Who is Michael the Archangel?

     Over the centuries, there have been many attempts to answer the question: "Who is Michael the archangel?"  Some believe that Michael is the highest of all angels.  Others believe that Michael is another name for Jesus.  But what does a detailed study of the Bible reveal?  Today, we will explore the biblical references to this mighty being and consider his role in the divine plan. 

Michael the archangel is mentioned in several passages in the Bible. 

1. Daniel 10:13 - In this passage, Daniel receives a vision from God from the angel Gabriel, who tells Daniel upon arriving that the prince of the kingdom of Persia had stalled the angel's mission for 4 months.  That is, until "Michael, one of the chief princes" came to help him.
2. Daniel 10:21 - In this verse, the angel Gabriel tells Daniel that he is fighting against the prince of Persia and that Michael, the "prince of your people," is helping him.
3. Daniel 12:1 - In this verse, Daniel is told that at the end of days, Michael will rise to defend the people of God.
4. Jude 1:9 - In this passage, Jude writes that Michael disputed with the devil over the body of Moses. 
5. Revelation 12:7-9 - In this passage, Michael and his angels are described as fighting against the dragon (identified as Satan) and his angels.   Michael prevails and has the power to cast Satan down to the earth.

     These verses combine to provide a wealth of information about this powerful being.  But let's go a little further in our study.  Let's allow the Bible to interpret itself before we form any conclusions.

     In Jude 9, we learn that "Michael" is the "archangel".  The name Michael means one "who is like God". The word "archangel" is derived from two Greek words: "arche," which means "chief," and "angelos," which means "messenger".  When we put all this together, we learn that Micheal the archangel means "a chief messenger who is like God".  Now, let's take a closer look at two Bible verses that will help us to understand exactly who this is. 

     In John 5, Jesus describes the events that will take place at His second coming.  Picking up in verse 25, He says:

     "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man.  Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."

     Jesus describes a time in the future when, with His own voice, He will call from the grave His sleeping saints.  Don't miss this.  Jesus will resurrect the sleeping saints with His own voice.  Praise the Lord for the resurrection!  I long for the day when Jesus comes as King to restore all things! 

     At first glance, this text seems to have no association with our current study.  However, it unlocks the key to understanding who Michael the archangel is.  Let's add one additional scripture to this scenario.

     In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, the apostle Paul describes the scene that takes place when Christ returns to the earth to resurrect His sleeping saints.  Pay close attention to his use of words:

     "For the LORD himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 

     This verse makes it clear that the voice that raises the sleeping saints at the second coming is none other than "the voice of the archangel".  Again, it is the archangel's voice that calls the dead to life.  Now you might be wondering, "Didn't we just read in John 5 that it was Jesus' voice that resurrects the sleeping saints?"  Yes.  This is exactly what we read.  And this also means that the voice of the archangel is none other than the voice of Jesus.  

     Therefore, if Michael is the archangel, and the archangel is Jesus, then Jesus is Michael the archangel.

     Now you may be wondering, why does Jesus have this name?  Actually, this name is one of many names for Jesus.  In the Bible, names often have special meanings and significance. This is because names were seen as a way to express the character or identity of the person being named.  In addition to Jesus, which means "Savior" (Matthew 1:21), Jesus was also called "Emmanuel", which means "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).  These names were given to help us understand His mission and identity more fully.  And just as the names "Jesus" and "Emmanuel" were given to help us to understand His identity while on Earth, "Michael the archangel" helps us to understand His identity and positing before the incarnation. 

• Jesus is called Michael the archangel because:
• Jesus was and is the leader of the angels
• Jesus was and is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).  
• Jesus is the Chief Prince of princes (Daniel 8:25). 
• Jesus cast Satan out of Heaven (Rev 12:9)
• Jesus will stand up soon and return to the earth to gather His saints (Daniel 12:1)

     Friends, Jesus is Michael the archangel.  And soon, He will return to the earth with the great sound of a trumpet. All of the holy angels will join Him.  And at that time, He will put an end to all pain and misery.  It is my prayer that each of us will be ready to meet Him in the clouds on that day.

​Praying for you--Pastor DL

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