The Miracles of Jesus 8 - Jesus Heals The Lame Man At Bethesada
Miracle # 8 “Jesus Heals the Lame Man At Bethesada”
Summary: Eighth in a series on the Miracles of Jesus
Series: The Miracles of Jesus
Scripture: John 5:1-18, John 5:1
series:The Miracles of Jesus
Introduction
The sect of the Pharisees possibly originated prior to the time of the Maccabean rebellion, when Antiochus Epiphanes IV desecrated the Temple in Jerusalem. Many of the Jews followed Antiochus and got involved with Greek mythology and philosophy.
The Pharisees, meaning “the separated ones,” were a devout group who adhered to the Law and stood for the purity of the Law. Their origins were good, but in the end they became very legalistic. The jot and tittle of the Law became more important to them than the spirit of the Law. Josephus declares that they numbered approximately 6,000, and yet this small group controlled the centers of worship and synagogues at the time of Christ.
John 5:1-18
It must be pointed out that all of the healing miracles of Jesus do not fit into a neat pattern. In the last miracle we examined (Luke 5:18-26), the friends of an invalid broke through a roof to let him down into the presence of Jesus. He appears to be healed on the basis of the faith of his friends. At other times Jesus demanded faith on the part of the one who was to be healed (The Healing of the Two Blind Men -Matthew 9:27-31). Obviously the raising of the dead [Jairus’s daughter (Matt 9) and Lazarus (John 11) ] cannot be the result of the person’s faith.
In fact only a few of the 35 miracles were the consequences of faith. Verse thirteen of our text declares that the lame man did not even know who had healed him, (he did not recognize Jesus or know who he was) therefore, there can be no question then that faith was not a condition of his healing. In the miracle that we will examine today we will see that He simply commanded a man to be healed not because he believed, but because it was His will.
The Background of the Miracle (vv. 1-5)
“After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. (2) Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. (3) In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. (4) For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.(5) Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.”
According to John, Jesus has traveled from Galilee to Jerusalem in order to celebrate a feast of Passover. When he was in Jerusalem, Jesus went to the Pool of Bethesda, also known as Bethsaida, where “a great multitude of sick people” gathered. Fittingly the name Bethesda means “house of mercy.” Five aspects of the mercy of God can be seen in these five porches—salvation, healing, provision, peace, and deliverance. The crowd was waiting for an angel to trouble the water. Israel was led by an angel in their wilderness journey, and as a nation they have been dependent upon angels throughout their history (Ex. 23:20).
"there was one certain man who had been afflicted for 38 years."
This man had been lame for 38 years. Thirty-eight years is the amount of time the children of Israel spent wandering in the wilderness after the Kadesh-Barnea episode (Deut. 2:14). These were the years of Israel’s disobedience. Therefore, in this sign, Christ is seen as coming to heal Israel’s rebellion, for rebellion was the reason that the Israelites wandered in the desert for 38 years.
This man had been lame for 38 years. Thirty-eight years is the amount of time the children of Israel spent wandering in the wilderness after the Kadesh-Barnea episode (Deut. 2:14). These were the years of Israel’s disobedience. Therefore, in this sign, Christ is seen as coming to heal Israel’s rebellion, for rebellion was the reason that the Israelites wandered in the desert for 38 years.
The Elements of the Miracle (vv. 6-9, 14)
“When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" (7) The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me." (8) Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." (9) And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.”
It is interesting to note that Jesus does not heal everyone at that the pool that day but as He moved among the blind and the lame, he could have spoken a word and they all would have been healed. However, he spotted one particular man who had been ill for 38 years. He chose only to heal this one man.On another occasion Jesus said that there were many widows at the time of Elijah, but Elijah was only sent to one (Lk. 4:25-26).The Bible does not say the nature of his disease other than it rendered him unable to walk, nor why among so many Jesus chose this man to heal.
