Angels in the New Testament
Just like in the Old Testament, there are angels in the New Testament. However, a shift has taken place in the role that angels fulfil.
Change in the Representation of Angels
After the Babylonian exile
- Angels are now also spirits who have power over countries and certain natural phenomena.
- Angels can intercede for people with God.
- There is a heavenly army of angels.
- A group of angels once rebelled against God. They are led by Satan
. - There is a hierarchy in the world of angels, with the archangels
at the top.
Monotheism
The change in the representation of angels had to do with a stricter, monotheistic view of God: there was no longer any room for other gods and lower gods. They were, in a sense, degraded to the rank of angel. There was now a clearer distinction between the one, unique God and many angels.
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