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Figure of Christianity
The angels.
Messengers and ministers — Gabriel announces, Michael contends; created spirits in service, never to be worshipped.
Names & titlesGabriel, Michael, Raphael; the seraphim and cherubim
DomainMessage, protection, praise
Depicted asWinged since the fourth century; six wings for the seraphim
StandingVenerated, never worshipped
Understanding it — context, not catechism: how this passage is held
Angels in Christianity inherit the Jewish framework — messengers, not objects of worship — and then acquire a great deal of medieval elaboration: nine orders in a hierarchy from seraphim down, guardian angels assigned to individuals, and a rich iconography that the Reformation trimmed back sharply. The doctrinal line is guarded: veneration of angels was condemned early, and the New Testament twice shows an angel refusing worship. Popular devotion has consistently pushed against that line, and the churches have consistently pushed back.
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