This is what angels look like according to the Bible. A thread explaining the 9 types of angels — and why they always…

This is what angels look like according to the Bible. A thread explaining the 9 types of angels — and why they always say: “Do not be afraid...” 🧵

Theologians have spent centuries attempting to make sense of the diverse descriptions of these celestial beings. One of the most influential classifications comes from Thomas Aquinas, who identified 9 distinct angelic orders, each with its own purpose and position in the divine hierarchy.

Aquinas divided the angels into three distinct orders, each with its own divine purpose: 🔹 First order: The angels closest to God, serving in His immediate presence in Heaven. 🔹 Second order: Rulers of the celestial realms, shaping events on Earth. 🔹 Third order: Angels who directly engage with humanity, acting as messengers and guides.

The 9th position is occupied by the most familiar angels — those we recognize as messengers. Aquinas believed every soul has a guardian angel, part of an “innumerable company” that moves among us, unseen and often unnoticed.

These angels are most vividly seen in Jacob’s Ladder, where they ascend and descend between Heaven and Earth. In some instances, they appear without wings. For instance, in Genesis, three angels visit Abraham’s tent, taking the form of ordinary men, seamlessly blending into the everyday world.

As we ascend the celestial hierarchy, 8th are the Archangels — angels entrusted with transformative duties. Gabriel announces Mary’s pregnancy, while Michael leads the heavenly forces against Satan, each marking pivotal moments in both Heaven and Earth.

7th are the Principalities, heavenly beings who oversee nations and the affairs of earthly rulers. Their role is to guide and protect the leaders of nations, ensuring that divine will is reflected in the governance of the world. Think of them as the guardian angels of empires, influencing the rise and fall of kings.

The 6th order is occupied by the Powers, angels that stand at the threshold between Heaven and Earth. They guard Heaven’s gates, preventing demonic forces from entering, often depicted in full armor, ready to defend the divine realms from corruption.

5th are the Virtues, angels who govern the natural world. With influence over the elements, they are linked to miracles and were believed to assist in Christ’s Ascension, guiding His return to Heaven.

4th are the Dominions, tasked with maintaining order in Heaven and carrying out God’s will. They oversee the lower angels, wielding golden staffs as symbols of their authority.

The Old Testament describes Ezekiel's vision of God's chariot — it's carried by angels akin to wheels with eyes: "Like a wheel within a wheel", "the rims of all four were full of eyes all around"...

3rd are the Thrones — not humanoid, but "wheels within wheels", full of eyes, as described in Ezekiel’s vision. They uphold God’s throne, embodying divine justice with their all-seeing, all-knowing nature.

The Cherubim, ranked 2nd, are often misunderstood as the sweet, childlike beings depicted in art, but in the Bible, they are guardians of sacred space. Ezekiel’s vision describes them as having four faces (man, lion, ox, and eagle) and four wings, as they guard the gates of Heaven and the very presence of God.

And finally, at the highest rank, we find the Seraphim. These celestial beings are described in Isaiah’s vision as having six wings — two for flight, two to cover their faces in humility, and two to cover their feet. The Seraphim’s role is to perpetually sing praises to God.

The full meaning behind these descriptions may never be clear, but they help explain why angels always say the same thing when they appear: "Do not be afraid."

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MatrixMysteries@MatrixMysteries · May 12, 2025

This is what angels look like according to the Bible. A thread explaining the 9 types of angels — and why they always say: “Do not be afraid...” 🧵