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What the Bible Says About Angels

Overview

The Bible addresses angels across 21 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Acts and Daniel. Closely related themes include Angel (1), Herod, Peter and Prisoners. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Peter, Daniel and David.

Key Bible verses about angels

New Testament

Matthew

Matthew 13:39

The enemy that sowed them is the devil;1161 the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

Matthew 13:40

As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

Matthew 13:41

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; things: or, scandals

Matthew 13:42

And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 28:5

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

Matthew 28:6

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Matthew 28:7

And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

Acts

Acts 12:7

And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

Acts 12:8

And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

Acts 12:9

And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

Acts 12:10

When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

Acts 12:11

And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

People in the Bible and angels

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying angels for yourself

  • Begin with Daniel 9:21, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Matthew, Acts and Daniel each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Jesus, Peter and Daniel and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Angel (1), Herod, Peter and Prisoners.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about angels?

The Bible addresses angels across 21 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Acts and Daniel. Closely related themes include Angel (1), Herod, Peter and Prisoners. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Peter, Daniel and David.

How many Bible verses are about angels?

The Bible references angels in 21 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention angels?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Daniel 9:21: “Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. swiftly: Heb. with weariness, or, flight”

Which people in the Bible are associated with angels?

Jesus, Peter, Daniel and David.

Preach & teach

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