Note: Sometimes it is God’s will to heal everyone present, but in this particular instance only one person was healed because his healing was to be a sign. It was not only a miracle, but there was a spiritual truth contained in it. That is why Jesus singled out this one lame man. We need to have a listening ear to hear what God’s will is in every circumstance, because sometimes God may want us to pray for the healing of only one person.
Note: Sometimes it is God’s will to heal everyone present, but in this particular instance only one person was healed because his healing was to be a sign. It was not only a miracle, but there was a spiritual truth contained in it. That is why Jesus singled out this one lame man. We need to have a listening ear to hear what God’s will is in every circumstance, because sometimes God may want us to pray for the healing of only one person.
"Do you want to be made well?"
As we noted at the beginning Jesus did not always demand faith; but he did demand agreement. He would not have healed this man against his will.
But there is even more being asked here as well, he had been an invalid for nearly forty years, during that time he had lived by the pity of others collecting alms, if he is healed he will have to be responsible for himself. He will have find work; he will be entering a whole new world. It would be the equivalent today of asking a person who had lived on Government welfare Scheme if they were willing to give up in order to be well.
In fact some people will go to extraordinary lengths to avoid unwelcome changes in their lives. It so happened in USA....
“Dave Reavor, a disabled Vietnam veteran, tells of a young man in the 1960’s who did not want to be drafted. So he had all of his teeth pulled to make himself unfit for military duty. But when he took his physical, he was declared unfit because of his flat feet.”
[Ibid]
The lame man did not answer Jesus’ question directly but rather said, that he had no one to place him in the pool when it was disturbed. In saying this he declared that he had lost not only his ability to walk but all hope as well.
Note: This man, unaware of the One who was addressing him, had his thoughts, with respect to his healing, focused upon the pool. There is a lesson for us here as well, because so often we have preconceived thoughts as to how Jesus will do something for us, whereas His ways are not our ways. It is indeed possible to miss our miracle because of preconceived ideas which cause us not to hear what the Lord is saying to us. In this situation, it was the Lord’s will to heal by the spoken word.
The lame man did not answer Jesus’ question directly but rather said, that he had no one to place him in the pool when it was disturbed. In saying this he declared that he had lost not only his ability to walk but all hope as well.
Note: This man, unaware of the One who was addressing him, had his thoughts, with respect to his healing, focused upon the pool. There is a lesson for us here as well, because so often we have preconceived thoughts as to how Jesus will do something for us, whereas His ways are not our ways. It is indeed possible to miss our miracle because of preconceived ideas which cause us not to hear what the Lord is saying to us. In this situation, it was the Lord’s will to heal by the spoken word.
“Rise, take up your bed and walk”
Jesus did not discuss the pool or its alleged abilities to provide a cure, He simply told the man to get up, take up your bed and walk.
Seeing that you have been made well go and Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you (v. 14)
“Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you."
A literal translation of the Greek is “don’t keep on sinning.” Why was he told to stop sinning? Was the disability really caused by his sin? What could be worse than suffering from a disability for thirty-eight years?
Christ spoke this to the paralytic man whom He had healed, but He was also speaking to the nation of Israel. He was telling Israel not to sin any more lest a worse thing come upon them. Yet after this Israel rejected Christ and crucified Him. First, they rejected the words of Moses, and then they rejected the Prophet of whom Moses spoke. Therefore, the holy city and the Temple in which the Lord spoke this word were destroyed by the Romans only a few years later in A.D. 70.
Whether or not we think that he is implying that this man’s original condition was due to his sins, Jesus warning is that he is not to take his healing for granted. It is also significant to note that when he is told to “stop sinning” it is in effect the same as being told to repent.
Whether or not we think that he is implying that this man’s original condition was due to his sins, Jesus warning is that he is not to take his healing for granted. It is also significant to note that when he is told to “stop sinning” it is in effect the same as being told to repent.
