Billy Graham Answers: Can Angels Appear as Ordinary People?
Yes, angels are real—just as real as you and I are. Although they are largely unseen by us, they exist in great numbers. The Bible speaks of “thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly” (Heb. 12:22). When Jesus’ birth was announced to the shepherds outside Bethlehem, “a great company of the heavenly host appeared … praising God” (Luke 2:13).
Unlike us, however, angels are spiritual beings—that is, in their normal state they don’t have physical bodies. However, on occasion they can appear as ordinary humans, or even as glorious celestial beings that reflect the majesty of God. When God gave the prophet Isaiah a vision of His glory, His throne was surrounded by angels of great splendor and power: “At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook” (Is. 6:4).
God created the angels for one purpose: to serve Him. As such they work in hidden ways to carry out God’s will and protect God’s people. Even when we are unaware of them, they are still part of our lives. They also are part of a great unseen army that constantly fights against Satan and his servants of evil. God’s promise should bring comfort to every believer: “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Ps. 91:11).
We aren’t to worship the angels; God alone is worthy of our worship. But we can thank God for them—and some day in heaven we’ll realize just how much they’ve done for us, at God’s command. “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Heb. 1:14).
