by Dr. Jack Graham
This scene from Scripture has always fascinated me because it showcases both the unparalleled power and the undeniable impotence of the angelic realm. First, their power. We see in this episode the ability of the angel of the Lord to burst through man-made barriers with no effort whatsoever. It’s like the walls of that prison were made of butter, not brick, which shouldn’t be all that surprising given the things we see angels doing in other biblical accounts. They closed the mouth of lions (Daniel 6); they rolled back a heavy stone (Matthew 28); they loosed thick chains (Acts 12)—they were empowered in ways superheroes could only dream about. Angels are very powerful but must never be worshiped. For example, when the apostle John was tempted to fall at the feet of the angel who offered him the vision of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 19, the angel rebuked him, saying, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God” (v. 10).
Angels are mighty spirit beings who command attention….
YAHWEH-NISSI 