekiel 1:20
Wherever the living creatures moved, the wheels moved; when they stood still, the wheels stood still. When they were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up with them. For the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. Ezekiel 1:21
Above the heads of the living creatures was a likeness of the firmament; it was awesome, stretching upwards like shining crystal over their heads. Ezekiel 1:22
Beneath the firmament their wings stretched out toward one another; each had two wings covering the body. Ezekiel 1:23
Then I heard the sound of their wings, like the roaring of mighty waters, like the voice of the Almighty. When they moved, the sound of the tumult was like the din of an army. And when they stood still, they lowered their wings. Ezekiel 1:24
While they stood with their wings lowered, a voice came from above the firmament over their heads. Ezekiel 1:25
Ezekiel beheld a vision and described the different creatures of the chariot; Sirach 49:8
6. The gods
You made Him for a little while lower than the angels; you crowned Him with glory and honor. Hebrews 2:7
The gods are angelic beings in service to God. They are members of God’s heavenly court. They are with God and they are set apart by God in holiness that is almost unfathomable to describe. The gods are superior to us in our humanity. Despite their status in God’s creation, they humble themselves before God, and they worship Him.
He said: The LORD came from Sinai and dawned on his people from Seir; he shone forth from Mount Paran. With him were myriads of holy ones; at his right hand advanced the gods. Deuteronomy 33:2
Yet you have made him little less than a god, crowned him with glory and honor. Psalms 8:6
All who serve idols are put to shame, who glory in worthless things; all gods bow down before him. Psalms 97:7
What you demand, O king, is too difficult; there is no one who can tell it to the king except the gods, who do not dwell among people of flesh.” Daniel 2:11
7. Holy ones
Holy ones is another name variation for angels, particularly in the Old Testament.
Holy ones: members of the heavenly court…They were viewed as heavenly intercessors. Source: USCCB
Holy ones are holy because they have been set apart by God for His purposes. They are righteous members of God’s heavenly court. The angels had to go through their own period of testing before they were allowed to be with God forever in heaven.
Saints, like the angels, can also be referred to as the Holy ones set apart by God.
I heard a holy one speaking, and another said to whichever one it was that spoke, “How long shall the events of this vision last concerning the daily sacrifice, the desolating sin, the giving over of the sanctuary and the host for trampling?” Daniel 8:13
Call now! Will anyone respond to you? To which of the holy ones will you turn? Job 5:1
The heavens praise your marvels, LORD, your loyalty in the assembly of the holy ones. Psalms 89:6
A God dreaded in the council of the holy ones, greater and more awesome than all those around him! Psalms 89:8
See how he is accounted among the heavenly beings; how his lot is with the holy ones! Wisdom 5:5
She, when a righteous man fled from his brother’s anger, guided him in right ways, Showed him the kingdom of God and gave him knowledge of holy things; She prospered him in his labors and made abundant the fruit of his works, Wisdom 10:10
By decree of the watchers is this proclamation, by order of the holy ones, this sentence; That all who live may know that the Most High is sovereign over human kingship, Giving it to whom he wills, and setting it over the lowliest of mortals.’ Daniel 4:14
You will flee by the valley between the mountains, for the valley between the mountains will reach to Azal. Thus you will flee as you fled because of the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD, my God, will come, and all his holy ones with him. Zechariah 14:5
Giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. Colossians 1:12
So as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 3:13
When he comes to be glorified among his holy ones and to be marveled at on that day among all who have believed, for our testimony to you was believed. 2 Thessalonians 1:10
8. Host
Host can have multiple meanings in the Bible. For example, “the Lord of hosts” is mentioned over 250 times in the Old Testament. It is generally a military term as in the Lord of the armies of Israel. It can also be in reference to angelic armies, or possibly both. Hosts can be in reference to cosmic (e.g. sun, moon, and stars) or earthly beings.
Some of the Old Testament verses below about hosts may be the same angelic beings as “the powers”, also known as the 6th choir of angels in the New Testament.
