Revelation 22:8-9 – Was Christ an Angel?

As John concluded the book of Revelation, he records that he was tremendously awed by the angelic creature who spoke to him. The apostle wrote: “I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel that showed me these things” (Rev. 22:8).

Remarkably, however, the angel forbade him to engage in such adoration. “See that you do it not,” the angel said. Rather, John was to “worship God” (Rev. 22:9). This is a most significant passage, for it clearly shows that angels are not of the deity class.

By way of contrast, the Gospel accounts are filled with examples of where Jesus Christ, the Son of God, freely accepted worship.

Consider the record of Matthew 14:22-33. On the evening following the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, Christ, walking upon the tempestuous waters of the Sea of Galilee, approached the boat in which the frightened disciples were struggling. After bidding Peter to come to him on the stormy waters, and subsequently rescuing the fearful apostle, the Master entered into the boat with his chosen ones.

Suddenly, the wind ceased. And Matthew, an eyewitness to the event, records: “And they that were in the boat worshipped him, saying, Of a truth you are the Son of God” (Mt. 14:33).

There was not a word of reproof from the Savior. Why not?

Because he was deity (Jn. 1:1; 8:58; 10:30), and thus worthy of worship.

This is quite significant in view of the fact that the “Jehovah’s Witnesses” teach that Christ was an angel — in fact, Michael, the archangel. There is, of course, no biblical evidence whatever for such an assertion.

Thus, mark Revelation 22:9, and in your margin note: See Matthew 14:33; Christ obviously not an angel.