The Role of Angels in Spiritual Warfare

In the battle that we face against the kingdom of darkness, God has not left us without help. We fight from a position of victory in Christ, and have the Holy Spirit inside of us. We have spiritual weapons and armor to use against every attack of the enemy and to advance the kingdom of God. And we also have another source of aid: angels.

Angels are portrayed throughout the Bible fulfilling various roles; from bringing messages, helping in battles, giving protection, strengthening people, and more. Hebrews 1:14 describes them as “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.” There are hosts of angels, ready to engage in the battle against darkness and help God’s people.

Even Jesus received the ministry of angels. After His conflict and victory over the devil in the wilderness for 40 days, the Bible says that “the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him” (Matthew 4:11).

The Bible depicts angels being directly involved in spiritual conflict: “And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought.” (Revelation 12:7). Here we see a war in the heavenly realm between the angel Michael (along with his angels) and the devil (along with his angels).

Prayer and Angelic Intervention

Do we have role to play in how angels are released and engaged into battle? I believe we do. One of the ways that angels become active in battle is in answer to our prayers.

When Daniel prayed and fasted for 21 days, there was a battle in the heavenly realm, and the implication of the passage is that his prayers influenced the battle (see Daniel 10:1-14; see also this article on the how our prayers affect the spiritual world). When Peter was put in prison, the church gathered together to pray, and as a result, an angel was sent to Peter to break him free from prison (see Acts 12:1-11). As we pray and intercede, the Lord sends angels into the affairs of earth.

Remember that you are not alone in the battle! You have brothers and sisters in Christ to stand with you, the Holy Spirit inside of you, and angels around you. As we call on the name of Jesus, let’s expect a release of his angels on our behalf!