And what does the “host of heaven” signify but the multitude of the attending angels? – Blessed Rabanus Maurus
And when you look up to the heavens and behold the sun or the moon or the stars, the whole heavenly host, do not be led astray into bowing down to them and serving them. These the LORD, your God, has apportioned to all the other nations under the heavens; Deuteronomy 4:19
By the LORD’s word the heavens were made; by the breath of his mouth all their host. Psalms 33:6
In the assembly of the Most High she opens her mouth, in the presence of his host she tells of her glory: Sirach 24:2
It was I who made the earth and created the people upon it; It was my hands that stretched out the heavens; I gave the order to all their host. Isaiah 45:12
Bless the LORD, all you his hosts, his ministers who carry out his will. Psalms 103:21
Praise him, all you his angels; give praise, all you his hosts. Psalms 148:2
God holds accountable the hosts of highest heaven, while all mortals are dust and ashes. Sirach 17:32
Yet even God’s holy ones must fail in recounting the wonders of the LORD, Though God has given his hosts the strength to stand firm before his glory. Sirach 42:17
Micaiah continued: “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD seated on his throne, with the whole host of heaven standing to his right and to his left. 1 Kings 22:19
He rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed. He set up altars to Baal and also made an asherah, as Ahab, king of Israel, had done. He bowed down to the whole host of heaven and served them. 2 Kings 21:3
And he built altars for the whole host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD. 2 Kings 21:5
Micaiah continued: “Therefore hear the word of the LORD. I saw the LORD seated on his throne, with the whole host of heaven standing to his right and to his left. 2 Chronicles 18:18
Just as the host of heaven cannot be numbered and the sands of the sea cannot be counted, so I will multiply the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who minister to me. Jeremiah 33:22
It grew even to the host of heaven, so that it cast down to earth some of the host and some of the stars and trampled on them. Daniel 8:10
“You are the LORD, you alone; You made the heavens, the highest heavens and all their host, The earth and all that is upon it, the seas and all that is in them. To all of them you give life, the heavenly hosts bow down before you. Nehemiah 9:6
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Luke 2:13
And as Isaiah predicted: “Unless the Lord of hosts had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom and have been made like Gomorrah.” Romans 9:29
Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. James 5:4
9. Light
St. Ambrose commented on Genesis 1:5 basically saying that the “light” and “darkness” are in reference to the angels, dominions, and powers. It would seem fitting that St. Augustine, who was converted by St. Ambrose, believed the light and day, and the darkness and night were in reference to angels and fallen angels.
“St. Augustine believed that the light first created by God that was found to be good was the angelic order. When the light was separated into day and night St. Augustine saw this as the judgment of the angelic order because the separation was not stated to be good. God’s angelic order had now been separated into angels and demons. Source: Exorcism – The Battle Against Satan and His Demons by Fr. Vincent Lampert
Then God said: Let there be light, and there was light. Genesis 1:3
God saw that the light was good. God then separated the light from the darkness. Genesis 1:4
God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” Evening came, and morning followed—the first day. Genesis 1:5
10. Messenger
The word angel is derived from the Greek word “angelos” and means “messenger of God.” Angels are messengers of God because they minister to Him, and they always do His holy will. At times, God sends angels out on assignment to literally bring with them “messages” to help achieve God’s saving plan as the archangel Gabriel did at the Annunciation of the Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Angels can also be sent by God to perform a particular task. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes angels as messengers in the sense that they are servants of God, and they belong to God.
