The concept of the Four Angels is primarily derived from the Book of Revelation, where they play a significant role in the unfolding of apocalyptic events. These angels are often interpreted as divine agents executing God's judgment and are associated with the end times.

Revelation 7:1-3
In Revelation 7:1-3, the Four Angels are depicted as standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds to prevent any harm from coming to the land, sea, or trees. This act of restraint occurs until the servants of God are sealed on their foreheads. The passage reads:
"After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 'Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the foreheads of the servants of our God.'"

This imagery suggests a period of divine protection and preparation before the unleashing of God's judgment. The sealing of the servants of God is often interpreted as a mark of divine ownership and protection, ensuring their safety amidst the forthcoming tribulations.

Revelation 9:13-15
Further mention of the Four Angels occurs in Revelation 9:13-15, where they are bound at the great river Euphrates. Upon the sounding of the sixth trumpet, these angels are released to kill a third of mankind. The passage states:
"Then the sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God saying to the sixth angel with the trumpet, 'Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.' So the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind."

Here, the Four Angels are depicted as instruments of divine wrath, prepared for a specific moment in history to execute a portion of God's judgment. The location at the Euphrates, a significant boundary in biblical history, underscores the gravity and scope of their mission.

Symbolism and Interpretation
The Four Angels are often interpreted symbolically, representing the universality of God's control over the earth and the comprehensive nature of His judgment. The "four corners of the earth" and the "four winds" suggest a global reach, indicating that no part of creation is beyond God's sovereign authority.

In conservative Christian theology, the actions of the Four Angels are seen as part of the divine plan to bring about the fulfillment of God's kingdom. Their role in the apocalyptic narrative underscores the themes of divine justice, protection for the faithful, and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes.

Theological Significance
The presence and actions of the Four Angels in Revelation highlight the tension between divine mercy and judgment. While they hold back the winds to allow for the sealing of God's servants, they are also agents of destruction when released. This dual role reflects the biblical theme of God's patience and desire for repentance, juxtaposed with the certainty of His righteous judgment.

The Four Angels serve as a reminder of the spiritual realities that govern the world and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Their depiction in Revelation calls believers to remain steadfast in faith, assured of God's protection and ultimate victory over evil.