| Powers | |
|---|---|
 Close-up of the west window of the Church of St Michael and All Angels, Somerton. | |
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Other Names |
Authorities |
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First Appearance |
Christian Theology |
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Created by |
Unknown |
Origin[]
The "Powers", or "Authorities"are angles who have the primary duty to supervise the movements of the heavenly bodies in order to ensure that the cosmos remains in order. Being warrior angels, they also oppose evil spirits, especially those that make use of the matter in the universe, and often cast evil spirits to detention places. These angels are usually represented as soldiers wearing full armor and helmet, and also having defensive and offensive weapons such as shields and spears or chains respectively.
The Powers are the bearers of conscience and the keepers of history. They are also the warrior angels created to be completely loyal to God. Some believe that no Power has ever fallen from grace, but another theory states that Satan was the Chief of the Powers before he fell. Their duty is to oversee the distribution of power among humankind, hence their name.love the most high!!
In The Etymologies of Isidore of Seville, the Powers are given their name because they are angels who have power over evil forces, which the angels are able to restrain to keep them from doing harm. Powers also oversee the power which human beings—such as kings—have been given in the world.
In Catholic angel hierarchy, they are part of the Second Order which also includes Dominions and Virtues which they are above. Below them are also the Principalities, Archangels, and Guardian Angels. Angels such as Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones/Ophanim are part of the First Order and are above Powers as well in the hierarchy.
Public Domain Appearances[]
All published appearances of Powers from before January 1, 1930 are public domain in the US.
Some notable appearances are listed below:
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- The Bible:
- Ephesians 1:19b-21; 6:12
- 1 Peter 3:21b-22
- The Etymologies of Isidore of Seville
- De Coelesti Hierarchia