The Effect of the Miracle (vv. 10-18)
First, the miracle results in the immediate healing of the lame man.
“And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.”
I want you to notice three things about the Lord’s healing power. If you should encounter someone who claims to have healing power today, measure their claims against these Bible truths.
1. Jesus’ healing was instantaneous.
2. It was complete. He arose and walked although he had not walked in 38 years.
3. Jesus’ miracles were undeniable.
John adds an additional dimension to the miracle when he relates that the incident took place on the Sabbath.
Second, the miracle causes a great “Sabbath Controversy.”
In verse nine we were told, “And that day was the Sabbath” on which the miracle was performed.
The Old Testament taught that a person should do no work on the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-10). By Jesus’ time the rabbis had expanded this simple command by going into great detail as to what constituted “work.”
The Gospels record seven Sabbath healings
1.Jesus healed the demoniac in the Synagogue at Capernaum (Mark 1:21-28)
2.Jesus heals Peter’s Mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-34)
3.Jesus heals the cripple at Bethesda (John 5:1-18)
4.Jesus heals the man with the withered hand (Mark 3:1-6)
5.Jesus heals the man born blind (John 9:1-7)
6.Jesus healed the woman bound by Satan (Luke 13:10-17)
7.Jesus heals a man with dropsy (Luke 14:1-6)
So what we have with this miracle is another Sabbath miracle. I believe that Jesus worked this miracle on the Sabbath on purpose to focus the attention of the religious leaders on the fact that they are missing the original purpose of the Sabbath and fact he is LORD over the Sabbath. More over, To break legalism, Christ intentionally performed miracles and healings on the Sabbath to stir up the legalistic Jews.
Note: The Sabbath day was intended by God to be a day of joy, rejoicing, and rest. The Law states in Exodus 20:10, “But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.” According to Jesus, it was instituted for the benefit of man, as He said in Mark 2:27, “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.”
However, over the years the Pharisees had added many rules and regulations for the Sabbath that were very burdensome to the people. In so doing they destroyed the spirit of the Law, which was intended for the good of man (who was created for a seven-day-cycle with six days of work and one day of rest).
When the leaders of the atheistic French Revolution changed the seven-day-cycle to a ten-day-cycle, they had to return to the original cycle after a short time period because the populace was unable to function and became very weary. In fact, even the animals became worn out.
Note: The Sabbath day was intended by God to be a day of joy, rejoicing, and rest. The Law states in Exodus 20:10, “But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.” According to Jesus, it was instituted for the benefit of man, as He said in Mark 2:27, “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.”
However, over the years the Pharisees had added many rules and regulations for the Sabbath that were very burdensome to the people. In so doing they destroyed the spirit of the Law, which was intended for the good of man (who was created for a seven-day-cycle with six days of work and one day of rest).
When the leaders of the atheistic French Revolution changed the seven-day-cycle to a ten-day-cycle, they had to return to the original cycle after a short time period because the populace was unable to function and became very weary. In fact, even the animals became worn out.
“The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed." (11) He answered them, "He who made me well said to me, "Take up your bed and walk."’ (12) Then they asked him, "Who is the Man who said to you, "Take up your bed and walk’?" (13) But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. … (15) The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.”
The healed man is intercepted by the religious leaders who inform him that he is breaking the law by carrying his bed on the Sabbath. They are not concerned about this man – they do no even acknowledge that he has been healed – let alone rejoice over it. Their only concern is that this man is breaking the rules – their rules. He tells them that the one who commanded him to get up and walk is the one who also commanded him to carry his bed.
Once informed that Jesus is the one who healed the lame man, the Jews cease to harass the healed man and fix their attention on Jesus.
Third, the miracle results in the religious leaders rejection of Jesus
“For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath.”
John tells us that the religious leaders began to “persecute Jesus.” An important feature of this miracle is that it began an open conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders that would culminate at the cross. Because this miracle was done on the Sabbath day, it gave raise to the first demonstration of rejection on the part of the religious leadership.
