Angels with Names

Only occasionally are angels given names in Scripture. "Michael," for instance, is described as "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people (Israel)" (Daniel 12:1). Among the most significant angelic appearances are those involving "Gabriel." He was sent twice to the prophet Daniel. On the second occasion, while Daniel was at prayer, Gabriel, "being caused to fly swiftly, touched me ... and talked with me" (Daniel 9:21). Gabriel then prophesied the date of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Daniel 9:21-27). As a result, there was great anticipation among the Jews before Jesus's birth. Gabriel appeared again, first to Zacharias the priest, while he was on duty in the temple, and then to Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph.

To Zacharias, Gabriel announced, "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God: and am sent to speak unto thee" (Luke 1:19). Here we see that angels, unlike humans, can stand in the glorious presence of the LORD, ready to fulfill His commands. Gabriel's mission was to announce the miraculous birth of John the Baptist.

Six months later, Gabriel appeared to Mary, who was in the royal line of King David. The angel told her that she had found favor with God and would be the mother of the long-awaited Messiah. Gabriel revealed that she would conceive through the power of the Holy Spirit and that her son, Jesus, would be the Son of God and sit on the royal throne of David (Luke 1:26-33). Though Mary was not yet married, the angel reassured her that nothing is impossible with God. Joseph, her betrothed, also received angelic messages, guiding him through this miraculous situation.

In addition to Michael and Gabriel, Archangel Raphael plays a significant role in the Bible. Raphael is mentioned in the Book of Tobit, where he disguises himself as a human and accompanies Tobit's son, Tobias, on a journey. During this journey, Raphael reveals his identity and explains that he was sent by God to heal Tobit's blindness and to deliver Sarah, Tobias's future wife, from a demon (Tobit 12:14-15). Raphael's mission as a healer and guide demonstrates God's care for His people through His angels.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, his birth was announced with divine approval to shepherds by an angel, possibly Gabriel, as Luke recounts: "An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear ... And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!'" (Luke 2:9-14, RSV). This magnificent scene illustrates the angels' role in proclaiming God's will and sharing His message of peace and salvation with the world.

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