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September 11, 2025 14 mins

We all picture angels with white feathers, halos, and harps, but the Bible never describes them that way. In Scripture, angels show up as messengers, warriors, and servants of God’s will but never as winged ornaments. So where did the wings come from?

This episode traces the surprising history of how angels grew wings: from the throne guardians of Isaiah and Ezekiel, to pagan gods like Nike and Hermes, to Byzantine mosaics, medieval theater, and Renaissance masterpieces. Along the way, we’ll see how desert monks reshaped the devil, how mystery plays fixed wings into the popular imagination, and how art from, Gislebertus to Botticelli to Bosch sealed the image we still carry today.

By the end, you’ll discover the fascinating truth: angels don’t need wings to carry God’s message. The real story is stranger and more awe-inspiring than the myths we’ve inherited.

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