ARE THEY NOT ALL MINISTERING SPIRITS: ouchi pantes eisin (3PPAI) leitourgika pneumata: (See Nave's Topic ANGELS) (Click her for in depth ISBE Article on Angels) (See excellent booklet from RBC What Can We Learn From The Angels?)  (Heb 8:6; 10:11; Ps 103:20, 21; Da 3:28; 7:10; Mt 18:10; Lk 1:19; 2:9, 13, 1Ki 22:19; Job 1:6; Ps 104:4; Isa 6:2 6:3; Da 7:10; Mt 13:41 49, 50; Lk 1:19; 2Th 1:7; Jude 1:14)

are they not all spirits of service (YLT),

Are not all angels spirits in the divine service (NRSV)

But angels are only servants (NLT)

Surely the angels are no more than spirits in the service of God (Phillips)

All the angels are spirits who serve God (ICB)

All of them are spirits on a divine mission (ISV)

Aren’t they all merely spirits who serve, (JNT)

Angels are merely spirits sent to serve people (CEV)

They are all spirits of spiritual service...are they not? (ALT)

The answer to this question although rhetorical (asked primarily for effect and not expecting an answer) is a resounding Yes an affirmation to which both the Old and New Testaments abundantly testify!

Ministering (3010) (leitourgikos from léïtos = of the people + érgon = work; English liturgy = a prescribed form for public worship) in Greek referred especially to those who performed public duties or works of public use (public servants). It means related to the performance of religious or  liturgical service.

See also leitourgos (note Hebrews 1:7) leitourgia ( Heb 8:6, 9:21-notes He 8:6, 9:21)

Leitourgikos is found only in this verse in the NT. Most of the uses of these words are found in the Septuagint (LXX) Greek translation of the Hebrew OT (which would have been very familiar to Jewish readers of this epistle) describing priestly service to God and public ministry to men including performance of both worship and charitable functions.  Here are the 5 uses in the OT (Exodus 31:10, Exodus 39:1, Numbers 4:12, 26, Numbers 7:5, 2 Chronicles 24:14)

The Psalmist describes the ministering spirits as God's

angels mighty in strength...who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word" with their purpose being to "serve (LXX = leitourgos) Him, doing His will." (Ps 103:20;21)

Spurgeon comments: We are bidden to do these commandments, and alas we fail; let those unfallen spirits, whose bliss it is never to have transgressed, give to the Lord the glory of their holiness. They hearken for yet more commands, obeying as much by reverent listening as by energetic action, and in this they teach us how the heavenly will should evermore be done; yet even for this surpassing excellence let them take no praise, but render all to him who has made and kept them what they are. O that we could hear them chant the high praises of God, as did the shepherds on that greatest of all birth nights --

When such music sweet
Their hearts and ears did greet
As never was by mortal finger struck;
Divinely-warbled voice
Answering the stringed noise,
As well their souls in blissful rapture took:
The air, such pleasure loth to lose,
With thousand echoes still prolongs each heavenly close.

Our glad heart anticipates the hour when we shall hear them "harping in loud and solemn guise," and all to the sole praise of God.

Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; to whatever race of creatures ye may belong, for ye are all his troops, and he is the Generalissimo of all your armies. The fowl of the air and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the sea, should all unite in praising their Creator, after the best of their ability.

Ye ministers of his that do his pleasure; in whatever way ye serve him, bless him as ye serve. The Psalmist would have every servant in the Lord's palace unite with him, and all at once sing out the praises of the Lord. We have attached a new sense to the word "ministers" in these latter days, and so narrowed it down to those who serve in word and doctrine. Yet no true minister would wish to alter it, for we are above all men bound to be the Lord's servants, and we would, beyond all other ministering intelligences or forces, desire to bless the glorious Lord.

