Can Christian Command Angels?

There are certain concepts around the study of angels that are understood either to some extent or not at all; one of the concept being the authority to command angels. There are people who believe that they have the authority to command or give orders to angels in heaven to do their bidding. This is a wrong understanding of the notion of angels.

The answer to the question, ‘can christian command angels?’ is a plain and a simple ‘No’. Foremost, the Bible does not record any man ruling over or ‘commanding’ any angel. Secondly, angels are heavenly beings under the command of one and only King, God Almighty who is the LORD of hosts (we see various biblical verses stating God to be the LORD of hosts). Then how and when do angels assist people? How does it work? It is only when one prays to God or asks for His help that he sends His angels to guard, protect, help, or for whatever reason it is. It is not by anybody’s might, power or ability but it is by His Spirit. Of these, however, we can see many instances in the bible:

-          Angels are ministering spirits and yet are powerful in their nature - Hebrews 1.14. It is in our human nature that we need to entertain them - Hebrews 13.2

-          Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s image. They prayed to God and God, in His mercy, sent his angel and rescued them - Daniel 3.17-18

-          The same is for Daniel when he was put in the lion’s den. God sent His angels and delivered him - Daniel 6.22

-          One cannot say that we can command angels in the name of Jesus. This, too, cannot be done. Jesus himself “was made lower than the heavenly beings” - Hebrews 2.7, Psalm 8.5. (This was written about what was to happen; the time of Jesus in the world).

-          Peter, when Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, struck down the servant’s ear. At this, Jesus told Peter, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” - Matthew 26.53

Even Jesus, the very son of God, when He was a human, did not command the angels but looked to His Father in heaven. Angels are not for man to command but man to entertain them and angels to minister to man.

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