Archangels are one of the highest rankings and most powerful angels that serve God. The word “archangel” comes from the Greek word arche plus angelos, meaning “chief angel” or “principal angel.” The Bible specifically names only three angels as archangels: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. However, there are other archangels not named in Scripture. Here is an overview of what the Bible reveals about these magnificent angels:
Michael
Michael is called the “archangel” in Jude 1:9 and is the only angel given that specific title in Scripture. His name means “who is like God?” Michael is described as leading God’s armies against Satan and the fallen angels (Revelation 12:7-9). He disputed with Satan over the body of Moses (Jude 1:9) and will announce the return of Christ with the voice of an archangel (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Michael is a protector over God’s people (Daniel 12:1) and commander of the Lord’s army of angels (Revelation 12:7).
Gabriel
Gabriel’s name means “God is my strength.” He appears by name four times in the Bible (Daniel 8:16, 9:21; Luke 1:19, 1:26), each time bringing messages from God. In Daniel, Gabriel delivers prophecies related to the end times. He later appears to Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-20). Gabriel is then sent to Nazareth with the monumental message to Mary that she would give birth to the Savior, Jesus Christ (Luke 1:26-38). Based on his key appearances heralding God’s plan of salvation, Gabriel is considered God’s primary messenger.
Raphael
Raphael’s name means “God heals.” He is mentioned by name only in the Old Testament book of Tobit. Raphael comes in disguise to protect Tobit’s son Tobias on a journey (Tobit 3:16-17). He then delivers healing to Tobit’s blindness when they return (Tobit 11:7-15). Raphael declares, “I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the Holy One” (Tobit 12:15). Raphael proclaims God’s power to heal physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Other Possible Archangels
A few other angels are also sometimes classified as archangels, though never called so in Scripture. Based on their significant appearances and messages, they may be among the chief angels:
Uriel – His name means “God is my light.” Uriel appears in 2 Esdras and is considered an archangel mainly in Jewish tradition. He warns Noah about the flood (2 Esdras 4:1) and delivers divine messages to Ezra (2 Esdras 10:28).
Raguel – Also spelled Reuel or Raguhel. His name means “Friend of God.” Raguel is mentioned in the apocryphal Book of Enoch as overseeing angels who behave justly (Enoch 20:3-7).
Sariel – Also known as Saraqael or Suriel. His name means “Command of God.” He is referenced in 1 Enoch as instructing humanity about the movements of the moon (Enoch 6:6-7).
Jerahmeel – His name means “God’s beloved” or “God’s mercy.” Jerahmeel is listed in 2 Esdras as overseeing vengeance on God’s enemies (2 Esdras 4:36-37).
Chamuel – Also spelled Camael. His name means “One who sees God.” He is identified mainly in medieval Jewish writings as the archangel over positive attributes like joy, compassion and peace.
Roles and Responsibilities
Though their specific duties are not described in detail, the Bible and other texts present archangels in general as having some key responsibilities:
– Helping oversee and deliver God’s plan of salvation (Luke 1, Revelation 12:7-9)
– Protecting God’s people physically and spiritually (Daniel 12:1, Tobit 12:15)
– Fighting God’s battles against evil forces (Revelation 12:7)
– Strengthening and encouraging believers (Tobit 12:12, Revelation 1:17)
– Interceding in prayer and worship (Tobit 12:12,15)
– Revealing God’s truth and hidden mysteries (Daniel 8-10, 2 Esdras 10:28)
– Providing justice, mercy and judgment for deeds (2 Esdras 4:36, Enoch 20:3-7)
– Offering comfort, joy, peace and other spiritual gifts (Luke 1:13-15, 26-38)
Rank and Authority
Archangels have greater status and responsibility among angels, though they are not omniscient or omnipotent, attributes belonging to God alone. Even archangels were created by Christ (Colossians 1:16) and are inferior to Him in authority (1 Peter 3:21-22). The archangels are tremendously powerful compared to humans but are not objects of worship. Only God in three persons deserves our worship and highest exaltation (Revelation 22:8-9).
Interaction with Humanity
Archangels in the Bible directly interacted with people at key moments to communicate God’s purposes and plans. Gabriel visited Zechariah and Mary with incredible announcements about the coming Messiah. Michael and angels under his command fight spiritual battles on behalf of God’s people. Raphael delivered protective healing. Archangels are still at work today carrying out God’s work and will, though not necessarily in visible form. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us to show hospitality to strangers, because “some have entertained angels unawares.” Believers can have confidence that powerful archangels continue working behind the scenes in support of God’s eternal plan.
Significance for Believers
The archangels model for believers how we can serve God in mighty ways if we are faithful and submit to God’s authority. Angels were created by Christ and ultimately serve and worship Him (Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:6). They are completely obedient to God’s will, which should challenge us to remove any areas of personal rebellion or doubt. The archangels reassure believers of God’s complete sovereignty and protection, regardless of circumstances. We can trust God will prevail as Michael leads the battle against evil (Revelation 12:7). The archangels also remind us of the amazing privilege we have to come directly into God’s presence through Christ (Hebrews 4:16).
Appearance in Modern Culture
Archangels frequently appear in contemporary culture through art, literature, film, and other media. People seem to be curious about these powerful spiritual beings and their undefined abilities. Unfortunately, angels are often inaccurately depicted in popular culture as chubby babies playing harps on clouds. Or they may be portrayed as androgynous, winged creatures that sometimes rebel against God. Movies and television shows may feature archangels battling demons or monsters to defeat darkness. There is also a growing New Age fascination and mysticism surrounding archangels.
To gain a biblically accurate perspective on archangels, Christians should go directly to God’s Word. The Bible provides clear insight into their purpose, authority, and activities. Scripture informs believers how we should rightly understand archangels – as magnificent created beings who faithfully serve the one true God.
Worship of Angels
While archangels deserve respect for their high position and service to the Lord, they are not to be worshipped. Only God is deserving of worship and praise from His creation. When the apostle John fell down to worship an angel, the angel corrected him by saying, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you…Worship God” (Revelation 22:8-9). Paul also warns in Colossians 2:18 against the worship of angels. God’s Word makes clear that angels were created by Christ and are inferior to Him in position and authority (Hebrews 1:4-14).
Praying to angels and seeking their mystical guidance brings believers into dangerous spiritual territory. We have all the wisdom and knowledge we need through God’s revealed Word and His Holy Spirit within us. Christ alone is the one mediator between God and man, the only way to the Father (1 Timothy 2:5). Fixing our eyes on Jesus helps us resist the temptation to be awed by the intriguing but incomplete glimpses of archangels we find in Scripture (Hebrews 12:2). Only a right view of Christ’s preeminence steers us away from potential deception and keeps our worship rooted in biblical truth.
Conclusions
Archangels occupy the highest rank among angels in carrying out God’s work in the universe. Scripture specifically names Michael, Gabriel and Raphael as archangels. They are referenced together in key passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Revelation 12:7-9. Other possible archangels include Uriel, Raguel, Sariel, Jerahmeel and Chamuel. Though not equal to Christ in authority, archangels wield significant power as God’s chief messengers, protectors, healers and warriors against evil.
Archangels praised God in announcing His plan for the Messiah. They protect and deliver key guidance to God’s people throughout Scripture. And they will herald Christ’s return. Archangels are impressive but created beings who faithfully serve the Lord. While they deserve respect, we must be careful as believers not to be deceived into worshipping them. The mysteries surrounding archangels remind us to look eagerly to God’s perfect future Kingdom for a complete picture of these amazing heavenly creatures.