“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: CCC 329
A messenger of the LORD went up from Gilgal to Bochim and said, I brought you up from Egypt and led you into the land which I promised on oath to your ancestors. I said, I will never break my covenant with you, Judges 2:1
When the messenger of the LORD had spoken these things to all the Israelites, the people wept aloud. Judges 2:4
“Curse Meroz,” says the messenger of the LORD, “curse, curse its inhabitants! For they did not come when the LORD helped, the help of the LORD against the warriors.” Judges 5:23
Then the messenger of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. Joash’s son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press to save it from the Midianites, Judges 6:11
And the messenger of the LORD appeared to him and said: The LORD is with you, you mighty warrior! Judges 6:12
The messenger of God said to him: Take the meat and unleavened cakes and lay them on this rock; then pour out the broth. When he had done so, Judges 6:20
The messenger of the LORD stretched out the tip of the staff he held. When he touched the meat and unleavened cakes, a fire came up from the rock and consumed the meat and unleavened cakes. Then the messenger of the LORD disappeared from sight. Judges 6:21
Gideon, now aware that it had been the messenger of the LORD, said, “Alas, Lord GOD, that I have seen the messenger of the LORD face to face!” Judges 6:22
He lay down and fell asleep under the solitary broom tree, but suddenly a messenger touched him and said, “Get up and eat!” 1 Kings 19:5
For him each messenger succeeds, and at his bidding accomplishes his will. Sirach 43:26
In their every affliction. It was not an envoy or a messenger, but his presence that saved them. Because of his love and pity the LORD redeemed them, Lifting them up and carrying them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9
For a priest’s lips preserve knowledge, and instruction is to be sought from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. Malachi 2:7
Meanwhile, the messenger of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite: Go and meet the messengers of Samaria’s king, and tell them: “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baalzebub, the god of Ekron?” 2 Kings 1:3
Then the messenger of the LORD said to Elijah: Go down with him; you need not be afraid of him. So Elijah left and went down with him to the king. 2 Kings 1:15
Then Haggai, the messenger of the LORD, proclaimed to the people as the message of the LORD: I am with you!—oracle of the LORD. Haggai 1:13
Look, he puts no trust in his servants, and even with his messengers he finds fault. Job 4:18
He let loose against them the heat of his anger, wrath, fury, and distress, a band of deadly messengers. Psalms 78:49
You make the winds your messengers; flaming fire, your ministers. Psalms 104:4
11. Man
Throughout the Bible angels have often appeared as men to human beings. We see examples from the earliest of times in the Book of Genesis with the two angels who appeared to Abraham and subsequently saved Lot and his family from destruction. An angel wrestled with Jacob until the break of dawn in Genesis. In the Book of Tobit, the Archangel Raphael is sent by God as a young man to help guide Tobias. And angels have appeared as men in godly apparel in both the Old and New Testaments.
One of the reasons why angels appear as men is so they can effectively communicate their divine messages to us. The angel who contended with Jacob is another example. Had he appeared as a radiant angel, Jacob would most likely have been terrified.
Other reasons why angels appear as humans is to keep people calm, to put people to God’s test (Hebrews 13:2), and to conceal their angelic identity (Tobit 5:4).
Brother Azariah
In the Book of Tobit, Brother Azariah is the Archangel Raphael in disguise. He appears to Tobias as a young man, helps to lead and guide Tobias on his journey, protects him from danger, exorcizes a demon, arranges a marriage, and teaches God’s wisdom.
He answered, “I am Azariah, son of the great Hananiah, one of your own kindred.” Tobit 5:13
Then the young man asked the angel this question: “Brother Azariah, what medicine is in the fish’s heart, liver, and gall?” Tobit 6:7
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
When they entered Ecbatana, Tobiah said, “Brother Azariah, 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
“Brother Azariah, 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
The Macedonian
The Macedonian who stood before Paul was most likely the guardian angel of the province of Macedonia. There are several verses in the Bible where it says that an angel is standing before someone, whether it is in person, a dream, or a vision.
During the night Paul had a vision. A Macedonian stood before him and implored him with these words, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Acts 16:9
A Man of God
The man who wrestled with Jacob until the break of dawn was most likely an angel who appeared as a man. Early Church Fathers such as St. Caesarius have said the angel was symbolic of Christ, who changed Jacob’s name and blessed him at dawn.
