“The ministry of angels seems to fall into well-defined categories involving their work on behalf of various individuals or groups. Their ministry to Christ. There was an extra measure of angelic activity during our Lord’s lifetime. For instance, they predicted His birth (Lk 1:26-33), they announced His birth (Lk 2:13), they protected Him as a baby (Mt 2:13), they strengthened Him after His temptation (Mt 4:11), they were prepared to defend Him from His enemies (though He did not call upon them, Mt 26:53), they strengthened Him in Gethsemane (Lk 22:43), they rolled away the stone from the tomb and announced His resurrection (Mt 28:2, 6). Their ministry to believers. In general angels help believers (Heb 1:14). Specifically, this may include being involved in answering prayer (Ac 12:7), giving encouragement in times of danger (Ac 27:23-24) and caring for believers at death (Lk 16:22; Jude 9). In addition, believers minister to angels by showing them what redemption means in life (1 Co 4:9; Lk 15:10). Their ministry to the nations of the world. We have already noticed that Michael is designated the archangel. He is also specially related to Israel as her guardian (Dan 12:1). It seems, too, that other nations have angels assigned to them (Dan 10:21). Clearly, angels will be involved in executing the judgments of the tribulation period on the nations of the world at that time (Rev 8, 9, 16). Their ministry to unbelievers. It was an angel who smote Herod which resulted in his death as punishment for his arrogance (Ac 12:23). At the end of the age, angels will act as the reapers who separate the righteous from the wicked (Mt 13:39). These are some of the things good angels do. Evil angels are also involved in the affairs of men and the world, but more of this later. Of course, God would not have to use angels in carrying out the details of His plan, but He has chosen to do so. This does not mean that we worship angels any more than we would worship the circumstances or the friends God might use in carrying out His plan. But since He has chosen to use them, we should give due consideration and thanks to God for angels. In an old church in Scotland are inscribed these words which put the matter in proper balance: “Though God’s Power Be Sufithink to Governe Us, Yet for Man’s Infirmitie He appointeth His Angels to Watch over Us.”
A Survey of Bible Doctrine © 1972 by
Charles C. Ryrie
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