Even as the priest was primarily ministering to God, JFB comments that the ministering of angels is

not properly rendered to men, since the latter have no power of commanding them, though their ministrations to God are often directed to the good of men

Matthew Henry adds that

Angels are ministering spirits under the blessed Trinity, to execute the divine will and pleasure; they are the ministers of divine Providence.

Gill comments that ministering spirits is a rabbinical term frequent in Jewish writings and so quite familiar and appealing to the Jewish recipients of this epistle.

Are they not uses the Greek word ouchi  which in questions expects an affirmative answer. The point is that the angels are ministering spirits. Their destiny is to continue to minister to us throughout eternity but Jesus’ destiny is to reign and it follows that He is immeasurably superior to the angels. The superiority of the Son to angels is sure:  They all (no exceptions) minister regardless of their "rank". The Son is ministered to. The angels "stand" (Lk 1:19) before God, while the Son is

"seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high" (see notes Hebrews 1:3; 1:13)

SENT OUT TO RENDER SERVICE: eis diakonian apostellomena (PPPNPN): (Ge 32:1, 32:2, 32:24; 1Pe1:12) (Ps 91:11, 91:12; Da 6:22; 9:21, 22, 23; 10:11, 10:12; Mt1:20; 2:13; 24:31; Lk 16:22; Acts 5:19; 10:3 10:4; 12:7, 12:23; 27:23)

They are spirits sent from God to care for those who will receive salvation (NLT)

commissioned to serve the heirs of God's salvation (Phillips)

sent on a commission for the sake of those who are about to inherit salvation (Wuest)

and are sent to help those who will receive salvation (ICB)

sent out in the service [of God for the assistance] of those who are to inherit salvation (Amp)

being sent out to render service (ALT)

Sent out (3010) (apostello from apo = from + stello = send) means literally to send forth and here used in the present tense indicating that the angels are continually sent out to minister a truth we see clearly testified to throughout Scripture.

Does this mean they are still be sent out today to render service to believers? Without a doubt!

Robertson says that the present tense signifies

sent forth repeatedly, from time to time as occasion requires.

One of the earliest examples of an occasion that God deemed necessitated the sending out of an angel is found after Adam sinned and God

drove the man out and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction, to guard the way to the tree of life. (Gen 3:24)

God used His angelic messengers to not only warn Lot but to withdraw Lot from harm's way:

And when morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Up, take your wife and your two daughters, who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city." But he hesitated. So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his two daughters, for the compassion of the LORD was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city." (Ge 19:15;16)

There is a "lot of Lot in a lot of us" isn't there?

A potentially confusing Scripture on this topic of angelic service is "The Angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them." (Ps 34:7) because here the Angel of the LORD (see Angel of the LORD: summary) when compared to other Scriptures is undoubtedly the pre incarnate Christ. Even the context of the verse supports that this is not a reference to a created angel, for we are never commanded to fear angels but to "Fear God and give Him the glory" (see notes Revelation 14:7) (fear God - 18x =  Gen 22:12; 42:18; Ex 18:21; Deut 25:18; Job 1:9; Ps 55:19; 66:16; Eccl 5:7; 8:12f; 12:13; Luke 18:2, 4; 23:40; Acts 13:16, 26; 1 Pet 2:17; Rev 14:7)

Solomon appropriately sums up Ecclesiastes writing that

"The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. " (Eccl 12:13)

The writer of Hebrews notes later that God

"does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham." (see note Hebrews 2:16).

Render service (1248) (diakonia [word study]) means the rendering or assistance or help by performing certain duties, often of a humble or menial nature serve, including such  mundane activities as waiting on tables or caring for household needs—activities without apparent dignity.

Thomas Aquinas

Angels mean messengers and ministers. Their function is to execute the plan of divine providence, even in earthly things.

Hewitt writes that...

Angels are clothed with God's powers to accomplish his will in the realm of nature.

John Calvin

Angels are the ministers of God's wrath, as well as of his grace.

Increase Mather

Angels both good and bad have a greater influence on this world than men are generally aware of.