Jacob was left there alone. Then a man wrestled with him until the break of dawn. Genesis 32:25
When the man saw that he could not prevail over him, he struck Jacob’s hip at its socket, so that Jacob’s socket was dislocated as he wrestled with him. Genesis 32:26
The man then said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” Genesis 32:27
“What is your name?” the man asked. He answered, “Jacob.” Genesis 32:28
Jacob then asked him, “Please tell me your name.” He answered, “Why do you ask for my name?” With that, he blessed him. Genesis 32:30
Then the man said, “You shall no longer be named Jacob, but Israel, because you have contended with divine and human beings and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:29
The angel that appears and announces the birth of Samson is unique in that she calls him “a man of God,” but she also says, “he had the appearance of an angel of God.”
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
Manoah then prayed to the LORD. “Please, my Lord,” he said, “may the man of God whom you sent return to us to teach us what to do for the boy who is to be born.” Judges 13:8
Angels as Men in Godly Apparel
Dressed in Linen
Angels dressed in linen signify their holiness and their heavenly origins. They are sent by God as his divine agents to carry out His will. We should also note the transfiguration of Christ in St. Matthew’s Gospel where His clothes became white as light, and also in the Book of Acts, an angel appeared in dazzling robes.
One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was upstream, “How long shall it be to the end of these appalling things?” Daniel 12:6
The man clothed in linen, who was upstream, lifted his hands to heaven; and I heard him swear by him who lives forever that it should be for a time, two times, and half a time; and that, when the power of the destroyer of the holy people was brought to an end, all these things should end. Daniel 12:7
And there were six men coming from the direction of the upper gate which faces north, each with a weapon of destruction in his hand. In their midst was a man dressed in linen, with a scribe’s case at his waist. They entered and stood beside the bronze altar. Ezekiel 9:2
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
Just then the man dressed in linen with the scribe’s case at his waist made his report: “I have done as you commanded!” Ezekiel 9:11
As I looked up, I saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of fine gold around his waist. Daniel. His body was like chrysolite, his face shone like lightning, his eyes were like fiery torches, his arms and feet looked like burnished bronze, and the sound of his voice was like the roar of a multitude. Daniel 10:5-6
In Dazzling Garments and Robes
The appearance of angels in dazzling garments help to exemplify the holiness of the angels, and the sheer radiance of God’s glory. The angels are heavenly beings, and they were sent by God, who dwells in unapproachable light in heaven.
While they were puzzling over this, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them. Luke 24:4
Cornelius replied, “Four days ago at this hour, three o’clock in the afternoon, I was at prayer in my house when suddenly a man in dazzling robes stood before me and said, Acts 10:30
Dressed in White Garments
At Christ’s Ascension two angels appeared as men in white garments. They appeared as men so as not to disturb the crowd with dread of them. According to St. Bede, the white garments signified the exaltation of the event: Christ’s Ascension into heaven.
Also consider the angel who rolled back the stone in St. Matthew’s Gospel at the Resurrection of Jesus. This angel did not appear as a man, but as an angel, probably as a warning to the guards, and it says his clothing was white as snow (Matthew. 28:3).
While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. Acts 1:10
Multiple Angels as Men
Multiple angels have sometimes appeared together as men in the Bible possibly to emphasize the significance of the biblical event such as Christ’s Ascension into heaven in the Book of Acts, or the angels who were sent by God to rescue Lot and his family before the Lord’s destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
In 2 Maccabees, two angels miraculously appeared as strong, young men and administered the Lord’s chastisement upon Heliodorus, who was going to pillage the temple and treasury. God protected the temple and Heliodorus repented.
The four workmen in the Book of Zechariah are also symbolic of the angels, possibly of different choirs, sent by God to dismantle the enemy and restore Jerusalem.
