The origin of angels. Angels are created beings (Ps. 148: 2-5). Hence, angels are not to be worshipped (Col. 2: 8). Angels were created as free moral agents. Some remained loyal to God, others rebelled (2 Pet. 2: 4)
The design and purpose of angels. As seen, angels are primarily God's messengers (Matt. 1: 20). Angels also minister or serve. Speaking of angels the Hebrews writer wrote, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Heb. 1: 14.) Angels have also served as instruments (though whom God has worked, Gen. 19: 13)
Similarities between angels and man. Both angels and man were created by God (Ps. 148: 2-5, Gen. 1, 2). Hence, both are subservient to God (Heb. 1: 6, Matt. 4: 10). Angels and man are also both free moral agents (freedom of choice in service, 2 Pet. 2: 4, 6; Gen. 2, 3). At times, angels have resembled man physically (Gen. 18: 1-22)
Dissimilarities between angels and man. Angels are now superior to man (2 Pet. 2: 11). Angels are genderless (Matt. 22: 30). In this vein, angels do not marry or procreate (Matt. 22: 30). Moreover, angels are spirit beings and are not heirs of God as man is (Heb. 1: 14; I Pet. 1: 12, Rom. 8: 17)
Angelic activity. Angels were the agents in the destruction of the cities of the plain (Gen. 19), an angel destroyed the Assyrian army (2 Kgs. 19), and angels were associated with the birth of Jesus (Matt. 2: 13, ch. 1). The "angel of the Lord" rolled back the stone from the door of Jesus' grave (Matt. 28: 2), and two were present at Jesus' ascension (Acts 1: 10). Angels comforted Jesus and Paul (Matt. 4: 11, Acts 27: 23 ff.). Angels shall accompany Jesus in the Judgment and shall separate the saved and the lost (Matt. 13: 36 ff.).