However, the Sabbath day had not been desecrated, for as Jesus reminded them in Matthew 12:11-12, “What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.”
Therefore, in healing this man on the Sabbath, Jesus did what they would have done for an animal, which has far less value than a human being. The Sabbath is a day of rejoicing, and therefore, a day on which we should perform good works.
Jesus now further added to the rejection of the religious leaders in verse seventeen and eighteen, by declaring the he was equal with the father. “But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working." (18) Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.”
Therefore, in healing this man on the Sabbath, Jesus did what they would have done for an animal, which has far less value than a human being. The Sabbath is a day of rejoicing, and therefore, a day on which we should perform good works.
Jesus now further added to the rejection of the religious leaders in verse seventeen and eighteen, by declaring the he was equal with the father. “But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working." (18) Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.”
Jesus defends His actions by pointing out that He is mere imitating His father. Jesus states that that God’s creative and sustaining work upon which the world depends has never ceased nor will it. He says, “My Father is working and I am working too!”
The Jews immediately grasp what he was saying. Jesus is stating He is equal with God. The religious leaders did not reject Christ because they did not understand who he claimed to be, they understood perfectly, and rejected him because of these claims.
Notice that John does not tells us that from this point on the Jewish authorities are trying to kill Jesus, it says for this reason “the Jews were trying even harder to kill Him.” The authorities have already determined that he must be put to death. This incident only provided them with added incentive for doing it as soon as possible.The Jews were infuriated by the Lord’s comments.
They wanted to kill Him for two reasons: because He asserted that He was the Son of God and because He healed on the Sabbath day, which they felt was disregard for the Sabbath. The Jews’ anger and hatred for Jesus led to His crucifixion. Jesus is the Son of God and the Lord of the Sabbath, and He suffered for the sake of the truth.
They wanted to kill Him for two reasons: because He asserted that He was the Son of God and because He healed on the Sabbath day, which they felt was disregard for the Sabbath. The Jews’ anger and hatred for Jesus led to His crucifixion. Jesus is the Son of God and the Lord of the Sabbath, and He suffered for the sake of the truth.
Because This Miracle Mentions Angels Perhaps Further Consideration About Angels Is Warranted.
We are told by the Apostle Paul that angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be the heirs of salvation” (Heb.1:14). Therefore, angels constantly surround and watch over us. Even in our unregenerate state these heavenly messengers protected us and sought to guide and move us into the ways of righteousness and salvation.
Angelic Ministries in the Life of our Lord Jesus Christ
• The annunciation of Christ’s birth that was first made by Gabriel to Mary.
• The angel who was later sent to Joseph, her espoused husband.
• The angelic interventions and visitations that took place at the birth of Christ.
• The angel who directed Joseph to flee to Egypt with the Child and mother.
• The angels who ministered to Christ after the temptation.
• The angel who stirred the waters at the pool of Bethesda for healing.
• The angel who strengthened Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.
• The angel who rolled the stone from the tomb on resurrection morning.
• The angels who will accompany Christ at His Second Coming.
