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''This article is about the supernatural being. For the TV show, see [[Angel (TV Show)]]''

''This article is about the supernatural being. For the TV show, see [[Angel (TV Show)]]''

[[Image:Jajaja.jpg|right|thumb|The Archangel Michael by Guido Reni]]

[[Image:Jajaja.jpg|right|thumb|The Archangel Michael by Guido Reni]]

According to Christian belief, '''Angels''' are the servants of [[God]]. Angels announce the word of God<ref>Luke 1:26-38</ref>, protect God's people<ref>Dan 6:22</ref>, and enforce God's will<ref>Matthew 13:41-42</ref>.

According to Christian belief, '''Angels''' are the servants of [[God]]. Angels announce the word of God<ref>Luke 1:26-38</ref>, protect God's people<ref>Dan 6:22</ref>, and enforce God's will<ref>Matthew 13:41-42</ref>.

==Characteristics of Angels==

==Characteristics of Angels==

==Forms==

==Forms==

Though the popular notion of an angel is that of a celestial, vaguely human being with improbably bird-like wings, the original word in [[Hebrew]] is best translated as "messenger"; thus, it is possible that many of the angels featuring in the [[Torah]] were meant to be mortal human beings doing God's work, rather than an actual supernatural manifestation ''per se.'' Of course this is not always the case such as when an angel calls to [[Hagar]] "from heaven".<ref>Genesis 21:17</ref>  

Though the popular notion of an angel is that of a celestial, vaguely human being with improbably bird-like wings, the original word in [[Hebrew]] is best translated as "messenger"; thus, it is possible that many of the angels featuring in the [[Torah]] were meant to be mortal human beings doing God's work, rather than an actual supernatural manifestation ''per se.'' Of course this is not always the case such as when an angel calls to [[Hagar]] "from heaven".<ref>Genesis 21:17</ref>

==Angels in the Bible==

==Angels in the Bible==

[[Image:Paradiso Canto 31.jpg|right|thumb|200px|God and the nine angelic choirs, as envisioned in Dore's illustrations to Dante's Paradiso]]

[[Image:Paradiso Canto 31.jpg|right|thumb|200px|God and the nine angelic choirs, as envisioned in Dore's illustrations to Dante's Paradiso]]

Two angels are mentioned by name in the [[Bible]]: [[Michael the Archangel]] and [[Gabriel]]. [[Catholic]] and [[Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] tradition in the [[Book of Tobit]] also mentions [[Raphael (the angel)|Raphael]] by name.

Two angels are mentioned by name in the [[Bible]]: [[Michael the Archangel]] and [[Gabriel]]. [[Catholic]] and [[Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] tradition in the [[Book of Tobit]] also mentions [[Raphael (the angel)|Raphael]] by name.

In pictures angels are usually depicted as very beautiful creatures with golden hair, wings and long robes making them appear feminine. In contrast pictures depicting Michael the Archangel show him in armor usually crushing [[Satan]] beneath his feet.

In pictures angels are usually depicted as very beautiful creatures with golden hair, wings and long robes making them appear feminine. In contrast pictures depicting Michael the Archangel show him in armor usually crushing [[Satan]] beneath his feet.