Let’s just start with the big one: Can you worship angels?
No.
Absolutely not.
And the Bible doesn’t just suggest this—it’s crystal clear.
Still, you might’ve come across the phrase “worship of angels” and wondered where it came from, what it means, and why Paul would even bring it up in Colossians 2:18.
That’s what we’re going to unpack here.
This isn’t about angel figurines on bookshelves.
This is about who gets your worship—and who doesn’t.
What Does Colossians 2:18 Mean?
Here’s the verse:
“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.” – Colossians 2:18
What’s Paul getting at here?
In a word: distraction.
He’s warning the church in Colossae not to get caught up in spiritual detours—like extreme self-denial or chasing visions and mystical experiences.
And right in the middle of it?
Worship of angels.
Back then, some people were so focused on the unseen realm—on being “spiritually enlightened”—that they started elevating angels.
They thought angels were closer to God, so maybe it was safer or more humble to pray through them or worship with them.
But Paul’s says: “Don’t let anyone pull you off course.”
Jesus is the head.
Jesus is enough.
Can You Worship Angels?
Nope.
Not if you’re following Jesus.
In fact, every time someone in the Bible tries to worship an angel, the angel shuts it down—fast.
Look at Revelation 19:10:
“At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.’”
Same thing happens again in Revelation 22:9.
The angel doesn’t say, “Well, thanks, I appreciate it.”
He says, “Stop. Worship God.”
So can you worship angels?
No, not biblically.
Not ever.
Angels are created beings.
Powerful?
Yes.
Mysterious?
Sure.
Worthy of worship?
No, only God is.
Why Did People Worship Angels in the First Place?
In Paul’s day, people were drawn to anything that felt mystical or transcendent (which still largely happens today).
Some saw angels as go-betweens—spiritual messengers who could connect you to God.
Others may have been influenced by early Gnostic ideas, where hidden knowledge or experiences with angels were seen as more “spiritual” than simple faith in Jesus.
But the problem?
It shifts focus away from Christ.
It treats Jesus as the starting point, but not the whole journey.
And that’s exactly what Paul was fighting against in Colossians.
Are Angels Real? And What’s Their Role?
Yes, angels are real.
The Bible talks about them from Genesis to Revelation.
They’re messengers, warriors, protectors.
They show up in key moments—at Jesus’ birth, resurrection, and return.
Angels have been on Earth for different reasons at different times.
They serve God.
They worship Him.
They do His will.
But again: they’re servants, not saviors.
We don’t pray to angels.
We don’t sing to them.
We don’t put them on pedestals or take their word as religion (which some large world religions like Mormons do).
Their whole job is to point to God—not pull attention away from Him.
Is Angel Worship Still Happening Today?
You’d think this kind of thing faded after the early church—but angel worship hasn’t gone away.
It’s just changed forms.
Today, it often shows up through angel numbers, guardian angel prayers, or new-age spirituality that mixes Christianity with mysticism.
Some people talk more about “spirit guides” and angelic beings than they do about Jesus.
Others get caught up in stories of near-death experiences or dreams and start to elevate angels as if they’re the main point of the story.
But again—if your worship or spiritual life centers on anyone but Christ, you’ve missed the mark.
The Bible doesn’t tell us to ignore angels—but it absolutely tells us not to worship them.
Angels themselves point that worship back to God.
Why Is Worship of Angels Still a Thing Today?
It shows up in more subtle ways now.
Some people get really into angel numbers or new-age spiritualism.
Others might pray “to their guardian angel” instead of praying to God.
Some get caught up in supernatural experiences and visions but forget about Scripture and the cross.
The danger is the same: when we elevate angels, we lower Christ.
And Paul’s reminder still stands: Don’t let anyone disqualify you with spiritual distractions.
Stay rooted in Jesus.
He’s not just part of the story—He’s the center of it.
Keep Your Worship Where It Belongs
The worship of angels might sound spiritual.
It might feel humble.
But it’s actually pride in disguise—thinking we’ve found some “higher” way to connect to God than through Christ alone.
Paul isn’t saying angels are bad.
He’s saying don’t give them what belongs to Jesus.
Worship is intimate.
It’s sacred.
It’s reserved for the One who created the angels—not the ones He created.
So if someone tries to pull you into angel worship—or anything that adds layers between you and God—politely decline.
Then turn your eyes back to Jesus.
That’s where your worship belongs.
FAQs
What does Colossians 2:18 mean?
It’s a warning from Paul not to let anyone sidetrack you with mystical practices like worship of angels or extreme self-denial. The verse points us back to Jesus as the only source of spiritual truth and fullness.
Can you worship angels?
No. The Bible is clear—angels are created beings who serve God. Worship belongs only to God. Even angels in Scripture reject worship when it’s offered to them.
Why is worshiping angels considered wrong?
Because it shifts your focus away from God and gives glory to a created being. Scripture teaches that only God deserves worship, and giving it to anyone else—even angels—is idolatry.
Do angels ever accept worship in the Bible?
No. In both Revelation 19:10 and 22:9, when John tries to worship an angel, he’s immediately corrected. The angel tells him to worship God alone.
What was happening in Colossae that made Paul write about angel worship?
Some people in the early church were getting caught up in mystical experiences and elevating angels as spiritual intermediaries. Paul wrote to remind believers that Jesus is enough—He’s the head, not angels.
Are angels important in Christianity?
Yes, but not in the sense of being worshiped. They’re servants of God who play roles in His plan—delivering messages, protecting, and worshiping Him. Their purpose is to point us to God, not become the object of our worship.
What is the worship of angels called?
The worship of angels is often referred to as “angelolatry.” It’s the act of giving reverence or worship to angels, which the Bible warns against.
What does the Bible say about worship of angels?
The Bible consistently teaches that worship belongs to God alone. In Colossians 2:18, Paul warns against the worship of angels, and in Revelation, angels themselves reject worship and direct it to God.
Which religion worships angels?
Traditional Christianity does not worship angels. Some spiritual or mystical belief systems may venerate or attempt to connect with angelic beings, but this is outside biblical teaching.
Can you worship angels but not God?
Biblically, no. Worshiping angels instead of God is idolatry. The Bible makes it clear that worship is reserved for God alone, and giving that devotion to anyone or anything else is spiritually harmful.
Is it OK to worship angels?
No. Scripture clearly teaches that it is not okay to worship angels. Angels themselves reject worship and point people to worship God instead.
What is Gnosticism?
Gnosticism was an early heresy that mixed elements of Christianity with mystical philosophies. Gnostics believed in secret knowledge and often viewed spiritual beings like angels as intermediaries to God, which led some toward angel worship.
Should we pray to the archangels?
No. While archangels like Michael are mentioned in Scripture, they are servants of God, not beings to whom we direct prayer. Prayer should go to God alone.
Do angels worship God in heaven?
Yes. Angels are constantly worshiping God in heaven. Revelation 4 and 5 describe heavenly scenes where angels and other beings praise God day and night.
How many times did John try to worship an angel?
Twice. In Revelation 19:10 and again in Revelation 22:8-9, John falls down to worship an angel, and both times he’s told not to do it. The angel reminds him to worship God alone.