Angels worship and serve God
The Bible first presents angels as servants of God, not independent spiritual powers or lucky charms. Isaiah saw seraphim around God’s throne, overwhelmed by his holiness and honouring him continually (Isaiah 6:1-3). John later saw countless angels praising the Lamb, Jesus Christ, in heaven (Revelation 5:11-12).
Hebrews calls angels ministering spirits sent out in God’s service (Hebrews 1:14). They are impressive creatures, but they are not the centre of the story. When John fell down before an angel in awe, the angel stopped him and told him to worship God (Revelation 19:10).
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
They bring God’s messages
The Greek word angelos, behind our word “angel”, means messenger. Angels sometimes bring clear words from God at crucial moments. Gabriel came to Mary in Nazareth and told her that she would give birth to Jesus, God’s promised Son (Luke 1:26-27; Luke 1:30-31).
An angel also announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds watching their flocks near Bethlehem (Luke 2:8-11). The angels did not draw attention to themselves. Their news directed the shepherds to the Saviour, who had been born for them.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
They may help God’s people
At times, God sends angels to strengthen, protect, or rescue people. In Jerusalem, an angel led Peter out of Herod’s prison while the church prayed for him (Acts 12:7-11). Psalm 91 describes God’s care with the picture of angels guarding those who rest in him (Psalm 91:11-12).
Still, this is not a promise that every believer will be rescued from every danger. In the same period of persecution, Herod killed James, the brother of John, before Peter was imprisoned (Acts 12:1-2). God’s care is real, even when we cannot predict how he will act or understand why suffering remains.
They take part in God’s justice
Jesus said angels will have a role when God finally deals with evil. In his explanation of the parable of the weeds, he describes angels gathering those who persist in wickedness as God brings his kingdom to its full expression (Matthew 13:41-42). The New Testament also speaks of Jesus appearing with his mighty angels (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8).
That is a sober part of their work, but it carries hope too. Evil will not rule forever. So, what do angels do? They worship God, deliver his messages, serve according to his will, and share in his justice. Scripture encourages us not to become preoccupied with angels, but to know and trust the God whom they serve.
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.