Can believers command angels to do things for them?
We recognize that angels are ministering spirits sent to minister to us as heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). However, there is no clear Scripture that we can point to in the New Testament that indicates that believers can command angels to do things for them.
Example set by Jesus
Angels ministered to Jesus (Matthew 4:6; Luke 22:43). In His great hour of trail, the Lord Jesus said: "Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:53). Jesus spoke of praying to the Father to send angels, not commanding a legion of angels to come to His aid. Couldn't Jesus as the Son of God command angels instead of praying to the Father?
Acts and Epistles
We see angels at work in the book of Acts, yet we find no example of believers commanding angels. We know that believers will judge angels, as stated by Paul, but this we know is during the coming Kingdom and Millennial reign of Jesus. "Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?" (1 Corinthians 6:3). We recognize that as believers we are seated at the right hand of God in Christ. However, we must follow the clear teachings of Scripture and example of Jesus in how we exercise and live out of our position and life in Christ. Jesus as the Son of God was one with the Father and in the bosom of the Father, and yet we do not have an example of Him commanding angels in His hour of need.
We must follow the examples of the Lord Jesus and those set by the apostles. We do not have an example of the Lord Jesus or of the apostles commanding angels, although they received and experienced angelic ministry. It is best for us to go by what the Bible clearly presents to us, rather than imaginative and speculative ideas which cannot be definitively substantiated by Scripture. Like the example set by Jeus, we pray and ask God for angelic assistance in matters that concern us. We speak God’s Word and release our faith in God’s Word. God watches over His Word and performs it. He commissions His angels on our behalf. "Bless the LORD, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure." (Psalm 103:20-21).
Related resources
Angels on Assignment (Sermon)
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV). Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Used by permission. All rights reserved.