Government of Angels ~ Principalities, Dominions, Powers, Rulers and Authorities

3/27/24 

As we continue on up the angelic ladder, we come to Principalities, Dominions, Powers, Rulers and Authorities.  All of which are more of a mystery then they are understood.  The scriptures regarding these tend to weigh more heavily on fallen angels than God‘s holy angels, but nevertheless, I will post what I have discovered.  Knowing that we are only given a glimpse, a quick snapshot into the hierarchy of the angelic in the scriptures.

I have likened the Lord’s Angelic Host, similar to a government, but also like a corporation.  With the President or CEO at the helm, the orders flow to the army or employees respectively.  The army when there are battles to be fought and won; employees if there are other orders to be accomplished, communications, etc.  So, let’s continue on with the organizational chart of angels remembering that scripture will site both the holy and fallen.

“Our evidence for angel organization includes a handful of terms in the New Testament referring to someone or something as “principalities,” “dominions,” “powers,” “rulers,” and “authorities.” This terminology seems to imply different groupings or levels of angelic beings. Sometimes the references seem to be only to evil angelic forces—to Satan and his demons.” 

“Nevertheless there’s something worth learning from angels when Scripture calls them by these exalted titles. Calvin himself was willing to say the terms powers, authorities, and rulers indicated that God’s government of this world “is exercised and administered” by angels. To him these words also show “the dignity of angelic service.”   Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

The following scriptures are where we find these celestial entities spoken of.

He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.  Ephesians 1:20-21. 

So that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 3:10.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:12.

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, God made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:15.

The end will come, when Christ hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.  1 Corinthians 15:24.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.

“Principalities and powers are names or titles given to spiritual forces, along with authorities, and rulers. Depending on the version of the Bible being used, the words "principalities" and "powers" occur more or less frequently. These spiritual forces or principalities and powers are holy, good, and powerful, and they love to see the display of God's work and wisdom on the earth. Conversely, there are unholy principalities and powers that are unhappy to see God's work and wisdom through humanity, and they struggle against us to defeat us.”  What are the principalities and powers the Bible talks about?

It is thought that the dominions, also known as Lordships in some translations, manage the affairs of the lower angels.

“They maintain order amongst the angels, and sometimes preside over nations, guiding and directing rulers.”  The Spheres of the Christian Angelic Hierarchy - Beliefnet.

Since scripture is rather limited in the explanation of the government of angels, I will limit this writing.  Although, man has written a great deal on the subject, I think the best mindset is to know that Christ is Head over all.  All was and is created by Him and for Him.  It is He who we worship and try to understand more.  Though we are curious about angels, His preeminence is to be revered.  

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8.

“Calvin counseled his readers to renounce vain babblings of idle men concerning the nature, ranks, and number of angels, without any authority from the Word of God.  He said the path of discipleship taught by Jesus discouraged this kind of superfluous speculations, and that we, being contented with Him for our Master, should do the same.”  Jeremiah, David. Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals.

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.  For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the Head of all principality and power.  Colossians 2:8-10.

I am reminded of the song "Above All" by Michael W. Smith:

Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began

Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth

Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him.  Colossians 1:15-17.