Do Christians have the authority to command angels?

Do Christians Have the Authority to Command Angels?

In recent decades, particularly within certain segments of charismatic and experiential Christianity, there has been an increase in the claim that Christians can command angels to act on their behalf—often in the name of Jesus. However, a careful examination of the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) reveals that such teaching is unbiblical, presumptuous, and inconsistent with Baptist theology and sound doctrine.

1. Angels Are God’s Servants, Not Ours

Throughout the Bible, angels are presented as ministering spirits, who are created by God and act in complete submission to His will, not to the will of man.

Psalm 103:20 says:
"Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word."

Angels obey God’s commands—not ours. There is no scriptural example where a prophet, apostle, or even Christ-following believer commands angels independently. They are described as “His angels,” not ours (see Mark 8:38). They serve Him in the execution of His purposes.

2. Angels Minister According to God's Direction

The writer of Hebrews speaks of angels as agents of divine ministry:

Hebrews 1:14:
"Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?"

Note carefully: they are sent forth—not by us, but by God. They do minister for the benefit of believers, but they do so at His discretion, not ours.

When Daniel was rescued from the lions, he testified:

Daniel 6:22:
"My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me..."

Likewise, when Peter was freed from prison, he declared:

Acts 12:11:
"And when Peter had come to himself, he said, 'Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.'"

The apostles did not command the angel—the Lord sent him.

3. Human Authority Does Not Extend to Angelic Beings

Even Jesus Christ, in His earthly humiliation, made Himself for a time “lower than the angels” to suffer and die for mankind.

Hebrews 2:7:
"You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands."

No biblical example exists in which a human being commands angels—not even the apostles. The idea that we can issue orders to angels, even “in Jesus’ name,” has no scriptural foundation. In fact, even Michael the archangel, though a powerful being, did not pronounce condemnation on Satan in his own authority:

Jude 1:9:
"Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you!'"

If even an archangel dares not act presumptuously, then surely no believer should take such liberty.

4. Prayer and Intercession Go to God Alone

In every account where God sent an angel to deliver, assist, or warn His people, it was in response to prayer to God, not by invoking angelic help directly.

Numbers 20:16:
"When we cried out to the Lord, He heard our voice and sent the Angel and brought us up out of Egypt..."

Daniel 3:28 (after the fiery furnace):
"Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him..."

Acts 12:5 (regarding Peter):
"Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church."

Nowhere in these accounts do God’s people command angels. They cry out to God, and He sends His messengers as He sees fit.

5. Angels Do Not Receive Worship or Obedience from Man

We are forbidden from worshiping angels, which also implies we are not to direct or command them.

Revelation 22:8–9:
"Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, 'See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.'"

Any spiritual being that receives worship or commands from humans apart from God's direction is not from God, but is a deceiving spirit.

6. The Name of Jesus Is Not a Magic Formula

While some may claim that believers can “command angels” in Jesus' name, such reasoning treats Christ’s name like a talisman or spiritual incantation. This is not biblical. To invoke Jesus’ name is to act in accordance with His will, not our own agendas.

John 14:13–14:
"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."

Jesus is not granting a blank check; He is speaking of prayers aligned with His will and purpose. The idea that we may order around God’s angels using Christ’s name reflects pride, not faith.

Conclusion: Authority Belongs to God Alone

Angels are real. They are powerful. They serve God and minister to His saints. But they are not ours to command, summon, or direct. All authority in heaven and earth belongs to Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18), and He alone assigns angelic beings to accomplish His will.

Let us pray to the Lord of Hosts, trust in His sovereign plan, and rejoice that His holy angels watch over us according to His good pleasure.

Psalm 34:7:
"The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them."

Let us seek the God of the angels, not the angels themselves.