Was the angel at the pool of Bethesda from God or the Devil?
Question:
Dear Sir,
There appears to be a lot of confusion regarding whether the angel at the pool of Bethesda was from God or not. Can you give me your insight into where this “angel” came from? Some even go so far as to believe the angel was of the devil which confuses me further.
Try as I might to clear this up, I’m no further forward now than at the beginning of my search.
Many thanks in anticipation.
Answer:
"Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, waiting for the moving of the waters; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted" (John 5:2-4).
Notice the phrase: "an angel of the Lord." That basically settles the question as to where the angel came from. When confused, go back and read the original text carefully.
Consider as well that the result of this angel's efforts resulted in benefits to people. It isn't difficult to realize from a reading of the gospels that evil spirits (demons) consistently caused harm to people.
