AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Thank you for an unusual question, but one that may exercise more people than might be thought.
Let’s start by defining an angel, in Biblical terms. The Greek word from which we get the English language ‘angel’ simply means ‘messenger’. So, right away, we may define angels as God’s messengers – just one means of communicating His will to human beings. Heb.1:13-14 makes it clear that they are also “… servants. … spirits sent from God to care for those who will receive salvation.” (NLT). However, they are also created beings. Indeed, they are “… servant(s) of God …” (Rev.22:9) just like any believer, and are certainly not to be worshipped! (Rev.22:8).
The Scriptures certainly records instances in which angels have manifest themselves in a visible form. One of the earliest is in Gen.16:7ff where we read that an angel appeared to Hagar, the bondservant of Sarah, who was pregnant with Abraham’s child. I find it difficult to believe that Hagar merely heard a disembodied voice, or had an hallucinatory vision! Of course, this passage refers, not just to an angel, but to “the angel of YHWH” – interpreted by many commentators (and by myself!) as a reference to the pre-incarnate Son.
In the New Testament, the first (chronologically speaking) reference is in Luke 1:11, where an angel appears to Zachariah, the husband of Elizabeth, and father of John the Baptiser. When we consider the conversation that follows, we are left with no other reasonable explanation than that this angel – who identifies himself as Gabriel – was fully visible to the elderly priest. However, I would not want to say that he resembled a Raphaelite 6 feet tall, long golden locks, white gown, wings sprouting from his shoulder-blades, and a halo encircling his head, figure – although, of course, that may be exactly what Zachariah saw.
The same angel – or archangel – appeared to Mary, to inform her that she had been chosen to be the human mother of the promised Messiah; and the angel that appeared to the Roman centurion, Cornelius, is said to have “departed” (Acts10:7, KJV).
A study of the words “angel” and “angels”, using a good concordance, will direct you to many other such instances. It is certainly a legitimate area of study for the believer – although we should not be wasting time with the mediaeval issues such as ‘how many angels can stand on the head of a pin?’!!
One last thought. The writer of the Letter to Hebrew Christians reminds them (and us): “Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realising it!” (13:2). Angels, I believe, often appear to believers – and perhaps to unbelievers as well – without any apparent indication of their origin and being.
I trust that this has been of some help, and would recommend the book “Angels: God’s secret agents” by Billy Graham, in which he devotes a whole chapter to your question, and deals with it much more fully than I have been able to do here.
Blessings
C.Brian Ross (Rev)
