What are archangels?

Answer

The term archangel is mentioned in just two verses of the Bible. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, it is written, “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” The other reference is found in Jude 1:9: “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” Michael is the sole archangel named in Scripture.

The term archangel is derived from the Greek word archangelos, which means “chief angel.” It is a combination of archon (“chief” or “ruler”) and aggelos (“angel” or “messenger”). The Bible implies in various instances that angels have a hierarchical structure, with an archangel serving as the leader of other angels.

Similar to all angels, archangels are personal beings created by God. They possess intelligence, power, and glory, being spiritual rather than physical beings. Archangels fulfill God’s will and execute His plans.

In Jude 1:9, the definite article “the” is used when mentioning the archangel Michael, suggesting that Michael may be the only archangel. However, in Daniel 10:13, Michael is referred to as “one of the chief princes,” possibly indicating the existence of multiple archangels, as he is placed on the same level as other “chief princes.” Therefore, while there could be several archangels, it is prudent not to assume the status of other angels as archangels based on the Word of God. Even if there are multiple archangels, it appears that Michael holds the highest position among them.

In Daniel 10:21, an angel describes Michael the archangel as “your prince.” Given that the angel is addressing Daniel, a Jew, this statement implies that Michael is responsible for overseeing the Jewish people. This interpretation is supported by Daniel 12:1.

Retation, referring to Michael as “the great prince who protects your [Daniel’s] people.” It is possible that other archangels are assigned the duty of safeguarding different nations, but the Scriptures do not specify them. Fallen angels also appear to have their own “territories,” as Daniel speaks of a spiritual “prince of Greece” and a spiritual “prince of Persia” who resist the holy angel that delivered the message to Daniel «Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. », (Daniel 10:20).

One of the responsibilities of an archangel, as depicted in Daniel 10, is to partake in spiritual warfare. In 1 Thessalonians 4, the archangel is engaged in the return of Christ for His church. Additionally, we witness Michael the archangel disputing with Satan in Jude 1:9. Despite possessing the power and glory of an archangel, Michael appealed to the Lord to rebuke Satan. This illustrates the great power of Satan and the reliance of Michael on God’s power. If the archangel seeks the Lord for assistance, should we not do the same?