Question 50 — The Substance of the Angels Absolutely

Now we consider the distinction of corporeal and spiritual creatures: first, the purely spiritual creature which in Holy Scripture is called angel; second, the creature wholly corporeal; third, the composite creature, corporeal and spiritual, which is man.

Concerning the angels, we consider first what belongs to their substance; second, what belongs to their intellect; third, what belongs to their will; fourth, what belongs to their creation.

Their substance we consider absolutely and in relation to corporeal things.

Concerning their substance absolutely considered, there are five points of inquiry:

(1) Whether there is any entirely spiritual creature, altogether incorporeal?

• (2) Supposing that an angel is such, we ask whether it is composed of matter and form?
• (3) We ask concerning their number.
• (4) Of their difference from each other.
• (5) Of their immortality or incorruptibility.