Angels: Know and Delight in the Gospel of Christ
Jump to: Torrey'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Angels, as spiritual beings created by God, play a significant role in the biblical narrative, serving as messengers, warriors, and worshipers. Their existence and activities are woven throughout Scripture, revealing their deep connection to the divine plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. This entry explores the relationship between angels and the Gospel of Christ, highlighting their knowledge and delight in God's redemptive work.

Angelic Knowledge of the Gospel

Angels possess a profound understanding of God's redemptive plan, as evidenced by their involvement in key events throughout biblical history. They were present at the announcement of Christ's birth, as seen in Luke 2:10-11 : "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!'" This proclamation underscores their awareness of the significance of Jesus' incarnation.

Furthermore, angels are depicted as eager observers of God's unfolding plan of salvation. In 1 Peter 1:12 , it is written, "It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they spoke of the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look." This passage suggests that angels are deeply interested in the mysteries of the Gospel, indicating their desire to comprehend the full scope of God's grace and mercy.

Angelic Delight in the Gospel

Angels not only know the Gospel but also delight in it, rejoicing in the fulfillment of God's promises. Their joy is evident in the heavenly celebration at the birth of Christ, as described in Luke 2:13-14 : "And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!'"

Moreover, angels rejoice over the repentance and salvation of sinners. In Luke 15:10 , Jesus states, "In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." This joy reflects their delight in witnessing the transformative power of the Gospel and the expansion of God's kingdom.

Angelic Role in the Gospel Narrative

Throughout the New Testament, angels are depicted as active participants in the Gospel narrative. They ministered to Jesus after His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11) and strengthened Him in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). Their presence at the resurrection of Christ further underscores their integral role in the Gospel account. In Matthew 28:5-6 , an angel announces to the women at the tomb, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said."

Angelic Worship of Christ

Angels are depicted as worshipers of Christ, acknowledging His divine authority and majesty. Hebrews 1:6 declares, "And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says: 'Let all God’s angels worship Him.'" This command highlights the reverence and adoration angels have for Jesus, recognizing Him as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.

In Revelation, angels are portrayed as part of the heavenly chorus that exalts the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 5:11-12 describes this scene: "Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels and living creatures and elders encircling the throne, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. In a loud voice they said: 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!'"

Through their knowledge, delight, and worship, angels serve as celestial witnesses to the Gospel of Christ, reflecting the glory and majesty of God's redemptive plan. Their presence in the biblical narrative offers a glimpse into the heavenly realm, where the Gospel is celebrated and revered by all of God's creation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Ephesians 3:9,10
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 1:12
To whom it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to us they did minister the things, which are now reported to you by them that have preached the gospel to you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ and the Sadduccees
... contrary we shall know what we know not now ... is an utterly unwarrantable assumption
that angels are wholly ... against this same doctrine which delight the infidel ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 12 18-27 christ and the.htm

All Fulness in Christ
... in its abundant store it offers another source of delight. ... Go to your dupes who know
not Christ, but those ... confidence in men, ay, or even in angels, by making ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/all fulness in christ.htm

Under the Apple Tree. "I Sat Down under his Shadow with Great ...
... like that others should be witnesses of the delight which now ... You know what it means,
do you not? ... the heavenly Bridegroom, you wanted to tell the angels of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/under the apple tree i sat.htm

The Glorious Gospel
... is concerned, it is our joy and our delight to preach ... We know that Jesus Christ who
came into the world to ... to this lower world, he was adored by angels as the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the glorious gospel.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxi. 19, Where Jesus Dried up ...
... would say to us, "I have no delight in the ... rising from the earth to heaven, and Angels
ascending and ... without guile." [2977] And this Jacob ye know was called ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxix on the words.htm

Of Justification by Christ
... of the subject (for who can but delight to talk ... we should be healed," Isaiah 53:6.
The angels at his ... However, this we know, that the judge of all the earth will ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/of justification by christ.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John xvi. 24, "Hitherto have Ye Asked ...
... speak with the tongues of men and Angels, but have not ... Thou shalt not lust;" that
he might know his enemy ... of pleasure be kept down, unlawful delight be utterly ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xcv on the words.htm

Glorious Predestination
... ears, yet in the teaching of the gospel of Jesus ... Angels know not evil; have never
had to battle with evil ... and cheerfully for ever shall it be our delight to do ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/glorious predestination.htm

Christ's Pastoral Prayer for his People
... that, in these deep central truths of the gospel we may ... to Christ, he takes a still
greater delight in us ... you once get to heaven, when the angels know all that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/christs pastoral prayer for his.htm

Psalm LXXXVII.
... "Know ye not, that we shall judge Angels," [4043] he ... there shall be such joy there
as we know not here ... but there is nothing to compare with that delight, but it ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxvii.htm

Resources
How many angels are there? | GotQuestions.org

What is the hierarchy of angels? | GotQuestions.org

Can angels reproduce? | GotQuestions.org

Angels: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Angels

Angels and Humans

Angels are Elect

Angels are Examples of Meekness

Angels are Holy

Angels are Innumerable

Angels are Mighty

Angels are Ministering Spirits

Angels are of Different Orders

Angels are Subject to Christ

Angels are Wise

Angels of the Seven Churches

Angels Singing

Angels: Announced: The Ascension and Second Coming of Christ

Angels: Announced: The Birth of Christ

Angels: Announced: The Conception of Christ

Angels: Announced: The Conception of John the Baptist

Angels: Announced: The Resurrection of Christ

Angels: Celebrate the Praises of God

Angels: Communicate the Will of God and Christ

Angels: Created by God and Christ

Angels: Execute the Judgments of God

Angels: Execute the Purposes of God

Angels: Have Charge Over the Children of God

Angels: Know and Delight in the Gospel of Christ

Angels: Minister to Christ

Angels: Ministration of, Obtained by Prayer

Angels: Not to be Worshipped

Angels: Obey the Will of God

Angels: Rejoice Over Every Repentant Sinner

Angels: Shall Attend Christ at his Second Coming

Angels: Shall Execute the Purposes of Christ

Angels: The Law Given by the Ministration of

Angels: Worship God and Christ

Related Terms

Manoah (14 Occurrences)

Wormwood (10 Occurrences)

Tasted (18 Occurrences)

Mingled (62 Occurrences)

Belly (62 Occurrences)

Ascended (48 Occurrences)

Sweet (147 Occurrences)

Sour (15 Occurrences)

Smoke (98 Occurrences)

Stomach (40 Occurrences)

Eaten (211 Occurrences)

Honey (62 Occurrences)

Incense (167 Occurrences)

Ate (138 Occurrences)

Perfume (202 Occurrences)

King (25505 Occurrences)

Bel (3 Occurrences)

Dragon (20 Occurrences)

Bitter (203 Occurrences)

Roll (57 Occurrences)

Angels (99 Occurrences)

Angel (209 Occurrences)

Star (16 Occurrences)

Saints (117 Occurrences)

Rose (279 Occurrences)

Anger (387 Occurrences)

Prayers (99 Occurrences)

Mouth (534 Occurrences)

Christ (573 Occurrences)

Book (211 Occurrences)

Angels: Have Charge Over the Children of God
Top of Page
Top of Page