What Does The Bible Say About Angels Visiting You?
Have you ever wondered if angels actually visit people on earth? Many believers have stories of supernatural encounters that leave them wondering. If you want to know what the Bible really teaches about angels making personal visits, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Bible contains several examples of angels appearing to people to deliver messages from God, offer guidance, or provide miraculous assistance. However, Scripture warns against automatically assuming every supernatural encounter involves heavenly messengers.
Accounts of Angelic Visitations in the Bible
Angels Visiting Abraham
One of the most famous accounts of angels appearing to someone in the Bible is when three angels visited Abraham in Genesis 18. Abraham was sitting at the entrance of his tent when he looked up and saw three men standing nearby. He immediately welcomed them, offered hospitality, and prepared a meal.
It was during this visit that the angels told Abraham and Sarah that she would bear a son in her old age (Genesis 18:1-15). This son ended up being Isaac, fulfilling God’s promise to give Abraham many descendants. This just goes to show how angels often bring messages from God!
The Angel Guarding the Israelites
In Exodus 23, God promises to send an angel to guard and guide the Israelites as they travel to the Promised Land. Throughout their journey in the wilderness, God sends an angel to lead and protect them – “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared” (Exodus 23:20).
This shows God’s loving care for His people by providing an angelic guide and guard. The angel went before them in the pillars of cloud and fire and ensured they safely reached the Promised Land.
An Angel Appears to Mary
One of the most pivotal angel visitations happens in Luke 1:26-38 when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and announces she will give birth to Jesus. This must have been both shocking and awe-inspiring!
Gabriel greets her favorably, tells her not to be afraid, and delivers the incredible news she will conceive Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. When Mary asks how this can be possible, Gabriel tells her nothing is impossible with God.
Mary’s willing obedience upon hearing this message helped fulfill God’s plan of redemption through Christ.
Peter Freed from Prison by an Angel
After Peter was imprisoned by King Herod, an angel miraculously freed him from jail in Acts 12:6-11. Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with chains, when an angel appeared in the cell, woke him up, and caused his chains to fall off. The angel then led Peter out of the prison undetected.
Peter initially thought he was seeing a vision, but realized it was really an angel rescuing him from Herod’s grasp. This thrilling account shows God’s power through angels to override human plans and protect His servants.
What Happens When Angels Visit People?
They Deliver Messages
Throughout the Bible, angels often appear to deliver important messages from God. For example, the angel Gabriel visited Mary to tell her she would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). Angels also delivered messages to Joseph (Matthew 1:20), the shepherds (Luke 2:8-15), and many others.
When angels deliver messages, they provide clarity, direction, and revelation into God’s plans. Their messages impart wisdom, warning, and encouragement from above.
They Offer Guidance and Reassurance
Angels minister to believers during difficult times by providing supernatural guidance and reassurance. In the Bible, an angel appeared to strengthen Jesus after his temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11).
The early church leader Paul was also visited by an angel with an encouraging message during a stressful shipwreck (Acts 27:23-25). When we face uncertainty and hardship, God may send His angels to guide us with divine wisdom and comfort our hearts with heavenly peace.
Angels reassure us of God’s presence and remind us we are never alone, even in life’s darkest valleys. Their counsel helps realign our focus to what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable (Philippians 4:8). We can turn to God in prayer and ask for their assistance.
He promises, “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11).
They Provide Miraculous Help
Angels have incredible power to assist, protect, and deliver God’s people. In the Bible, angels provided food to strengthen Elijah (1 Kings 19:5-8), released the apostle Peter from jail (Acts 12:6-11), and destroyed an entire Assyrian army to defend Israel (2 Kings 19:35).
Even Jesus received strength from an angel after wrestling in intense prayer (Luke 22:43).
Today, believers can call on these mighty warrior angels in times of danger or desperate need. Their invisibility allows them to intervene behind the scenes without being detected (2 Kings 6:17). God may perform miracles through their special assignments that carry out His providence in our lives.
However, angels are ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14), not spiritual masters to worship or rely on instead of God. Their role is to supplement God’s grace and lead people to Jesus (Revelation 22:8-9). Experiencing an angelic visit reminds us of God’s nearness and mobilizes our faith in Him.
Are All Supernatural Encounters Angelic Visits?
When encountering supernatural experiences, it’s wise to proceed with caution and discernment. Not every supernatural encounter is an angelic visit from God. The Bible advises us to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1). Here are some things to consider:
Test the Spirits
We should approach supernatural encounters prayerfully and with spiritual discernment. Test what is being said or done against Scripture and listen for the Spirit’s guidance (1 Corinthians 14:29). Does the message align with God’s character and Word?
True angels will draw attention to Jesus, not themselves (Revelation 19:10).
Satan Can Disguise Himself as an Angel of Light
The devil is crafty and can masquerade as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Angels will not contradict God’s Word or promote immoral behavior. Be alert for demonic deception. In contrast to Satan’s confusing lies, God’s voice brings clarity, conviction, comfort, and confirmation.
Evaluate the Message
Carefully consider the content of any spiritual encounter. Does it provoke your spiritual growth or undermine your faith? Angels minister peace, give wisdom and instruction, provide supernatural assistance, deliver messages, protect and deliver God’s people. Legitimate angelic visits lead to reverence for God, not the angel (Revelation 22:8-9).
Signs to Help Discern Genuine Angelic Visitations
Sudden Appearance and Disappearance
Angels in the Bible often appear suddenly and then disappear just as quickly after delivering their message (Judges 6:11-21). Unlike humans, angels are spiritual beings who can materialize and dematerialize at will. When they appear to people, it is usually without warning.
And when their task is complete, they vanish. This is one sign that you may be experiencing a real visit from an angel rather than a vision or hallucination.
Glorious Appearance and Heavenly Clothing
Angels are impressive, majestic beings who reflect the glory of God. When they appear to humans, they are often described as glowing, brilliant, or surrounded by light (Matthew 28:3; Luke 2:9). Their clothing is white and radiant, sometimes shining like lightning (Matthew 28:3; Mark 16:5).
This matches biblical descriptions of angelic beings. While demons can disguise themselves as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:14), their brilliant facade ultimately fades compared to true angels.
Reception of Worship Unacceptable
True angels of God never accept worship or praise due only to Him (Revelation 19:10). Their role is to act as messengers and servants who point people to the worship of the only true God. So if an angelic visitor receives veneration or worship, or detracts from focusing on God, it should be considered extremely suspect.
Focus on God and His Glory
A genuine angelic visitation will always keep the focus on bringing glory and honor to God, not to angels or humans. The angel will convey the message or complete the task given by God in a dignified manner, and not draw undue attention or sensationalize the event.
Even righteous angels are humble about their roles as messengers (Luke 1:19).
Conclusion
The Bible contains multiple examples of heavenly angels visiting people on pivotal occasions to impart the words of God. These sacred encounters often exhibited miraculous signs and focused on bringing glory to God.
However, Scripture also warns that not every supernatural experience involves a genuine angelic visitation. We must test such spiritual encounters against the truth of God’s Word.
Angelic visitations remain mysterious and intriguing to believers today. While we should approach any supernatural event with wise discernment, we can rest assured that God still sends His holy messengers at key moments to accomplish His divine purposes on earth.
