With the resurgence of spirituality has come a renewed popular interest in angels. Thus, angels figure far more extensively in New Age thought than they have done in Christianity over the last two or three centuries. This essay explores the role angelology could potentially play in contemporary orthodox theology.

Why is Jesus contrasted with the angels in such strong language in the epistle to the Hebrews? How was the identity and role of angels understood in late Judaism? The angelology of sectarian Judaism is discussed. Exegesis of Hebrews 1:5-14 supplies insight into the contrast between the birthright of the Son of God and the angels.