“For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels” (Hebrews 2:5).
The Biblical book of 2 Timothy offers the following counsel for students of God’s Word: “Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 MEV). Those who prayerfully follow these instructions gain ready access to the guidance and insight that God makes available to us through His Word. This verse from Hebrews 2:5 offers a case in point.
As mentioned earlier, there are several portions of Scripture that associate the presence of angelic beings with the Old Testament Law. These members of the angelic realm have served as executors of God’s agenda for humanity almost from the beginning and will continue to do so throughout the remaining chapters of human history. However, Hebrews 2:5 informs us that “the world to come” will not be subject to such angelic oversight.
We can link this statement with a related verse from 1 Corinthians 6:3: “Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?” The following commentary explains these passages as they relate to one another: “The verb ‘judge’ sometimes signifies ‘govern or direct,’ and perhaps may be here used to denote that the saints shall, in the new Messianic kingdom, be Christ’s vicegerents and exercise his authority.” (1)
Another author provides us with a more detailed explanation…
“By creation man is lower than the angels (Heb. 2:7-9). Angels are higher in intelligence, power, and movement, yet angels serve men as ministering spirits (Heb. 1:14) sent forth to serve the saints regardless of their high position and power. As mentioned, men are warned to never worship angels for they are only creatures.
Today believers are experientially lower than the angels, yet positionally higher because of their union in Christ (cf. Eph 1:20-22; with Eph 2:4-6 and Heb 2:9). Christians share Christ’s seat at God’s right hand. One day, however, believers will be both positionally and experientially higher and will judge angels (1 Cor 6:3). This undoubtedly refers to some kind of governmental direction believers will have over angels.” (2)
If we are armed with the knowledge that God will appoint His people to such important responsibilities in the future, we should be able to arbitrate contemporary issues in a God-honoring manner now. This knowledge should also influence the way we interact with those who fall under our authority today.
(1) Joseph S. Exell, Henry Donald Maurice Spence-Jones, The Pulpit Commentary [Matthew 19:28]
(2) J. Hampton Keathley, III, Angelology: The Doctrine of Angels, retrieved 12 November 2021 from https://bible.org/article/angelology-doctrine-angels