Ministering Spirits

Ministering Spirits

The feast of Michael and All Angels (Michaelmas) falls on September 29 — one of the oldest feasts in the Christian calendar. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael appear in Scripture as the named archangels. But the unnamed angels appear far more frequently — protecting, guiding, delivering messages, strengthening those in crisis (Jesus in Gethsemane, the disciples in prison, John on Patmos). The cumulative picture is of a spiritual reality working actively on behalf of those who belong to God. What we see is not all there is. The seen world is shot through with the unseen work of angelic ministry on behalf of the saints.

Hebrews 1:14 is a remarkable verse in a remarkable context: it comes in the middle of an argument about Christ's supremacy over the angels. And yet even in emphasizing the gap between Christ and angels, the verse affirms that angels have a real, active ministry in relation to believers — 'sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.' The word 'serve' (leitourgika) refers to official service — the angels have a commission in relation to God's people. Elisha's servant saw the angels on the hills (2 Kings 6:17). The disciples were released from prison by them. You are accompanied by more than you can see. The company around you is larger than the visible ones.