Angels appear twice as ministering messengers during Jesus Christ’s ministry among the Nephites after his resurrection. In the first instance, Jesus had the multitude’s little children brought forth and blessed them one by one (3 Nephi 17:21-23). As the people looked toward heaven, they saw the heavens open and angels descend as if in the midst of fire; the angels encircled the children, who were also encircled with fire, and ministered to them. About 2,500 men, women, and children witnessed it (3 Nephi 17:24).
The second instance came after Jesus had ascended into heaven (3 Nephi 18:39) and the twelve disciples he had chosen prayed to the Father (3 Nephi 19:6-9). The disciples were baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost and with fire (3 Nephi 19:12-13), then were encircled as if by fire, which came down from heaven while the multitude watched and bore record; angels descended and ministered to them (3 Nephi 19:14). While the angels were ministering to the disciples, Jesus came and stood in their midst and ministered to them (3 Nephi 19:15).