How do we know if angels are boys or girls? — Amy of Gentry, AR

Dear Amy,

Angels do not have physical bodies like people. Because of this, they have the ability to take on different forms. At times, angels appeared as strange objects. For instance, the angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a fiery bush that did not burn up (Exodus 3:2). On some occasions, angels appeared as men. The two men who went to Lot's house really were angels (read Genesis 19:1,5). Also, angels appeared in the form of men when Jesus rose from the dead (Luke 24:4).

This does not mean, however, that angels are male. Jesus taught that angels do not marry one another like humans do (Matthew 22:30). This seems to mean that God created angels individually — they do not reproduce like humans. It also seems to mean that they are neither male nor female. But, when angels appeared as people, they took on a man's form.