C. H. Spurgeon

Activity is the mark of holy spirits and should be the mark of holy men.

As mentioned above the rabbinical term angel of service or ministry was well known and was often descriptive of angels whose service was to protect a person. The psalmist gives Scriptural credence to this rabbinical belief, recording that God gives

His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone. (Ps 91:11, 12)

Spurgeon comments (Treasury of David) - For he shall give his angels charge over thee. Not one guardian angel, as some fondly dream, but all the angels are here alluded to. They are the bodyguard of the princes of the blood imperial of heaven, and they have received commission from their Lord and ours to watch carefully over all the interests of the faithful. When men have a charge they become doubly careful, and therefore the angels are represented as bidden by God himself to see to it that the elect are secured. It is down in the marching orders of the hosts of heaven that they take special note of the people who dwell in God. It is not to be wondered at that the servants are bidden to be careful of the comfort of their Master's guests; and we may be quite sure that when they are specially charged by the Lord himself they will carefully discharge the duty imposed upon them.

To keep thee in all thy ways. To be a bodyguard, a garrison to the body, soul, and spirit of the saint. The limit of this protection "in all thy ways" is yet no limit to the heart which is right with God. It is not the way of the believer to go out of his way. He keeps in the way, and then the angels keep him. The protection here promised is exceeding broad as to place, for it refers to all our ways, and what do we wish for more? How angels thus keep us we cannot tell. Whether they repel demons, counteract spiritual plots, or even ward off the more subtle physical forces of disease, we do not know. Perhaps we shall one day stand amazed at the multiplied services which the unseen bands have rendered to us.

They, that is the angels, God's own angels, shall cheerfully become our servants. They shall bear thee up in their hands; as nurses carry little children, with careful love, so shall those glorious spirits bear up each individual believer.

Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone; even minor ills they ward off. It is most desirable that we should not stumble, but as the way is rough, it is most gracious on the Lord's part to send his servants to bear us up above the loose pebbles. If we cannot have the way smoothed it answers every purpose if we have angels to bear us up in their hands. Since the greatest ills may arise out of little accidents, it shows the wisdom of the Lord that from the smaller evils we are protected.

WHAT ABOUT
GUARDIAN ANGELS?

Many have used this passage to suggest that each person has a so called "guardian angel". Coupling this Psalm with our Lord’s warning

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven.” (Mt 18:10),

This passage has led some to teach that each Christian has a guardian angel. Jewish superstition also held the belief that each person had his own guardian angel who could assume that person’s form.  However close examination of the Scriptures used to support "guardian angels" leaves this "doctrine" at the very least debatable.

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Guardian Angels - Curtis Sliwa's Guardian Angels first showed up in the Bronx in 1979. Known initially as The Rock Brigade, the volunteer citizens group started as a neighborhood anti-litter squad. A short time later, the 23-year-old Sliwa, who was night manager of a fast-food restaurant, expanded the group to The Magnificent Thirteen. They began riding New York subways to protect riders from muggings. Seven months later they took the name Guardian Angels and adopted the identifying marks of red berets and T-shirts bearing the logo of a winged eye. Today the Angels have almost 70 chapters and 7,000 members.

We know more about Sliwa's group than we do about the angels they are named after. While the Bible has many references to spirits who worship God and do His will, there is reason for the mystery that surrounds them. Even though they serve us on behalf of God, our ultimate well-being is not in their hands. They are examples to us of the obedience and worship God deserves, but they are not to distract us from the One who is their Lord and ours.