Looking up, he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground, Genesis 18:2
He said, “Please, my lords, come aside into your servant’s house for the night, and bathe your feet; you can get up early to continue your journey.” But they replied, “No, we will pass the night in the town square.” Genesis 19:2
But his guests put out their hands, pulled Lot inside with them, and closed the door; Genesis 19:10
Then the guests said to Lot: “Who else belongs to you here? Sons-in-law, your sons, your daughters, all who belong to you in the city—take them away from this place! Genesis 19:12
When he hesitated, the men, because of the LORD’s compassion for him, seized his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters and led them to safety outside the city. Genesis 19:16
Then two other young men, remarkably strong, strikingly handsome, and splendidly attired, appeared before him. Standing on each side of him, they flogged him unceasingly, inflicting innumerable blows. 2 Maccabees 3:26
I, Daniel, looked and saw two others, one standing on either bank of the river. Daniel 12:5
Then the LORD showed me four workmen. Zechariah 2:3
12. Myriads
In the Book of Hebrews, angels are described as being countless in number in the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. Also in the Book of Revelation, we hear of angels being countless in number and surrounding the throne of God.
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
In the Old Testament, there are verses where God’s angels are described as being myriad in number. This means that there are so many angels that they are too numerous to count. These descriptions about angels help to describe the infinite power and majesty of God who created the angels and the entire cosmos.
The angels are very numerous. – St. Thomas Aquinas
It can be humbling to think that we live on planet in a galaxy that has billions of stars like our sun. And there are billions of galaxies in the universe similar to our Milky Way galaxy. So it is also with God’s angels. They are myriad in number, thousands upon thousands, both in the nature of who they are, and how they serve God.
Thus the heavens and the earth and all their array were completed. Genesis 2:1
Lift up your eyes on high and see who created these: He leads out their army and numbers them, calling them all by name. By his great might and the strength of his power not one of them is missing! Isaiah 40:26
God’s chariots were myriad, thousands upon thousands; from Sinai the Lord entered the holy place. Psalms 68:18
A river of fire surged forth, flowing from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads stood before him. Daniel 7:10
13. One
“One” could be described as an angel who is a messenger or servant of God. They are sent here with their own unique mission to help carry our God’s plan of salvation. They stand in unity with God. They seek to serve God and do His will.
While Joshua was near Jericho, he raised his eyes and saw one who stood facing him, drawn sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you one of us or one of our enemies?” Joshua 5:13
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
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
I approached one of those present and asked him the truth of all this; in answer, he made known to me its meaning: Daniel 7:16
Then something like a hand touched my lips; I opened my mouth and said to the one standing before me, “My lord, I was seized with pangs at the vision and I was powerless. Daniel 10:16
The one who looked like a man touched me again and strengthened me, saying, Daniel 10:18
14. Prince
Prince is most likely in reference to a higher ranking angel in God’s angelic hierarchy such as a principality angel. Some angels were created by God and sent on a mission to be a guardians over nations, cities, churches, etc. How they work in conjunction with each other in carrying out God’s plan and combating demons remains a mystery.
Certain angels have special charge of nations, communities, churches, etc. Source: My Catholic Faith
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
“Do you know,” he asked, “why I have come to you? Soon I must fight the prince of Persia again. When I leave, the prince of Greece will come; Daniel 10:20
15. Sons of God
Sons of God can have a variety of meanings depending on the verse. In Genesis 6:2, the sons of God have been interpreted as being fallen angels, the descendants of Seth (the son of Adam), and people of a noble or royal lineage during that time.
The Sons of God in the Book of Job are described as angels who serve God and stand before Him as members of God’s heavenly court or council. In Job 38:7, the sons of God may have been some of the earliest angelic beings in God’s creation of the cosmos.
It appears that the angels were among the first of God’s works, formed probably at the same time with the heavens, – Dom Augustin Calmet, Benedictine monk and scholar
The son of God in the Book of Daniel, who came to protect Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is much like a messenger angel, who was sent by God on a mission.
The sons of God saw how beautiful the daughters of human beings were, and so they took for their wives whomever they pleased. Genesis 6:2
One day, when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, the satan also came among them. Job 1:6
One day, when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, the satan also came with them. Job 2:1
While the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:7
Who in the skies ranks with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the sons of the gods? Psalms 89:7
“But,” he replied, “I see four men unbound and unhurt, walking in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of God.” Daniel 3:92
16. Spirit
Angels are pure spirits. They do not have a body like we do, but they can take on the form of a body, if God wills it. These verses are varied, but they all help to show the spiritual nature of angels. St. Augustine said that “spirit” is the nature of an angel.
