Powers

An order of angels in Christian angelology responsible for maintaining cosmic order, opposing evil forces, and protecting the boundary between the physical and spiritual realms. Powers are warrior angels who guard against demonic incursion and preserve God’s creation from chaos.

In Christian Tradition

Celestial Hierarchy

In the system of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, Powers occupy the third rank of the second sphere:

1. First Sphere: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones
2. Second Sphere: Dominions, Virtues, Powers
3. Third Sphere: Principalities, Archangels, Angels

Powers serve as the boundary keepers between the second and third spheres, protecting lower orders and the material world.

Biblical Foundation

New Testament References

The Apostle Paul frequently mentions “powers” in discussions of spiritual authority:

Ephesians 1:21: Christ is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion.”

Ephesians 3:10: “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 6:12: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Colossians 1:16: “For by him all things were created… whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities.”

Colossians 2:15: Christ “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them.”

These passages indicate both faithful angelic powers and fallen powers that oppose God.

Role and Function

Warriors Against Evil

Powers serve as the primary defense against demonic forces:

• Combat fallen angels and demons
• Prevent evil spirits from overthrowing the world
• Maintain the barrier between hell and earth
• Engage in ongoing spiritual warfare

Guardians of Cosmic Order

• Prevent chaos from disrupting creation
• Maintain the proper relationship between spiritual and physical realms
• Guard the pathways between heaven and earth
• Preserve the integrity of divine creation

Supervisors of History

• Oversee the rise and fall of nations
• Guard against demonic influence over human affairs
• Ensure that history moves toward God’s purposes
• Restrain evil to allow for redemption

Protectors of Souls

• Defend human souls from demonic attack
• Guard the faithful during spiritual battles
• Protect the dying as souls transition from earthly life
• Escort redeemed souls safely to heaven

Theological Significance

Spiritual Warfare

Powers embody the Christian doctrine of spiritual warfare:

• Evil is real and active
• God provides defense against evil
• The battle between good and evil is cosmic in scope
• Victory over evil is assured through Christ

The Problem of Fallen Powers

Scripture suggests that some “powers and authorities” oppose God:

• Some angels from this order fell with Satan
• Fallen Powers became demons of significant rank
• They oppose God’s purposes in the world
• Christ’s victory disarmed and defeated them

This raises theological questions:

• How can angels created good become evil?
• Do fallen Powers still retain some authority?
• What is the relationship between demonic powers and earthly rulers?

Order vs. Chaos

Powers represent God’s commitment to maintaining creation:

• Chaos is held at bay by divine decree
• Evil cannot ultimately triumph
• The world’s continued existence depends on angelic ministry
• Order is not automatic but actively maintained

In Medieval Theology

Attributes

Medieval theologians described Powers as:

• Warrior angels bearing armor and weapons
• Particularly strong and fierce in appearance
• Emanating power and authority
• Vigilant and ever-watchful

Responsibilities

• Prevent demons from possessing humans excessively
• Restrain Satan and his forces
• Guard monasteries and churches
• Assist exorcists in casting out demons
• Protect kingdoms from spiritual overthrow

Ambiguous Nature

Some theological traditions held that Powers have a unique temptation:

• Their authority could lead to pride
• They guard the boundary between orders but could desire to cross it
• More Powers fell than any other order (according to some traditions)
• Those who remained faithful are particularly stalwart

Distinction from Other Orders

Among the Middle Orders

• Dominions: Govern and command
• Virtues: Enable and empower miracles
• Powers: Protect and combat evil

Unique Characteristics

• Most associated with warfare among the second sphere
• Direct confrontation with demonic forces
• Guard boundaries (between spheres, between good and evil, between order and chaos)
• Combine authority (from Dominions) with strength (from Virtues) toward active protection

Compared to Michael’s Angels

While Michael leads angelic armies, Powers form the standing garrison:

• Michael’s forces engage in specific battles
• Powers maintain constant vigilance
• Michael achieves victory; Powers preserve it
• Archangels lead campaigns; Powers hold the line

In Art and Symbolism

Christian art typically depicts Powers with:

• Military armor and helmets
• Swords, spears, or other weapons
• Chains binding demons
• Shields bearing crosses
• Stern, vigilant expressions
• Often shown in combat poses
• Sometimes colored green (representing strength and endurance)

Spiritual Lessons

The order of Powers teaches:

• Vigilance: Evil never rests; neither should spiritual watchfulness
• Authority Over Evil: Believers have authority through Christ
• Cosmic Conflict: Christian life involves spiritual warfare
• Divine Protection: God provides defense against evil
• Faithful Service: Even in dangerous roles, angels serve God faithfully

The Question of Fallen Powers

The existence of fallen Powers (demons) raises important questions:

• Freedom and Responsibility: Even powerful beings can choose evil
• Redemption: Unlike humans, fallen angels cannot be redeemed (according to most traditions)
• Christ’s Victory: The cross defeated these hostile powers (Colossians 2:15)
• Continuing Battle: Though defeated, they still operate until final judgment

Contemporary Theological Reflection

Modern consideration of Powers addresses:

• The nature of spiritual warfare in the contemporary world
• How believers should understand and engage demonic forces
• The relationship between angelic/demonic activity and mental illness
• Whether spiritual powers influence political and social structures
• The balance between acknowledging evil and becoming obsessed with it

Whether understood literally as angelic warriors or symbolically as principles of divine protection, Powers represent a crucial Christian truth: God actively guards His creation against evil, maintains cosmic order, and ensures that darkness will not prevail. Through Christ’s victory, even the most formidable hostile powers have been disarmed and defeated, though their final removal awaits the consummation of all things.