Written by Paul J Bucknell on January, 28, 2020

The Danger of Lofty Titles: Angels & Preachers & Titles (Matthew 23:6-12)

The Question on Titles for Christians

The word “angel” simply means “a messenger.” The word is sometimes applied to the prophets of God (Mal 2:7) and the preachers in various churches of God (Rev 2:3). The other equivalent word is “ambassador” (angel) in some translations (2 Cor 5:20).

Please, I want to know can we ministers of the Word call ourselves angels as a religious title like Angel Robert or Angel Jeff etc just as we call Pastor Mike, Elder Paul and the rest? Though I can’t find anything in the scriptures about that, do you have any thoughts on this?

Man has an insidious tendency to secure the applause of others. As a whole, we should follow Jesus’ warning not to be called teacher or father.

Brief Word Study on Angel

You suggest that ‘angel’ “simply means a messenger” but this is misleading. It is more accurate to state that the Greek word, “angelos” can be translated as messenger, envoy, angel, etc. (a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God—netbible.org).

It’s generally accepted that angels are different creatures from people (Heb 12:22)—whether it is the angels speaking to Abraham (Gen 18) or the angels ascending and descending the ramp (ladder) from heaven before Jacob (Gen 28:12).

Yes, evangelists are messengers delivering the Gospel, but they are also inhabitants of the earth, rather than messengers from God to those on earth. So though there are similarities, there also are great differences between the two, though they might share the same word. No matter how noble a position, we must not consider ourselves to be different from our human nature.

Human beings have descended from Adam and Eve; they are not angels, spiritual beings who are attentive to do God’s every bidding.

A Closer Look at the Scriptures

“For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 2:7)

You also stated the word ‘angel’ is the same as a preacher or prophet in Malachi 2:7, but it refers to priest. Yes, the priest being referred to is called a messenger. However, preacher, prophet, and priests are all different terms carrying different responsibilities. But notice, the translation does not state that a human priest is a heavenly angel but only conveys a heavenly message.

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ.” (2 Cor 5:20)

It is improper to equivocate the word “ambassador” to the word evangelist, preacher, messenger, or angel. The word translated as ‘ambassador’ (presbeuo), instead, is often connected to someone being older than one, having experience and the responsibility. [(1) to be older, prior by birth or in age 2) to be an ambassador, act as an ambassador—netbible.org 2 Cor 5:20 word study].

The Larger Issue of Pride

The desire to have such titles attributed to individuals is often associated with pride. The disciples even had this problem.

“Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

“⁴¹ Hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John. ⁴² Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. ⁴³ But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:41-43).

Jesus says it is more appropriate to focus on serving others and be like Christ.

Titles become dangerous when individuals seek grandiosity. Just consider the delusion in this case: Some want to seize the glory and uniqueness of angels for themselves. Such notions should be seen as sourced in the Evil One. Even James 3:1 warns that we should not be quick to claim titles even though it might be appropriate for some believers, such as teacher (John 13:14). But to claim the title of another class of being is outright dangerous and can set fearful precedence.

Above all, Jesus warns His followers not to adopt the worldly ways of esteeming such titles. They keep us from a heart of service.

⁶ They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, ⁷ and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. ⁸ But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. ⁹ Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. ¹⁰ Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. ¹¹ But the greatest among you shall be your servant. ¹² Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. (Matthew 23:6-12)

Notice how it is not just the title but the prideful attitude that attaches itself to such titles, “They love the place of honor at banquets.” We are much safer if we follow Jesus’ teaching and humble ourselves rather than seeking titles for ourselves.