“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.'” Source: CCC 329
Then a spirit passed before me, and the hair of my body stood on end. Job 4:15
“It paused, but its likeness I could not recognize; a figure was before my eyes, in silence I heard a voice. Job 4:16
But just as Heliodorus was arriving at the treasury with his bodyguards, the Lord of spirits and all authority produced an apparition so great that those who had been bold enough to accompany Heliodorus were panic-stricken at God’s power and fainted away in terror. 2 Maccabees 3:24
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
Are they not all ministering spirits sent to serve, for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14
17. Star
There are passages in the Bible, in both the Old Testament and New Testament, where angels are symbolically referred to as a “star.” Consider these examples:
Judges – Stars mentioned in Judges 5:20 are in reference to the armies of angels of the Lord of the heavenly hosts, who would fight for Israel.
Job – The “morning stars” in the Book of Job (Job 38:7) help to show angels have been part of God’s early creation, and they rejoiced in God’s good works of creation.
Daniel – The stars in Daniel 12:3 are in reference to the angels who were tested and found worthy to be with God forever in heaven, and also the souls of the righteous, God’s saints. From the Divine praises, “Blessed by God in His angels and in His saints.”
Like the stars: like the heavenly host, or angels. Source: USCCB
St. Matthew – According to St. Theophylact of Ochrid, a biblical scholar, the star that led the Magi to Christ in St. Matthew’s Gospel was an angelic power because it shone by day, it moved and stopped, and moved from north to south.
Revelation – The seven stars mentioned in Revelation 1:20 are possibly in reference to higher ranking angels such as the principalities who are known to guard countries and churches. It should be noted there are seven angels who stand before the glory of God (Revelation 8:2). The star in the 9th chapter of the Book of Revelation, was possibly symbolic of a fallen angel who was cast down to earth and given authority to unlock an abyss where evil spirits were allowed to afflict humanity on earth. It should also be noted in Revelation 20:1 a good angel was also given a key to the abyss.
From the heavens the stars fought; from their courses they fought against Sisera. Judges 5:20
While the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:7
But those with insight shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, And those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever. Daniel 12:3
Saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” Matthew 2:2
Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. Matthew 2:7
After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9
They were overjoyed at seeing the star, Matthew 2:10
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
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
18. Watchers
Watchers are only mentioned in the Book of Daniel, specifically in chapter four, where King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream. A watcher (an angel) comes down from heaven and announces that a tree that reached up to heaven be cut down. The prophet Daniel interpreted the dream and said the tree was symbolic of the king himself, while the watcher’s decree to cut down the tree is a divine judgment due to the king’s pride.
Watchers in the Book of Daniel are holy and righteous angels of God who have been given the task of governance over human affairs on earth. It would seem they monitor what we are doing (or not doing), report our activities to God, and carry out God’s commands and judgments based upon their angelic observations. Another translation refers to the watchers as sentinels. Sentinels watch over and guard things.
Finally, consider Church Father St. Jerome’s comment about the holy watchers:
It signifies the angels, because…they ever keep watch and are prepared to carry out God’s command. – St. Jerome
In the vision I saw while in bed, a holy watcher came down from heaven Daniel 4:10
By decree of the watchers is this proclamation, by order of the holy ones, this sentence; That all who live may know that the Most High is sovereign over human kingship, Giving it to whom he wills, and setting it over the lowliest of mortals.’ Daniel 4:14
As for the king’s vision of a holy watcher, who came down from heaven and proclaimed: ‘Cut down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump in the earth. Bound with iron and bronze, let him be fed with the grass of the field, and bathed with the dew of heaven; let his lot be with wild beasts till seven years pass over him’— Daniel 4:20
“We must be grateful to angels for the great love with which they obey and come to help us in our great need.” – St. Bernard
