GLOSSARY

GLOSSARY

aide
A supernatural agent through whom God may appear and work in the world. Standard English translations refer to them as “angels,” but this designation is inclined to suggest ethereal figures with wings, wearing diaphanous white dresses. Aides are humanlike figures; hence it is possible to give them hospitality without realizing who they are (Hebrews13). And they have no wings; hence their need of a stairway or ramp between heaven and earth (Genesis 28). They appear in order to act or speak on God’s behalf and so fully represent God that they can speak as if they are God (Genesis 22). They thus bring the reality of God’s presence, action, and voice without bringing such a real presence that it would electrocute mere mortals or shatter their hearing...