See that you don’t despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 10. Their angels. The Jews also believed that men had their good angels, or angels appointed to be their guardians. See Genesis 48:16. Witham.—Observe the dignity of the humble and little, whom the world despises. They have angels constantly pleading their cause in the divine presence. They are now weak and unable to defend themselves, but they have their advocates in heaven, accusing those who offer them any injury or scandal. It is evident from many parts of Scripture, that angels are appointed guardians of kingdoms, countries, cities, and even individuals, Exod. 23. Daniel 10. Revelation 12. & alibi. The angel of the Lord shall encamp round about them that fear him, and he shall deliver them. Psalms 33. S. Jerom does not hesitate to affirm that every man has an angel assigned him at his birth, which he confirms from Calmet. 12, of Acts, where it is related that the girl thought she saw Peter’s angel. The thing is so plain, that Calvin, dares not deny it, and yet he will needs doubt of it. L. i. Inst. c. xiv. sect. 7. Origen thinks that only the just have their guardian angels, and these only at their baptism. The opinion of Saint Augustine is universal in the Catholic Church. “I esteem it, O my God, an inestimable benefit, that thou hast granted me an angel to guide me from the moment of my birth, to my death.” De dilig. Deo. Medit. c. xii. How much are we indebted to the Providence of God, for extending itself also to the wicked. They likewise have their angels, without whose assistance they would fall into many more grievous sins, and the evil spirits would have more power over them. Let us then with gratitude remember our dignity, and fear to commit any thing in their presence, which may make them grieve and withdraw from us their protection and assistance.