All About Archangels
The word arch means “chief,” which confirms that there are indeed classes or ranks of angelic beings. The word archangel is used only twice in Scripture. It is not used in the Old Testament, but occurs both times in the New Testament.
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.” (Jude 9)
We know of two archangels, Michael and Gabriel. The name Michael means “who is like God” and he appears in times of war or impending battle. Some sources also assert that Michael has a special assignment to Israel. (See Daniel 10:13 and Daniel 10: 21.)
“And there was a war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.” (Revelation 12:7-8)
The name Gabriel means “God is mighty.” This archangel serves as God’s messenger, and Scripture records his communications from God to individuals in four places. (See Daniel 8:16-17, Daniel 9:21-22 and Luke 1:26-27.)
“And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings.” (Luke 1:19)
One of the great privileges of believers is the opportunity to receive help from God’s special messengers. Christian history is filled with stories of people who had encounters with angels. Throughout the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, we find accounts of angels visiting people, intervening in their circumstances, advising and informing them, and assisting them in countless ways.
Comments