A biblical investigation of angels in the Epistles of Paul

Abstract

The progressive and unique participation of angels throughout Salvation history invites us to undertake further investigation into the relevance of these objectively real non-corporal beings as presented by Paul in his Epistles. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states “the church in her liturgy joins with the angels to adore God and invokes their assistance” (335). Angels are created non-corporal beings and they assist, accompany and intercede for God between creator and creation. Some angels are well known such as Gabriel, Michael and Raphael but others simply infuse human life with their presence. Consequently it is reasonable to consider angels as being a part of our Christian lives. More often than not though, they are forgotten and not considered to be an important subject for theological study. This study whilst starting with angels in Hebrew Scripture moves its focus to angels in the New Testament, most particularly, in Pauls’ letters. Does Paul use angels in the same way that he uses other Old Testament themes? Is Paul’s Christology connected to angelology? By referring to angelic episodes in Hebrew Scriptures and noting Paul’s extensive use of Jewish Scripture in his theology, this study aims to answer these questions. Angels in Paul are not prolific and he does not present a systematic account of angelic beings but he does recognise them as being amongst a host of other heavenly beings under the two terms, ‘principalities and powers.’ Dominika Kuck- Chomyez boldly states that, angels in Paul are, “guardians of the Old at the dawn of the New.”