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§. 82. Of the Title Angel.
THe Title Angell, whereby they who are here spoken of are differenced from other sorts of creatures, implieth also inferiority and subjection.
The Title (though used in most languages) is taken from the Greek tongue; and* 1.1 according to the most proper notation of it, signifieth a Messenger: For it is deri∣ved from a Verb that signifieth to tell, report, or declare a message. So alfo the He∣brew word which signifieth an * Embassadour or Messenger, is put for an Angell;* 1.2 So as in the originall Languages of sacred Scripture, any kinde of Messenger is sti∣led* 1.3 Angel, whether sent of God or Man.
The Hebrew frequently useth the word for a messenger of men, and that * sent in publike employments, commonly called an Ambassadour: or on any other mes∣sage; as he that brought the evil tidings to Iob 1. 14. And Iohns Messengers Luke 7. 24.
Thus may the word be expounded, Act. 12. 15. where the Disciples upon a maids* 1.4 affirming that Peter was at the door, say, It is his Angel; that is his messenger, or one sent from him.
Angel being put for one sent of God, is put for a created or uncreated messenger. Created Messengers are visible or invisible: Visible are extraordinary or ordi∣nary:
Ordinary created visible Messengers of God called Angels, are Priests, under the Law, Mal. 2. 7. and Ministers under the Gospel, Rev. 1. 20.
Extraordinary ones were Prophets, Iudg. 2. 1, 4. In particular Iohn the forerunner of Christ, Mal. 3. 1. Mar. 1. 2.
Invisible Messengers of God are the celestiall spirits that are here meant: All those spirits were at first made good; and so messengers according to Gods minde and heart; But many of them sinned and kept not their first habitation (2 Pet. 2. 4. Jude v. 6.) and became devils; yet are they sent and used of God as Messengers and Mi∣nisters of his just vengeance; and thereupon still called Angels, 1 Cor. 6. 3. And where it is said that the Sadduces say, There is neither Angel nor spirit (Act. 23. 8.) both good and evil Angel is meant; so also Rom. 8. 30. But for the most part where this title Angel is attributed to an evil spirit, some note of distinction is added there∣to, to demonstrate what kinde of Angell is meant: as Angels of the devil, (Mat. 25. 41.) Angels of the Dragon, Rev. 12. 9. Angel of the bottomlesse pit, Rev. 9. 11. An∣gels that sinned, 2 Pet. 2. 4. Angels that kept not their first estate. Jude 6.