Guardian Angels Among Us

Does the Bible teach us about angels visiting us? Can we see them?

In Hebrews 1:14 it says: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? God sends angels “to serve those who will receive salvation.” The Bible also explains to us how those who are saved have guardian angels that are sent to protect us and to be a help when necessary. These will, more often than not, work behind the scenes invisibly.


Many believe that we can see angels much the same as Elisha saw the chariots of fire all around him in 2 Kings 6:15-17."(v15) And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? (v16) And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. (v17) And Elijah prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he might see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." It is true Elisha saw numerous angels but it was a one time event that never repeated again in his life nor any other prophet throughout the whole Old Testament. Elisha did not pray every time to see angels. And neither he nor Elisha prayed this again. He is the only one who participated in this one of a kind revelation.

The Bible promises to give us all insight (by faith) that there is a real spiritual war going on around us at times. Elisha didn't have an experience with the angels but was allowed to see that they were more than the enemy to give him faith in God to face the enemy.

There is no noticeable angelic appearances to man till after Abraham is called. From that time onward there are numerous and frequent references to their ministry on earth (Genesis 18; 19; 24:7,40; 28:12; 32:1). Throughout the Old Testament we have one particular angel, called the Angel of the Lord that continues to appear to guide and protect Israel. This continues from Abraham, to Moses through the exodus and to other key figures of faith. This angel is also known as the "angel of His presence" (Isaiah 63:9 see Exodus 23:20,21; 32:34; 33:2; Numbers 20:16).

Hebrews 1:7: “And of the angels he saith, Who maketh His angels winds, And His ministers a flame a fire." This  is best translated as angels that are swift as wind, rapidly doing Gods will, ministering judgment for God. In this scripture, angels are the spirit creatures God sends according to the need of their service; in this case, being a “flame of fire” is about judgment. The Old Testament makes this clear Ps. 21:8-9: “Your hand will find all Your enemies; your right hand will find those who hate You. You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger; the LORD shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the FIRE shall devour them.”

Angels were also active in the beginning of the New Testament period with those who were connected with the Messiah. In Luke.1:11 the New Testament introduces us to an angelic visitation to Zechariah, because his wife would give birth to the forerunner of the Messiah, John. 6 months later (Luke 1:26-38) Gabriel appears to Mary with the news that she would conceive and give birth to a son, telling her "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason the holy child to be born will be called the Son of God." Angels also appear to the shepherds in the field announcing the birth of the Messiah, Luke.2:9. In Matthew.1:20, Joseph is warned in a dream to flee. At least one to two years later while in Egypt, Joseph is again visited in a dream and is told to leave Egypt and go to Israel because its now safe to do so (Matthew 2:19).

The angels give instruction and are sent to comfort and minister, to protect the saints (Hebrews 2:16), especially the apostles who were the leaders to the church in its infancy. Angels are sent to His children to escort us home upon our physical death. Paul recounts “For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you" (Acts 27:23-25)

Angels are not to be worshiped nor summoned for our purpose. Only God can order them to do His bidding. They are subject to the commands of God, NOT man. They are creatures of our Creator for His purpose. He has created them to minister to us, give us instruction, to comfort us and protect His saints. Ultimately, they learn from US. They are made lower than us and for a good reason. In Hebrews 2:5-8 it tells us this, “For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying: "What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet." For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him." The "Him" that is being spoken of in this scripture is Jesus! Everything under God has been made subject to Jesus Christ our Savior!

Angels Escorting us Home

If it's the Will of God then He will allow someone to see their guardian angel if it will serve His purpose. Mostly, they will be commanded to do their service behind the scenes, when God tells them to do what He wants them to do. If you think long enough and hard enough, I am certain you will find that you have felt the protection of one of His angels in a time of need. They usually do their service invisibly so as not to take away from the very one that is commanding them in the first place! God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But don't be fooled by the fallen angels, because they too, want to mock the very thing God has made good. Test ALL spirits against the Word of God!