Extracts of Francis Turretin
The Bible teaches that angels are intelligent spiritual beings created by God. They are not all-knowing like God, but they possess great wisdom and understanding far beyond human ability. Yet their knowledge is still limited, dependent, and creaturely.
The purpose of studying angelic knowledge is not curiosity or speculation. It is to help us understand the greatness of God, the order of creation, and the difference between the Creator and His creatures.
Before speaking about angels, we must first establish this truth: only God knows all things perfectly.
God knows:
all things past, present, and future,
all possibilities,
all hearts,
all hidden things,
and all events before they happen.
Scripture says:
“Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.” — Acts 15:18
“His understanding is infinite.” — Psalm 147:5
God does not learn. Nothing surprises Him. Nothing is discovered by Him. His knowledge is eternal, immediate, and perfect.
Angels are not like this.
Even the highest angels are finite creatures. Therefore their knowledge is limited.
Although angels are not omniscient, Scripture still describes them as exceedingly wise and mighty in understanding.
David said to Joab concerning the king:
“My lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God.” — 2 Samuel 14:20
Angels are often sent by God to:
deliver messages,
carry out judgments,
protect believers,
and minister to the saints.
To perform these duties they must possess intelligence, discernment, memory, and understanding.
Their knowledge is greater than man’s because:
they are not burdened with sinful ignorance as we are,
they do not learn slowly through bodily senses as humans do,
and they were created with great intellectual ability.
Yet they remain creatures.
Christ Himself declared that certain things are hidden even from angels.
Speaking of the final judgment, Jesus said:
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” — Matthew 24:36
This verse destroys the idea that angels are all-knowing.
The angels do not know:
the secret decrees of God unless He reveals them,
the future apart from divine revelation,
the hidden thoughts of the human heart perfectly,
nor all mysteries of providence.
Only God searches the heart completely.
“Thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men.” — 1 Kings 8:39
Satan and fallen angels may tempt, observe, and infer things from human behavior, but they cannot perfectly read the soul as God can.
Turretin carefully explains that angelic knowledge is different from human knowledge.
Humans usually learn through:
senses,
observation,
experience,
reasoning,
and instruction.
Angels, being spirits, do not depend upon bodily senses as we do. Their understanding is more immediate and excellent.
Still, they are not independent knowers. Their knowledge comes from:
their created nature,
observation of God’s works,
experience,
and divine revelation.
God teaches angels what He wills them to know.
The angels continually learn more about God through His works in creation, providence, redemption, and judgment.
Even holy angels grow in understanding as God unfolds His purposes in history.
Peter writes concerning the gospel:
“Which things the angels desire to look into.” — 1 Peter 1:12
This is remarkable. Angels study the work of salvation with holy amazement. They behold the wisdom, justice, mercy, and grace of God in Christ.
The church itself becomes a display of God’s wisdom to angels.
“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” — Ephesians 3:10
Thus angels are learners in God’s school.
Originally all angels were created holy and good.
But some fell into sin under Satan.
Holy angels still delight in truth and obedience. Fallen angels retain great natural intelligence, yet their minds are corrupted by wickedness.
The devils know many truths:
they know God exists,
they know Christ is the Son of God,
they know judgment is coming.
James says:
“The devils also believe, and tremble.” — James 2:19
Yet their knowledge does not produce love, repentance, or holiness.
Knowledge alone cannot save.
A man may know doctrine intellectually and still perish without faith in Christ.
Though angels understand much, the mystery of salvation in Christ is so deep that even they cannot fully comprehend it.
They marvel that:
the eternal Son became man,
the Holy One died for sinners,
rebels are adopted as sons,
and redeemed people are united to Christ.
These truths reveal depths of divine wisdom beyond created understanding.
The cross is not merely a lesson for men, but also a revelation to angels.
If angels are so wise, yet infinitely below God, how great must God Himself be?
The brightest angel is but a candle before the sun of divine wisdom.
“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” — Romans 11:33
Man often becomes proud because of learning, education, or intellect. Yet even angels do not know everything.
The fear of God is greater than worldly wisdom.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” — Proverbs 9:10
Some falsely exalt angels beyond Scripture.
But angels are fellow servants of God.
When John attempted to worship an angel, the angel replied:
“See thou do it not.” — Revelation 22:9
All worship belongs to God alone.
Fallen angels possess knowledge without holiness.
True Christianity is not merely knowing facts about God. It is knowing God through faith in Christ.
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” — John 17:3
Angels are glorious beings filled with wisdom and understanding. Their knowledge far exceeds human ability, yet it remains finite and dependent upon God.
Only God is all-knowing.
Angels learn from God, serve His purposes, and marvel at His works—especially the redemption accomplished through Jesus Christ.
Their knowledge teaches us:
the greatness of God,
the limitation of creatures,
the wonder of redemption,
and the necessity of humble faith.
The proper response is not fascination with angels themselves, but worship of the God whom the angels serve endlessly before His throne.