The message of Hebrews 1 is clear. Jesus is far superior to the angels (v.4). Their worship of Christ teaches us that He alone deserves our trust and worship. --M R De Haan II  (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

The angels show us what it means
To serve God and obey;
Their constant worship of the Lord
Inspires us to pray. --Sper

Angels are examples of worship, not objects of worship

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John Paton was a missionary in the New Hebrides Islands. One night hostile natives surrounded the mission station, intent on burning out the Patons and killing them. Paton and his wife prayed during that terror-filled night that God would deliver them. When daylight came they were amazed to see their attackers leave. A year later, the chief of the tribe was converted to Christ. Remembering what had happened, Paton asked the chief what had kept him from burning down the house and killing them. The chief replied in surprise, "Who were all those men with you there?" Paton knew no men were present--but the chief said he was afraid to attack because he had seen hundreds of big men in shining garments with drawn swords circling the mission station. (Moody Bible Institute - Today in the Word)

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Seeing the Unseen - In a materialistic world like ours, we are tempted to conclude that the only real things are those we experience with our five senses. Yet "there are things we cannot see: things behind our backs or far away and all things in the dark," said C. S. Lewis.

There is another realm of reality, just as actual, just as factual, just as substantial as anything we see, hear, touch, taste, or smell in this world. It exists all around us—not out there "somewhere," but "here." There are legions of angels helping us, for which the world has no counter-measures (Hebrews 1:14). The psalmist David referred to them as a force of thousands of thousands of chariots (Psalm 68:17 - Spurgeon's note). We cannot see God nor His angels with our natural eyes. But they are there, whether we see them or not. I believe the world is filled with them.

Faith is the means by which we are able to "see" this invisible world. That is belief's true function. Faith is to the spiritual realm what the five senses are to the natural realm. The writer of Hebrews says that faith is "the evidence of things not seen" (see note Hebrews 11:1). By faith we recognize the existence of the spiritual world and learn to depend on the Lord for His help in our daily life. Our goal, then, as George MacDonald once said, is to "grow eyes" to see the unseen. —David H. Roper (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

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John MacArthur one of the foremost evangelical expositors of our day commenting on (Mt 18:10) says that

"This does not suggest that each believer has a personal guardian angel. Rather, the pronoun is collective and refers to the fact that believers are served by angels in general. These angels are pictured “always” watching the face of God so as to hear His command to them to help a believer when needed. It is extremely serious to treat any fellow believer with contempt since God and the holy angels are so concerned for their well-being." 

The well done RBC booklet What Can We Learn From The Angels?  adds that

to make this claim is to go beyond what Jesus said. His statement certainly assures us that we have angels who work in our behalf, but it does not necessarily declare that there is one assigned angel for every person. It may be, but not necessarily. However, this should not trouble us. God can and will look after each one of us individually. He certainly has enough angels available if He chooses to use them to protect or help us. Myriads of these heavenly beings are our friends and stand ready to be our helpers and protectors. but it is difficult to specifically find this very popular teaching in Scripture." McGee has a pithy question for anyone tempted to argue over whether guardian angels exist -- “Are you a child of God?” If you are, you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God, Who is the third Person of the Godhead. What could a guardian angel do for you that He couldn’t do for you? Do you want to think that over for a while?

Is it not even more comforting to know that the angels are continuously sent out from the throne of God of Him Who sees all things and Who "upholds all things by the word of His power" (see note Hebrews 1:3)?

Is it not even better than a "guardian angel" (if there be such) to be assured of the Lord's promise that

"I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT SHALL MAN DO TO ME?" (see notes Hebrews 13:5, 13:6)

In much of modern evangelical doctrinally shallow teaching are we not at risk (like the early Jewish believers) of focusing more attention on the messengers (angels) rather than on "the Messenger of the Covenant", (Malachi 3:1) the Lord Jesus Christ Himself? Witness the "angel craze" in Christian bookstores (angel figurines, paintings, etc), television shows (Touched By An Angel [circa year 2000] - not a "bad" show per se but unfortunately sometimes containing "bad theology") and popular Christian books like "This Present Darkness", which sadly often is a major source of "doctrines of" angels - much of which is not Scripturally sound).

