A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

But Rhoda heard Peters voice, and that was the ground of the sayings: Others understand it of some Angel come to give notice of his death, but that is groundless: Lastly, some as Chrysostom, of a particular tutelar Angel; but whence doth it appear that these Angels had the shape and habit of those they kept, and Angels do not use to knock at doors, ⟨p. 368⟩and wait for opening: and if Peter had a special Angel, it followeth not that all have; the meaning probably is, 'Tis a spirit that hath assumed his shape.

But R•oda heard Peters voice, and that was the ground of the sayings: Others understand it of some Angel come to give notice of his death, but that is groundless: Lastly, some as Chrysostom, of a particular tutelar Angel; but whence doth it appear that these Angels had the shape and habit of those they kept, and Angels do not use to knock at doors, ⟨p. 368⟩and wait for opening: and if Peter had a special Angel, it followeth not that all have; the meaning probably is, 'Tis a spirit that hath assumed his shape.

7. Though it be not certain that every particular believer hath an Angel deputed to his attendance, yet in the general, there is an assurance of a Guardianship, and Tutelage from the Angels; the Heirs of salvation have them among them; if the whole City hath a sufficient Guard, 'tis as good as if every Citizen had a distinct Soldier to defend him; nay, 'tis more for our comfort that we have many rather then one, we have to do with many enemies, and therefore we need much assistance, Psal 91. 12. He shall give his Angels charge over thee: Many Angels are charged with our safety, and though they be not so particularly conversant about us (as the other opinion conceiveth) yet they behold the face of God, and are always in his presence, and wait for his command, Psal. 103. 20. who so careth for every one as if he had none to care for besides him.