Someone asked this question on Yahoo Answers a few months ago and received a myriad array of answers that illustrate how little most people know of angels:
“I mean what is out there for angels to fear, they cant get divorced, they don’t have to deal with the problems of everyday life. So what is there for them to fear … “
“That’s an interesting thought……… I think angels might be
afraid in some circumstances because well sometimes its stupid not to be afraid. But angels aren’t so afraid that they start crying. They are afraid but they believe in God and follow through.”“Satan is the only thing that fears. Nothing else that God ever created has fear except Satan. If you ever fear, remember that it is Satan making that feeling to you. Angels obey God and that’s why they do not fear. They just obey God and love.”
“Angels walk in the light, they only fear walking on the dark side. That is where the demons tread and they themselves fear the light…”
“I think they would have a fear of God. Maybe they are also afraid of their desires.”
“Angels are messengers of God,the answer is no, God has their back.”
“Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”
“Angels fear God and Christ. Satan is the exception…for now.”
“Angels are a separate species of created beings; they are created as messengers and servants of God. They are pure spirit and haven’t the emotions that human beings have. They have no reason to be afraid because they are very powerful, operating in the power and for the glory of God. Ask yourself – is there fear in heaven? That is their home.” (Voted the best answer on Yahoo)
As you can see there’s much speculation and confusion about angels – probably because most people refuse to accept the only true source of information we have about angels – the Bible.
So, what does the Bible have to say about this subject?
Nothing at all. We are not told if angels are afraid or are always courageous. But we do discover many things about an angel’s characteristics from reading the Scripture that give us insight; we are not left to guess at the answer.
For example, angels do have emotions. According to several Scriptural passages they express joy, desire, pride and anger. You may read the passages here: Do Angels Have Emotions?
As you can see from reading the passages listed on that page, angels do experience some emotions – but are they ever afraid?
In truth, we don’t know the answer to this question regarding God’s holy angels. We can only draw conclusions based on what the Scripture says. The angels of God have no reason to be afraid as they always do His will – as one person said on the Yahoo answer – God has their back.
However, the same cannot be said for evil angels and demons. They are outside the will of God. If they are not afraid, they really should be!
In fact, the Scripture indicates that demons fear and tremble in the presence of God as well they should. Two passages come to mind:
Mark 1:24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are- the Holy One of God.”
Matthew 8:29 And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?”
James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
There will come a day when God will ultimately destroy all of Satan and his cohorts – the demonic spirits that play havoc with the lives of men who do not trust in Jesus. Until that time we can safely trust in our Lord Jesus Christ to send his holy angels to our rescue in time of trouble. They are fearless in the face of your enemy when you are putting your trust in their master, Jesus. The question is, then … are YOU afraid?
If you are, put your trust in Jesus. He has promised to always be with you — in His name there is victory over every evil work and in His power you can be fearless and full of faith.