According to polls, over 70 percent of Americans believe in angels and more than 30 percent are said to have seen one.

According to the Bible, in Colossians 1:16, they are created by God.

“For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.”

Hebrews 13:2 says “we often entertain angels unaware.” The ones who visited Abraham appeared as men. They could talk and walk, washed their feet, rested and ate food that had been prepared for them (Genesis 18: 4-5).

“He said, If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree.

“Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way — now that you have come to your servant. Very well, they answered, do as you say.”

Their Duties

Bring messages. As when announcing to Mary that she would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-28).

“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The Virgin’s name was Mary.

“The angel went to her and said, greetings, you who are highly favored! God is with you”

Protect God’s people. One was sent by God to protect Daniel when he was in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:22) “and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.”

Provide guidance. Exodus 14:19 says: “Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them.”

Bring punishment. God gave David three choices. Each was a form of punishment God had told the people they could expect if they disobeyed His laws.

David wisely chose to cast himself upon God’s mercy (2 Samuel 24:15-16). “So the Lord sent a plague on Israel from that morning until the end of the time designated, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died.

Fight the forces of evil.

The king of Aram had sent a strong force of men and chariots to capture Elisha (2 Kings 6:17).

“And Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

Some are good; some are evil. The evil ones are allied with Satan and have considerably less power than the good ones belonging to God, especially the Archangels (Revelations 12:7).