Hebrews 1:14

‘Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?’

What the angels are is now made clear. They are spirits who serve God, who are sent by Him to do service for those who are to inherit salvation, that is, for those who are His, and destined for final salvation, God’s elect, in order to keep them and help them as they walk in God’s ways. Rather than being Lord over God’s people the good angels are His servants and theirs. This is noble service indeed, but not enjoying the same dignity as the status of the Son, Who is made Lord of all.

We must beware of reading too much into the words in this verse. The task of angels has been defined in Hebrews 1:7 as to be that of being like winds and flames of fire, and it is as such that they serve the heirs of salvation. This would seem to point to invisible yet physical help, rather than to spiritual sustenance. Elsewhere specifically seeking to angels is frowned on (Colossians 2:18), and there is nowhere a suggestion that we look to the angels for help. They are not at man’s bidding, but at God’s. We may, however, draw lessons from past angelic activity which involves their going invisibly before God’s people as they obey God (Exodus 23:20; Exodus 23:23 compare Numbers 20:16), protection (Psalms 91:11; Daniel 6:22), deliverance (Acts 12:7), and strengthening (Luke 22:43), as well as occasional judgment (2 Samuel 24:16-17; Acts 12:23), and acting as God’s messengers (often). And Revelation makes clear the powerful background activity of angels. But all solely as God wills. We should be looking to the Son, not to angels.