The term "Angel" as a title or name for Christ is a fascinating aspect of biblical theology, reflecting His divine role as a messenger and mediator between God and humanity. In Scripture, the word "angel" is derived from the Greek "angelos" and the Hebrew "malak," both meaning "messenger." While angels are typically created beings serving God, certain passages in the Bible refer to a unique "Angel of the LORD," who is understood by many conservative theologians to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.

The Angel of the LORD

The "Angel of the LORD" is a distinct figure in the Old Testament, often identified with God Himself. This figure appears in several key narratives, displaying attributes and authority that go beyond those of a mere created angel. For instance, in Genesis 16:7-13, the Angel of the LORD appears to Hagar, and she recognizes Him as God, saying, "You are the God who sees me" (Genesis 16:13). This encounter suggests a theophany, a visible manifestation of God, which many interpret as a Christophany, an appearance of Christ before His incarnation.

In Exodus 3:2-6, the Angel of the LORD appears to Moses in the burning bush. The text states, "There the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush" (Exodus 3:2). As the narrative unfolds, the Angel speaks as God, declaring, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Exodus 3:6). This identification with God Himself supports the interpretation of the Angel as a pre-incarnate Christ.

Mediator and Messenger

The role of the Angel as a mediator and messenger aligns with Christ's mission in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the Angel of the LORD often delivers messages of guidance, protection, and judgment, prefiguring Christ's work as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. In Judges 2:1, the Angel of the LORD declares, "I brought you up from Egypt and led you into the land I had promised to your fathers" , emphasizing His active role in the salvation history of Israel.

The Angel in Prophecy

The prophetic literature also contains references to an angelic figure associated with the coming Messiah. In Malachi 3:1, the prophet writes, "Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—behold, He is coming," says the LORD of Hosts" . This "Messenger of the covenant" is often interpreted as a reference to Christ, who fulfills the new covenant through His life, death, and resurrection.

Revelation and the Angelic Christ

In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation presents Christ in a majestic, angelic form. Revelation 10:1 describes a "mighty angel" coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud and a rainbow upon his head. While interpretations vary, some see this as a symbolic representation of Christ's authority and glory, consistent with His role as the divine messenger and judge.

In summary, the title "Angel" as applied to Christ in Scripture highlights His unique role as the divine messenger and mediator. Through the appearances of the Angel of the LORD in the Old Testament and the prophetic and apocalyptic imagery in the New Testament, we gain a deeper understanding of Christ's eternal presence and mission in God's redemptive plan.Genesis 48:16
The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the middle of the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 23:20,21
Behold, I send an Angel before you, to keep you in the way, and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

The Angel of the Bottomless Pit
... Names And Titles of the Antichrist 25 ... Other names of the Antichrist which the student
may look up are ... comparisons and contrasts between him and the Christ of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/25 the angel of the.htm

He Produces Testimonies to the Same Doctrine from the Apostle Paul ...
... a distinction of power from the different names given to ... make a difference of Person
owing to variety of titles. You cannot say: Christ was born of Mary, but ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter iv he produces testimonies.htm

To Bishop Timotheus.
... the incarnation, He is called also by the titles which are ... With them that are
right-minded some names are plainly ... are properly used of the Lord Christ, for in ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxxx to bishop timotheus.htm

Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour ... Our high priest has all the names and
wants of his people ... Though Christ be in glory, he knows how to pity and succour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm

Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... There are several names and titles in Scripture ... Christ alone is the well-spring of
life; the ordinance is the conduit-pipe that conveys salvation, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 christ the mediator of.htm

There are Various Figures in the Old Testament of the Wood of the ...
... Him their share in the names of kings and anointed: just as He Himself received
from the Father the titles of King, and Christ, and Priest, and Angel, and such ...
/.../chapter lxxxvi there are various figures.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... And He is called by two names, Jesus Christ; Jesus, because He saves,"Christ, because
He ... the inspired Prophet Moses conferred these two titles on two ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

The Doctrine of Satan.
... of the nature and character of the evil one by the names and titles ascribed to
him ... phase of his work is well illustrated in the temptation of Christ (Matt.4 ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of satan.htm

Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ...
... heart, purpose and design; in which respect they get many titles, otherwise unsuitable ...
ornament worn by the high priest, so the names of Christ's elect were ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/fragrant spices from the mountains.htm

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