Angels are important as the writer of Hebrews emphasizes but Jesus is infinitely, incomparably much better than the angels. Fix your eyes on Jesus (see Fix Your Eyes On Jesus - 44 excellent meditations) not on the angels who themselves obey the voice of Him Who Alone is bearing all things to their final conclusion by the word of His power.

One of the most famous services rendered occurred when Daniel was preserved from the lions and explained to King Darius

My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime. (Da 6:22)

Later God sent Gabriel to give Daniel "insight with understanding" into the incredible OT prophecy often referred to as Daniel's Seventieth Week in which the time of Messiah's first coming is given as well as an overview of the last 7 years of Israel and the rule of the Antichrist  (see discussion of Daniel 9:24-27: Part 1: Notes on Daniel 9:24-25) (Daniel 9:24-27: Part 2) (Summary Chart of Daniel's Seventieth Week)

In the early days of the church, Jewish resistance resulted in Peter and the apostles being cast into prison.

"But an angel of the Lord (note carefully Luke does not say "the" angel of the Lord which most evangelical commentators agree is a reference to the pre-incarnate appearances of Christ) during the night opened the gates of the prison, and taking them (Peter and the apostles) out he said "Go your way, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life." (Acts 5:19,20)

In Acts 10 messengers from the Gentile Cornelius were sent to Peter

and they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews, was divinely directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and hear a message from you. (Acts 10:22)

Thus God used the angel to open the door for the gospel to the Gentiles.

SUMMARY OF SERVICES RENDERED
BY GOOD ANGELS

1) Angels attend and worship God.
The basic activity of angels appears to be gathering around the throne of God and proclaiming His worthiness (Mt 18:10; Rev 5:11).

2) Angels protect God’s people.
The Bible relates numerous instances of angels delivering heroes, such as Daniel and Peter, from threatening situations (Da 6:22; Acts 5:19). However, all believers in Christ are objects of angelic concern (Heb. 1:14).

3) Angels guide God’s people.
Angels directed the women to see the empty tomb and told Jesus’ disciples He was risen (Mt 28:5, 6, 7). An angel guided Philip to the desert where he met the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26). An angel assured Paul that he would reach Rome safely (Acts 27:23, 24). They probably guide many Christians who do not realize where their help is coming from.

4) Angels bring judgment on the wicked.
Angels participated in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Ge 19:12, 13). They struck down Herod when he received worship (Acts 12:23). They pour out bowls of judgment in Rev. (Rev. 16).

5) Angels assisted Jesus on earth.
Angels prepared Mary and Joseph for Jesus’ birth (Mt 1:20; Lk 1:26-38). They announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds (Lk 2:8-15). They ministered to Jesus after His wilderness temptation (Mk 1:13). An angel strengthened Him in Gethsemane (Lk 22:43). Angels rolled away the rock from the tomb and ministered to the women (Mt 28:2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Angels were present at Christ’s ascension (Acts 1:11).

5) Angels will assist Christ at His return.
An archangel will announce the return of Christ (1Thes 4:16). Angels will gather all believers from the ends of the earth (Mt 24:31). They will separate the true from the false (Mt 13:39, 49, 50). They will serve as an honor guard at the gates of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:12). (Adapted and modified from the Open Bible)

Spurgeon writes that...

Angels are the unseen attendants of the saints of God; they bear us up in their hands, lest we dash our foot against a stone. Loyalty to their Lord leads them to take a deep interest in the children of his love; they rejoice over the return of the prodigal to his father's house below, and they welcome the advent of the believer to the King's palace above. In olden times the sons of God were favoured with their visible appearance, and at this day, although unseen by us, heaven is still opened, and the angels of God ascend and descend upon the Son of man, that they may visit the heirs of salvation. Seraphim still fly with live coals from off the altar to touch the lips of men greatly beloved. If our eyes could be opened, we should see horses of fire and chariots of fire about the servants of the Lord; for we have come to an innumerable company of angels, who are all watchers and protectors of the seed-royal. Spenser's line is no poetic fiction, where he sings-

How oft do they with golden pinions cleave
The flitting skies, like flying pursuivant
Against foul fiends to aid us militant!

