Angels are real spiritual beings that play an important role in the lives of believers. While some Christians dismiss angels as mystical nonsense, others make the mistake of becoming overly fixated on them. The biblical truth lies in the middle: angels are "ministering spirits sent to minister to those who are heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1:14).
The Bible contains numerous accounts of angelic encounters. In Acts 12, we find a powerful story of Peter's supernatural prison break. Herod had already executed James the apostle and planned to do the same to Peter after the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Peter was heavily guarded by four squads of soldiers (about 16 men), chained between two guards with more stationed at the door.
While the church was in constant prayer for Peter, an angel appeared in his cell. This angelic encounter demonstrates several important aspects of how angels operate:
Angels continue to minister to believers in various ways:
Many believers can testify to moments when their lives were spared through what appears to be angelic intervention. These aren't just coincidences but divine protection. How many times have our lives been preserved because God sent an angel? We may never know until eternity.
Just as an angel strengthened Jesus after His temptation in the wilderness and during His prayer in Gethsemane, angels can strengthen believers physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Throughout Scripture, angels often appear to deliver specific messages from God. While we should be cautious about claiming angelic visitations, God can still use angels to communicate with His people today.
Angels can be involved in the healing process. In Scripture, we see the angel stirring the waters at Bethesda where healing occurred. Even when believers pray for healing today, angels may be present and participating in ways we cannot see.
It's important to discern between genuine angelic ministry and counterfeit spiritual experiences. Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light, and demonic forces can mimic supernatural phenomena.
True angelic ministry will:
False spiritual manifestations typically:
When we experience what may be angelic activity (like being awakened in the night, feeling a touch when no one is there, or receiving an unusual prompting), we should:
Remember that angels are servants, not objects of worship. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes this point: "God sends angels to serve us, but God sent Jesus to save us."
This week, I challenge you to develop a balanced biblical perspective on angels. Acknowledge their reality and ministry without becoming fixated on them. Keep Jesus at the center of your spiritual life while remaining open to how God might use angels to minister to you.
Ask yourself:
Remember, the ultimate purpose of angelic ministry is to help fulfill God's purposes in our lives so we can effectively share the gospel and bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.