What are the Archangels?

The Chief Commanders of the Heavenly Host

 

“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 1:9

 

A biblically based definition of an archangel is a high-ranking, powerful spiritual being created by God to serve as a chief prince or primary commander within the angelic host. The prefix “arch” means chief, principal, or highest. Therefore, an archangel is not merely a messenger, but a leader of other angels, entrusted with God’s most critical missions of spiritual warfare, protection of God’s people, and the delivery of epoch-making divine revelations.

 

Continuing Our Journey Through the Spirit World

In our ongoing discipleship series exploring the unseen spiritual realm, we have already established a foundational understanding of angels and their various classes, such as the worshipping Seraphim and the guarding Cherubim. We must now turn our attention to the highest echelon of this celestial hierarchy: the Archangels.

For a growing Christian disciple, studying archangels is not about satisfying idle curiosity or delving into speculative mythology. Rather, it is about gaining a deeper appreciation for the magnitude of God’s sovereign administration over the cosmos. By understanding the role of these chief angels, we gain a clearer picture of the spiritual battles raging around us and the immense heavenly resources God employs to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

 

The History and Nature of Archangels

To understand archangels, we must root their existence in the broader biblical doctrine of creation. Like all angelic beings, archangels are created, immaterial, spiritual beings.

Created by the Son of God

The Apostle Paul teaches that all things, visible and invisible, including the highest-ranking spiritual authorities, were created by Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:16 states, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him”. Archangels hold titles of “principalities” and “powers,” yet they remain entirely subservient to the sovereignty of Christ.

Present at the Dawn of Time

Archangels, along with the rest of the angelic host, were created before the physical universe was formed. When God laid the foundations of the earth, these magnificent beings “shouted for joy” (Job 38:4-7). They have witnessed the entirety of human history, from the perfection of Eden to the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.

 

Types and Functions of Archangels

While various extrabiblical traditions name several archangels, the Protestant canonical Bible is remarkably restrained, explicitly naming only one individual with the distinct title of “archangel,” though another is often associated with this high rank due to the nature of his missions.

Michael: The Warrior Prince

Michael is the only angel explicitly designated as an “archangel” in Scripture (Jude 1:9). His name means “Who is like God?” Michael is consistently portrayed in the Bible as a mighty warrior and the chief protector of God’s people, Israel.

• Spiritual Warfare: In Daniel 10:13, Michael is described as “one of the chief princes” who comes to assist another angel engaged in fierce spiritual combat with a demonic entity known as the prince of the kingdom of Persia.
• End-Times Commander: In Revelation 12:7, Michael leads the heavenly armies in a cosmic battle against Satan: “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels”.

Gabriel: The Chief Messenger

While not explicitly given the title of archangel in the Bible, Gabriel (meaning “God is my strength”) is historically and theologically recognized as a chief angel of the highest rank. If Michael is the Secretary of Defense in the heavenly realm, Gabriel is the Press Secretary. He is entrusted with delivering God’s most significant messages concerning the plan of redemption.

• Prophetic Revelation: Gabriel was sent to the prophet Daniel to explain complex visions regarding the end times and the timeline of the coming Messiah (Daniel 8:16; 9:21).
• Announcing the Savior: Gabriel was the celestial herald chosen to announce the births of John the Baptist to Zacharias and, most importantly, Jesus Christ to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:19; Luke 1:26-27).

The Tragic History: The Role of Lucifer

When discussing the highest-ranking angels, we must address the sobering reality of the fall of Lucifer. While the Bible does not explicitly use the term “archangel” for him, passages in Ezekiel and Isaiah indicate he was an angel of immense power, beauty, and authority—often described as an “anointed cherub” (Ezekiel 28:14) who held a preeminent position in the heavenly hierarchy.

• The Origin of Evil: Lucifer was created perfect, but his immense beauty and power led to pride. Isaiah 14:12-14 records his rebellious ambition: “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God… I will be like the most High.”
• The Rebellion and Fall: Because of this prideful rebellion, God cast him out of his exalted position. He became Satan (the adversary), and a third of the angelic host followed him in his rebellion, becoming the demons we battle today (Revelation 12:4).
• The Contrast: The humility of the true Archangel Michael in Jude 1:9 stands in stark contrast to Lucifer’s pride. Even with his immense power, Michael did not rely on his own authority when rebuking Satan, but appealed directly to the Lord.

The Importance of Knowing This for a Growing Disciple

Why is an understanding of archangels vital for a disciple’s spiritual growth?

1. It Provides Proper Perspective on Spiritual Warfare
The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we wrestle against “principalities” and “powers” in high places. Knowing that God has stationed Archangels like Michael to wage war in the heavenlies gives us immense courage. We do not fight alone; the chief commanders of heaven are actively enforcing God’s will and protecting His purposes.

2. It Magnifies the Sovereignty of Christ
No matter how majestic an archangel is, they are merely servants of the Most High God. Hebrews 1:4-5 clearly establishes that Jesus is “made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Recognizing the power of archangels should ultimately lead us to worship the Son of God, who commands them.

3. It Protects Against Deception and Pride
The fall of Lucifer serves as a terrifying warning about the destructive nature of pride. If a high-ranking, beautiful, and powerful angel can fall through pride, growing disciples must remain vigilant and walk in deep humility. Furthermore, understanding that angels are fellow servants prevents us from falling into the error of angel worship, an issue the early church had to combat (Colossians 2:18).

Next Steps for Your Discipleship Journey

To practically apply this knowledge and continue growing in your faith, consider taking the following steps this week using your S.T.E.P.S. resources:

1. Review Your THEOLOGY Assessment: Revisit the section on “Facing Challenges in the Christian Life” (Topic 11). Remind yourself of the reality of spiritual warfare and how God equips you to stand firm.
2. Engage with Your EQUIP Assessment: Focus on the “Armor of God” inventory. While archangels fight in the unseen realm, you have a responsibility to put on the whole armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:10-18) to resist the attacks of the fallen archangel, Satan.
3. Deepen Your PRACTICE of Prayer: Use your prayer time this week to thank God for His unseen protection. Follow the example of Michael (Jude 1:9) by relying entirely on the Lord’s authority rather than your own strength when facing spiritual opposition.