The Bible also mentions special groups of angels which include:
-Angels of the seven churches: Revelation 1:20
-Four angels who control the winds: Revelation 1:7
-Seven angels who stand before God: Revelation 8:2
-Seven angels who administer the seven last plagues: Revelation 15:1,7
-Twenty-four elders--who may be angelic beings: Revelation 4 and 5
The ministry of angels in Heaven includes:
-Worship: Revelation 4:8; 5:11-12; Isaiah 6:3; Psalms 103:20; 148:1-2
-Standing ready to do God's will: Psalms 103:20-21
-Ministering to the godly who have died in Christ Jesus: Jude 9; Luke 16:22
-Representing children in a special way: Matthew 18:10
-Rejoicing over those who accept the Gospel: Luke 15:10
The ministry of angels on earth includes:
-Ruling nations: Daniel 10
-Ministering to believers in times of testing: Matthew 4:11
-Strengthening believers: Luke 22:43
-Interpreting God's will for men: Zechariah 1:9; Daniel 7:16
-Guarding believers: Matthew 18:10
-Guiding believers: Acts 8:26
-Bringing judgment on individuals and nations: Acts 12:23; Genesis 19:3; 2 Samuel 24:16; Revelation 16:1
-Bringing answers to prayer: Daniel 9:21-22
-Announcing: Luke 1:11-20; Matthew 1:20, 21
-Warning: Matthew 2:13
-Instructing: Matthew 28:2-6; Acts 10:3-6; Daniel 4:13-17
-Encouraging: Acts 27:23; Genesis 28:12
-Revealing: Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2; Daniel 9:21-27; Revelation 1:1
-Sustaining: Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43
-Preserving: Genesis 16:7; 24:7; Exodus 23:20; Revelation 7:1
-Protecting: Psalms 91:11; 34:5-7
-Delivering: Numbers 20:16; Psalms 34:7; Isaiah 63:9; Daniel 3:28; 6:22; Genesis 19:15; 48:16; Matthew 26:53; Acts 12:1-19
-Destroying: Acts 12:20-23
-Interceding: Zechariah 1:12; Revelation 8:3,4
-Executing warfare in behalf of believers: Exodus 33:2
-Being active in evangelism: Acts 10:1-3,5; 8:25
-Empowering our worship: Psalm 148:2
-Escorting us in death: Luke 16:22; 1 Corinthians 15:26
The future activities of angels will include:
-Participating in the return of Jesus: 1 Thessalonians 4:16
-Gathering the elect: Matthew 24:31
-Warning and preaching during the tribulation: Revelation 14:6-9
-Separating the wicked from the righteous: Matthew 13:39 and 49
-Executing judgments: Revelation 8,9 and 16
-Binding Satan: Revelation 20
Today’s world is deeply interested in angels, but the world’s concept of angels in not always a biblical one. Angels whether they are depicted in movies or television, in countless books and magazine articles or described by someone who has seen one, they are always depicted as beneficent and protective. But we have come not to expecting theological accuracy from Hollywood and or certain denominations who do not believe in Angels, Demons or Miracles; but sometimes even respect, decency are lacking and millions of viewers who have exposed to its subtle teachings.
-Angels of the seven churches: Revelation 1:20
-Four angels who control the winds: Revelation 1:7
-Seven angels who stand before God: Revelation 8:2
-Seven angels who administer the seven last plagues: Revelation 15:1,7
-Twenty-four elders--who may be angelic beings: Revelation 4 and 5
The ministry of angels in Heaven includes:
-Worship: Revelation 4:8; 5:11-12; Isaiah 6:3; Psalms 103:20; 148:1-2
-Standing ready to do God's will: Psalms 103:20-21
-Ministering to the godly who have died in Christ Jesus: Jude 9; Luke 16:22
-Representing children in a special way: Matthew 18:10
-Rejoicing over those who accept the Gospel: Luke 15:10
The ministry of angels on earth includes:
-Ruling nations: Daniel 10
-Ministering to believers in times of testing: Matthew 4:11
-Strengthening believers: Luke 22:43
-Interpreting God's will for men: Zechariah 1:9; Daniel 7:16
-Guarding believers: Matthew 18:10
-Guiding believers: Acts 8:26
-Bringing judgment on individuals and nations: Acts 12:23; Genesis 19:3; 2 Samuel 24:16; Revelation 16:1
-Bringing answers to prayer: Daniel 9:21-22
-Announcing: Luke 1:11-20; Matthew 1:20, 21
-Warning: Matthew 2:13
-Instructing: Matthew 28:2-6; Acts 10:3-6; Daniel 4:13-17
-Encouraging: Acts 27:23; Genesis 28:12
-Revealing: Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2; Daniel 9:21-27; Revelation 1:1
-Sustaining: Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43