To what dignity are the chosen elevated when the brilliant courtiers of heaven become their willing servitors! Into what communion are we raised since we have intercourse with spotless celestials! How well are we defended since all the twenty- thousand chariots of God are armed for our deliverance! To whom do we owe all this? Let the Lord Jesus Christ be for ever endeared to us, for through him we are made to sit in heavenly places far above principalities and powers. He it is whose camp is round about them that fear him; he is the true Michael whose foot is upon the dragon. All hail, Jesus! thou Angel of Jehovah's presence, to thee this family offers its morning vows. (Morning and Evening)

FOR THE SAKE OF THOSE WHO WILL INHERIT SALVATION: dia tous mellontas (PAPMPA) kleronomein (PAN) soterian: (Heb 6:12, 6:17; Mt 25:34; Ro 8:17; Gal 3:7, 3:9, 3:29; Eph 3:6; Titus 3:7; Jas 2:5; 1Pe 1:4; 3:7)

for the sake of those who are about to inherit salvation (Wuest),

for the benefit of those who, before long, will inherit salvation? (WNT),

for the sake of the ones being about to be inheriting salvation (ALT)

The writer sums up the function of the angels as compared to that of the Son Who is the Ruler and the angels are His servants, appointed to minister to all the heirs of redemption.

Inherit (2816) (kleronomeo from kleros = a lot + nemomai = to possess; see study of related word Kleronomos) means to receive a possession and benefit as a gift from someone who has died, in this case the Son Who has made purification (see note Hebrews 1:3) and propitiation for sins (see note Hebrews 2:17) thus becoming "the Guarantee (posted bond or bail) of a better covenant" (see note Hebrews 7:22), which is our birthright, into the possession of which we enter by virtue of being fellow heirs  (see note Romans 8:17) with the Son Who is Heir of all things.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus promised

blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth (see note Matthew 5:5)

The writer of Hebrews adds that it is "through faith and patience" (He 6:12-note) that we "inherit the promises" (He 6:12-note)  and thereby become "the heirs of the promise" (Heb 6:17-note) for "those who are of faith...are sons of Abraham" (Gal 3:7) and "Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise" (Gal 3:29), "heirs of God and fellow (joint) heirs with Christ" (Ro 8:17-note).

Paul further explains that we "inherit salvation" as the result of

being justified by His grace...(so that we might be) made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (see note Titus 3:7)

James adds that God chose

the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him" (Js 2:5)

Peter reminds all saints undergoing various trials that "those who will inherit salvation" will

"obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven..." (1Pe 1:4-note)

Little wonder the writer of Hebrews refers to inheritance as "so great a salvation".

Are you eagerly looking forward to your
glorious, safely preserved, eternal, indescribable  inheritance?
Let this truth motivate you daily to seek His presence in His powerful Word, His powerful Spirit in your life and His Father's glory in your life.

Such a "future focus" will radically alter your present outlook regardless of your current circumstances (cf 2Cor 4:17 18, Heb 12:2-note, Col 3:1-note; Col 3:2-note).

Salvation (4991) (soteria [word study] from sozo [word study] = to rescue from peril, protect, keep alive) describes the rescue or deliverance from danger, destruction, peril and slavery to and consequences of sin and unto restoration to a former state of safety, health, well being and also alludes to the continuing preservation from the danger of destruction. The characteristic use of soteria and related (cognate) words in the Bible is to sum up and describe the spiritual and eternal deliverances which result from the intervention of God on behalf of those who trust Him. In the NT salvation describes a condemned sinner who is delivered (and daily is being delivered) from enslavement to sin and to restoration to a former state of safety, health, well being in which he or she is preserved (eternally) from danger of destruction.