What are archangels and their roles?

Definition and Etymology

The term “archangel” derives from the Greek ἀρχάγγελος (archángelos), combining ἀρχή (archē, meaning “chief” or “principal”) and ἄγγελος (angelos, meaning “messenger” or “angel”). In Scripture, an archangel is therefore understood to be a “chief angel” wielding authority and a special commission from God. Although the term “archangel” appears only twice in canonical Scripture (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 1:9), the concept of a high-ranking angelic being is woven throughout the biblical narrative.

Biblical References

In the Berean Standard Bible, Jude 1:9 explicitly names Michael as an archangel:

“But even the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’”

Likewise, 1 Thessalonians 4:16 describes a future event:

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”

Additional passages referencing Michael’s unique leadership include Daniel 10:13, 21 and 12:1, in which he is described as a “chief prince” and the one who “stands up for” God’s people. Revelation 12:7 also depicts Michael and his angels battling the dragon (Satan), underscoring his role in spiritual warfare.

Identity of Archangels

1. Michael – He is the only individual explicitly called an archangel in the Bible. Daniel 12:1 calls him “the great prince” who stands watch over the sons of God’s people. His special task involves both spiritual warfare (Revelation 12:7) and guardianship over God’s chosen people.

2. Gabriel? – Although Gabriel is never called “archangel” in Scripture, he is often viewed as a high-ranking messenger because he appears with authoritative announcements in Daniel 8–9 and in Luke 1 to foretell the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. Tradition and some extrabiblical writings (e.g., certain Qumran scrolls found among the Dead Sea Scrolls) sometimes group Gabriel with principal angels, though the scriptural texts in the do not explicitly give him the title of “archangel.”

Role and Function of Archangels

1. Messengers of Great Importance

Archangels are entrusted with critical messages or missions. Michael’s task disputed with the devil regarding Moses’ body, which underscores a unique and weighty responsibility (Jude 1:9). Gabriel’s messages to Daniel, Zechariah, and Mary (Luke 1) highlight significant events in redemptive history.

2. Spiritual Warriors

Michael engages in heavenly battles, protecting and advocating for God’s people. The conflict he leads against Satan (Revelation 12:7) demonstrates that archangels command other angels in the ongoing spiritual conflict between good and evil.

3. Guardians and Defenders

Just as Michael stood guard over Israel (Daniel 12:1), an archangel’s function includes defending God’s people. In various biblical narratives, heaven’s armies are portrayed as under the direction of these chief princes, signifying their leadership in the realm of spiritual defense.

4. Heralds of Divine Judgment and Salvation

In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, the voice of an archangel accompanies the descent of Christ. This demonstrates that announcing divine intervention—whether judgment or salvation—is part of the archangel’s role. They act under God’s authority, heralding decisive moments in biblical prophecy.

Archangels in Angelic Hierarchy

Scripture shows that angels, like humans, have order and rank. Michael is portrayed as possessing higher authority than other angels, indicating that archangels stand at or near the apex of this heavenly hierarchy. Certain extrabiblical Jewish texts (e.g., some Dead Sea Scroll fragments) elaborate on a council of principal angels, naming Michael, Gabriel, and others. While these sources are not canonical, they confirm a widespread Second Temple Jewish awareness of distinct ranks among the heavenly hosts.

Archaeological and Manuscript Evidence

1. Dead Sea Scrolls – Discovered in 1947 in caves near Qumran, these scrolls contain references to angelic beings and “chief princes,” illustrating the continuity of belief in a tiered angelic realm in the centuries surrounding the life of Christ. Their agreement in many points with canonical references to high angelic beings, including Michael, helps authenticate the ancient origin and transmission of these accounts.

2. Early Christian Writings – In the centuries after the New Testament era, early church leaders acknowledged Michael as a chief angel, aligning with Jude 1:9 and Revelation 12:7. Manuscript consistency across numerous surviving copies affirms that the biblical text referencing archangels has been faithfully preserved.

3. Biblical Reliability – The reliability of Scripture’s teachings on angels is further supported by the extensive cross-referencing of the same events and individuals in multiple books, composed by different human authors under divine inspiration. Ongoing textual criticism—supported by hundreds of ancient manuscripts—has shown strong consistency in passages referencing archangels.

Practical Significance and Application

1. Reverence for Divine Order

Knowing that God has ordained angelic beings, including archangels, fosters a healthy recognition of His sovereign rule over both the physical and spiritual realms.

2. Encouragement in Spiritual Battles

In difficult or temptative times, believers find hope in the example of Michael’s faithfulness. This assures that God’s power is active in our struggles, as “He will command His angels concerning you” (Psalm 91:11).

3. Truth in Revelation

Believing in the special roles and messages conveyed by archangels can deepen trust in God’s Word. Their involvement in critical biblical events, from Daniel’s visions to the announcement of the Messiah, underscores the divine orchestration behind redemptive history.

4. Testimony to a Divinely Designed Universe

The existence of ordered and purposeful angelic beings aligns with the broader view that the universe, both seen and unseen, reflects intentional design by a creator God. Observations in various fields—biology, geology, paleontology—can be read in harmony with the Genesis account, affirming a designed world sustained by the One who also established heavenly hierarchies.

Conclusion

Archangels occupy a paramount position within the angelic hierarchy, serving as leaders, protectors, and heralds of God’s purposes. While Michael remains the only personality explicitly labeled as “archangel” in Scripture, the consistent portrait from Genesis to Revelation underscores their role in safeguarding and enacting the divine will.

Through careful study of the biblical text in the, along with extrabiblical evidence, believers can appreciate the trustworthiness of Scripture’s depiction of these “chief angels.” Their presence affirms the reality of the unseen realm, testifies to God’s meticulous design, and encourages believers to persevere by reminding us that even in conflict, God’s sovereignty prevails, and His mighty defenders stand ready to do His will.