-Preserving: Genesis 16:7; 24:7; Exodus 23:20; Revelation 7:1
-Protecting: Psalms 91:11; 34:5-7
-Delivering: Numbers 20:16; Psalms 34:7; Isaiah 63:9; Daniel 3:28; 6:22; Genesis 19:15; 48:16; Matthew 26:53; Acts 12:1-19
-Destroying: Acts 12:20-23
-Interceding: Zechariah 1:12; Revelation 8:3,4
-Executing warfare in behalf of believers: Exodus 33:2
-Being active in evangelism: Acts 10:1-3,5; 8:25
-Empowering our worship: Psalm 148:2
-Escorting us in death: Luke 16:22; 1 Corinthians 15:26
The future activities of angels will include:
-Participating in the return of Jesus: 1 Thessalonians 4:16
-Gathering the elect: Matthew 24:31
-Warning and preaching during the tribulation: Revelation 14:6-9
-Separating the wicked from the righteous: Matthew 13:39 and 49
-Executing judgments: Revelation 8,9 and 16
-Binding Satan: Revelation 20
Today’s world is deeply interested in angels, but the world’s concept of angels in not always a biblical one. Angels whether they are depicted in movies or television, in countless books and magazine articles or described by someone who has seen one, they are always depicted as beneficent and protective. But we have come not to expecting theological accuracy from Hollywood and or certain denominations who do not believe in Angels, Demons or Miracles; but sometimes even respect, decency are lacking and millions of viewers who have exposed to its subtle teachings.
So what false views do these and other modern portrayals of angels teach us.
1. Man is basically good, sin is not the problem but just disconnectedness with God.
Some movies and books does expose the viewers to a God that exists and that has an active and concerned love for man. Yet there is room for concern that it also expresses a redemption that cost nothing, stories that warm the heart but do not convict the soul.
2. They were created Angels and are not formerly humans.
Almost everyone remembers the angel “Clarence“ from the Christmas classic “It is a Wonderful Life“ who is trying to earn his wings. It is a great story but poor theology. Angels are supernatural spirit beings created by God. Before the creation of man, angels were in existence: for when the foundations of the world were laid, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” (Job 38:7). After the fall of man, angels were sent to guard the tree of life, all this before a single human being had died.
3. All Angels Are Good.
In their original state they were holy, but before the creation of the world some of them rebelled against God and lost this exalted position.
When Satan fell from Heaven (see Ezek. 28:11-19, Isa. 14:12-17) unfortunately he did not fall alone, he took a percentage of the angelic host with him (perhaps as many as one-third according to Revelation 12:4). All these fallen angels now known as Demons do the bidding of Satan and attempt to extend his kingdom.
IMPORTANT WARNINGS
Angels are holy beings with important ministries on behalf of believers, but the Bible gives some important warnings concerning them:Do Not Worship Angels.
You are not to worship angels:Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind. (Colossians 2:18)
And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: Worship God. (Revelation 22:8-9)
Reject Angels Preaching "Another Gospel".
Some people have claimed to see angels who gave them a "new revelation" contrary to God's written Word. Entire religious movements have been founded on such false revelations. The Bible warns:But though we, or an angel from Heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8)
You are not to listen to a man, an angel, or any other being that would guide you contrary to God's Word.
The Bible warns:
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14)
Do Not Provoke The Angels.
Read the story of Balaam in Numbers 22, a prophet who was acting in disobedience to God. You will note that he was opposed by an angel of the Lord. When you are disobedient to God, the angels may actually hinder you. You will be fighting a battle, but it will not be warfare against the enemy. Be careful that you do not provoke the angels of God (Ecclesiastes 5:1-6).So beware of getting your theology concerning angels from Hollywood or certain Denominations who do not believe in Angels !
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