ANGELS
By Dr. Joel Dabbas
Introduction:
Angels are often viewed as mystical beings, but the Bible reveals they are real, active participants in God’s Kingdom. From guiding us to protecting us, angels serve a vital role in our spiritual journey. In this post, I’ll share insights into their purpose, how they’re named, and how they work in our lives. I pray this encourages you to recognize the angels God has placed around you.
One of the principles of God that is now common among men is christening (giving names). But christening is not merely a human custom — it is a spiritual order and dimension God first brought man into.
In Genesis 2:19, the Bible records that God brought all that He had created to man to see what he would call them. The first expression of divine wisdom in a man was in how he called things.
Man named things on three levels:
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As prophecy — what the thing is destined to become. (Genesis 2:19)
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As its use and function — what the thing is designed to do. (Genesis 1:26-28)
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As its appreciation — how the thing is admired or valued. (Genesis 2:19)
I believe these (and more) are the reasons behind the naming of angelic beings.
The Names of Angels
The first time the name Michael is mentioned in the Bible, it was not the name of an angel but of a man — and it is a Hebrew name. (Daniel 10:13, Daniel 10:21) When the angel Gabriel introduced himself to Daniel, he also used a Hebrew name. (Daniel 8:16, Daniel 9:21) This does not necessarily mean their names were translated into Hebrew — it could mean that heavenly beings have names understandable within our human languages.
I won’t be surprised if heavenly angels bear names similar to our local dialects — names like Ojochene, Adewale, Sim, Ugo, and so on. Sounds funny, right?
A friend’s mother once had a dream where she met an angel who introduced herself as Agatha. It was her first time hearing of an angel with that name.
Most times in Scripture, the names of angels are hidden because humans have a tendency to idolize beings or things. Great care is taken before a name of an angel is revealed. (Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:8-9) Yet it is good for a believer to regard the activities of angels around them, while not idolizing them or making a big deal out of it.
The last-day Church will work closely with angels. (Hebrews 1:14; Revelation 22:9)
The Form of Angels (Gender, Appearance, and Disguises)
Angels do not have a sustained, static gender. In the heavenly realm, their form is glorious and unimaginable. (Daniel 10:5-6; Ezekiel 1:4-28; Revelation 4:6-8) But in the earthly realm, their appearance is either as male or female, depending on how God sends them to be perceived.
Most angelic appearances in the Bible are in the form of males. (Luke 1:11-13, 26-30; Matthew 28:5-7) However, angels are not bound by a fixed appearance and can appear in a variety of forms to align with the perception of the person they are sent to. God can send them in female form too, especially when that will help someone trust their presence.
For example, a woman who was captured to be killed for ritual sacrifice prayed for God’s mercy. In the dead of night, a glowing female appeared, called her name, broke her chains, and opened the locked cage. The angel also freed another woman in captivity. They followed her for hours through the forest until they reached a highway at dawn — then she vanished. It was only then they realized it was an angel.
Had the angel appeared as a man, they might have been suspicious. This shows that the form an angel takes often relates to how we would perceive and receive them.
Angels can appear in different skin colors, adapting to the cultural context of the individual they are sent to help. This flexibility ensures that the angel’s message is received with trust and understanding, free from cultural biases.
Angels can even serve as powerful decoy entities, appearing in diverse forms or disguises to fulfill God’s purpose in ways that humans might not expect. They can show up in familiar forms—such as a loved one or someone who speaks the same language—to ensure that their presence is understood and accepted.
For example, a person may encounter an angel who appears as a dark-skinned individual or a light-skinned figure, depending on the cultural background or personal experiences of the one receiving the visitation. This doesn't alter the angel's divine mission; it simply helps the individual perceive the angel in a way that makes the encounter more relatable and trustworthy.
This flexibility in appearance—whether male or female, of different skin colors, or even disguised—reflects how God meets us where we are, adapting His divine messengers to the needs of the people they are sent to help.
The Functions of Angels
Angels have myriads of functions. Their primary function is to worship God and act on His word. (Revelation 4:8; Hebrews 1:6)
But they also serve the people of God. Serving you may include:
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Fighting battles (Daniel 10:13, 21)
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Opening closed doors (Acts 5:19)
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Breaking down obstacles (2 Kings 19:35)
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Preserving and protecting you (Psalm 91:11-12)
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Directing and guiding you (Acts 8:26)
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Helping and strengthening you (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43)
There are angels for breakthrough, angels of good speed, angels of favor, angels of glory, and angels of announcement (those who announce your ministry, business, or calling to the world). (Luke 1:11-13, 26-30; Daniel 9:21-23)
The Language of Angels
Angelic beings have a heavenly language unknown to man, but they have the ability to communicate in the local language you understand. They can speak English, Idoma, Ibibio, Zulu, French, Igala, Arabic, Chinese — whatever you understand, they can communicate it to you. (1 Corinthians 13:1; Acts 2:4-11)
Personal Angels
You may have heard people say, “The angel that works with me.” Abraham said that often. (Genesis 24:7, 40) Isaac echoed, “The angel who worked with my father Abraham works with me also.” (Genesis 31:11-13)
There are angels that work with individuals, with ministries, with businesses, and with specific callings. (Exodus 23:20-22; Acts 12:7-10; 1 Kings 19:5-7)
Final Thoughts
Angels are not mystical beings far away from us. They are Kingdom realities for genuine Kingdom people to enjoy.
Enjoy the ministry of angels from today! (Psalm 103:20; Hebrews 1:14)
If you’ve been blessed by this post, please feel free to share it with others.
For More Information About Dr. Joel Dabbas
Dr. Joel Dabbas is a passionate believer and teacher with a heart for equipping the body of Christ through biblical truths and spiritual insights. His teachings focus on understanding God’s Word and applying it to our daily lives, particularly in areas of spiritual warfare, angels, and divine protection.
To learn more about Dr. Dabbas and his ministry, please visit www.dabbasjoel.blogapot.com or follow him on https://www.facebook.com/share/1Aa5qSK5Hu/ for regular updates and teachings.
