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Christianity--Church History/What does powers and principalities mean

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Expert: - 1/15/2012


Question
I was reading this book called the dictionary of angles and the author said something about finding out if the angles listed in the book of Enoch were powers or principalities. What does powers and principalities mean in terms of being used to classify spiritual entities.

Answer
My dear friend,
that is a great question and one worthy of a complete answer.  This may take a paragraph or two, and it may seem like meandering, but i'll answer the way my wind work...

Powers and Principalities is a term used several times in the New Testament. In each case, it referred to the earthly powers of empires.  This term or phrase was also a preamble to the battle that wages between the evil spirits, demons, or demonic activities between them and mankind. In short, it describes how the natural forces or forces of men are not to be feared nor any battle that is purely human vs human.  Indeed it refers to the spiritual battle between the believers, [the body of Christ] and the spiritual realm consisting of numerous minions of satan.

Angels are referred to as heavenly messengers, however not all angels are from God or are part of God's kingdom.  Remember the war in Heaven where a full third of the heavenly host of angels were cast out because of their choice to follow the soon-to- be god of this world. They were cast down to the earth.  Ok, basic stuff right?  Well this is where the distinction of angels(who live in heaven) and those that were cast out may begin to blur in some writings or early writings - especially those during the reformation and middle ages. The Biblical descriptions were , to me, exploited and exaggerated through the fertile imaginations of men. Some of the product of those early era produced strong delusion, outright deceptive viewpoints, and of course the darkest intent to convolute the faith and cause many to stray from the truth.
However, the truth about angels is very hard to completely dilute, but can have some misunderstandings caused by the mere attempts at interpretation written word.  In any case, the term angel can apply to principalities and powers and they exist in the Kingdom of Heaven and God's host of messengers [angels] who carry out his wishes. So, yes, God's angels are spoken of as powers and principalities - but only with regard to God and His Kingdom.  Angels are stationed at many places here in or on earth.  Their duties are well defined and perpetual. There are others who are sent to help mankind at times in many different guises, circumstances, and purposes.  

Take healing for example, angels are involved in healing and softly whispering to those who listen - by receiving the strong sense to do something especially that which is righteous or right. Unfortunately the angels of this earth are capable of similar influences and demonstrations of false powers.  To this end they can only influence, torment, confuse, frighten, or guide many onto the wrong path.  It is still mankind who does the "dirty work" so to speak.  The earth-bound post angelic beings have no power, but are masters of deception and perpetual "thorns" in the side" of humanity.

The angels of God are given real power and those of the evil one are not.  

Christianity--Church History

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Dr Wesley B Ley Rose

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I can answer questions on: Biblical Studies, Biblical History, Church History, Early Christian History, Sociopolitical Background in the Early Church, Biblical Archeology, Biblical Theology, and some Greek

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I did my field work in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan while on active duty in the US Air Force during the period between 1989 to 2000. I served as a Chaplain in five theaters of war and spanning well over a decade. This afforded me the opportunity to view digs, museums and Universities where i was blessed by the staff and many graduate students. I also viewed many original manuscripts, me Archeologists, Anthropologists, and benefited from the direct teachings of Rabbi's and many learned individuals. UI have personally written almost three hundred commentaries, Essays, Treatise, and Theses. I founded my own School on Early Christian History and recently began the process to offer courses in Biblical Archeology. I teach at the local community colleges, churches, and community centers. I have authored seven books and still continue research and study. I recently received my Doctorate in Early Christian History through Scripture Institute.

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Biblical Archeology Society, Paralyzed veterans of America, Habitat for Humanity, Christians with Disabilities, and many more Academic organization not to mention alumnus to many Universities throughout the world including the University of Cairo, University of Tel Aviv, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, King Fadd University, plus so many in the US and the pacific rim. many I just too a few courses, and some are honorary alumni status. Schools such as Cambridge, MIT, Stanford, University of Maryland, Appalachian State University, University of New Mexico, Empires State University, Clemson University, http://www.icjs.org/Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies, and almost a dozen others. I have been attending college since 1977.

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http://scripturestudies.spruz.com/member/?g=68103DCA-9F60-4232-BB0A-CBD142486574; http://cwd.spruz.com/member/?g=8A3552CE-F43E-4867-BD5E-A9F772180B4C; http://moriyahswayministries.spruz.com/member/?g=7E81CAA1-F5D0-4D3A-B7DD-AA49CB4C0B89; http://office.untcilive.org/en/tuckerhall/mylatest.html; http://jesustheonlyway.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?user=3evycepnc6eel; http://lucian.uchicago.edu/workshops/earlychristianstudies; http://ley-academic.spruz.com/; www.lightofchristministry.webs.com; http://books.google.com/books?id=tYEYAAAAIAAJ&dq=related%3AISBN1576072630&source=gbs_slider_thumb; http://studiesinscripture.bravehost.com/index.html; http://firstfollowers.vision.org/first-followers/; http://www.libraryinthepalms.blogspot.com/; http://www.christisdeity.org/; http://www.cacbma.net/index.html; http://msbaptist.org/clients/msbaptist/index1.htm?twindow=Default&smenu=1&mad=No; http://www.icjs.org/; http://independent.academia.edu/drley, etc.

Education/Credentials
I currently Hold two Doctorates in Theology and Divinity. Additionally i hold two separate master's in Biblical History-Biblical Studies, and Early Christian Studies. I'm also enrolled in salt lake Bible College as a Master's seeking a Masters in Christianity through the First 500Yyears. I have three Associate degrees in Electronic Engineering, Teaching, and Biblical Archeology. i was a Communications Engineer and worked in that field along with my Chaplianship; I received a field ordination in Kuwait by the US ARMY, yes the US Army. It's a very long story. Essentially I served in both branches for over five years; officially on loan to the Army when needed.

Awards and Honors
Aside from Military Educational Awards and others, I have been entered into the National Archives, American Honor Society, Who's Who, and National Award of Academic Achievement, Distinguished Graduate Air Force Academy, Magna Cum in all of my Master's Degrees.

Past/Present Clients
I have been a ghost writer for several ministers/evangelists; Trinity International Christian Consultants, Christian Book Reviews, etc, etc

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