Dr Paul Allen

There are many stories of supernatural protection from angels. One inner‑city counselor claimed a seven‑foot angel protected her from a gang of thugs.1 On the other hand, Wolly Tope established a Christian ministry to people disillusioned by false and cultic teachings. In April 1992 he had an appointment with destiny. When he heard about riots breaking out in Los Angeles, Tope took to the streets and preached to the rioters. A gang of hoodlums beats him so severely that he fell into a coma. Tope died the following year, never regaining consciousness after his beating. Why didn’t angels protect Tope during the riots? If everyone or at least every Christian has a guardian angel, where was his guardian angel that night? Belief in guardian angels is nothing new. Ancient thinkers of the Greco-Roman world such as Plato, Plutarch, and Plotinus believed in spiritual guardians, as did Babylonian and Assyrian writers.2 Ancient Jewish traditions suggested that angels were assigned to everyone.3 S

These are familiar words for those of us who make a holiday tradition of watching the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life . The angel Clarence helps George Bailey discover the unseen but tremendous significance his mundane life played in the lives of others. It’s a heartwarming story, full of hope and encouragement. But what about its theology? Are guardian angels—like Clarence—really biblical? Jesus ’ words in Matthew 18:10 suggest the answer is yes: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” The passage affirms that children have angels who represent them before God . Where did Matthew get such an idea? In Job 5:1, angels are presented as mediators between God and people. Job’s friend Eliphaz challenges him: “Call now; is there anyone who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?” Eliphaz presumes that angels would act as mediators between God and Job. This u