The Names and Realities of Known Archangels

Introduction to Archangels in Religious Traditions

Archangels hold a significant place in religious narratives, particularly in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. These spirit beings are often revered for their divine powers and the roles they play in protecting and guiding humanity. While countless angels have been imagined throughout history, only a few have names that are widely recognized and associated with archangelic status.

Biblical Names and Rankings: An Overview

GOD, the creator of all spirit beings, has millions of angels. Before Lucifer's fall, he was an archangel along with Michael. However, Lucifer was cast down to Earth for his covetousness and disobedience, not accepting Jesus as the Son of God. In the current religious context, only Michael holds the title of 'Archangel,' with his role as the leader of the heavenly armies. In many traditions, he is also known as a protector and defender.

Recognized Archangels

Several archangels are mentioned in various religious texts. Here are some of the most commonly mentioned:

Michael: Often regarded as a protector and leader of the heavenly armies. Scripture references include Do not marvel at this for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear his voice and come forth—those who done good to the resurrection of life (John 5:28–29) Gabriel: Known as a messenger, he is often associated with delivering important messages from God. And the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The angel being come in unto her, said, Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women (Luke 1:26–28). Raphael: Often associated with healing and guidance. Uriel: Sometimes considered an archangel of wisdom and enlightenment. Raguel: Known as the archangel of justice and fairness. Remiel: Associated with resurrection and hope. Zadkiel: Often linked to mercy and forgiveness.

Names in the Canon Bible

The accepted and canon Bible recognizes the names of only two angels: Michael and Gabriel. Michael is referred to as the 'Archangel,' a title meaning 'chief' or 'leader' of the angels. According to Scripture, he has the power to resurrect the dead as seen in But those who are righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. And the one who has ears to hear, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Daniel 12:2). Gabriel, on the other hand, is described as a Seraph, an angel attending to God's presence, as mentioned in And the seraphim cried, one to another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory (Isaiah 6:3).

Legends and Unnamed Angels

While these names are widely recognized, there are no other named angels in the accepted canon of the Bible. The devil's name is not Lucifer, even though this name is commonly accepted due to tradition rather than biblical evidence. In the Bible, the devil is referred to as Satan or the Adversary.

It is worth noting that angelic beings in their heavenly forms do not have names in the way humans do. The names mentioned in religious texts are primarily associated with divine assignments and roles.

Examples of angels whose names were not revealed include Jacob, Samuel, Joshua, and the apostle John. These angels refused to reveal their names to humans as a safeguard against being given unwarranted honor, which could have led to a repetition of the mistake made in the garden of Eden where Adam and Eve misidentified the covering angel as God Himself.

It is interesting to note that in a significant moment, Gabriel revealed his name to Mary, the virgin who was chosen to bear the Son of God. This revelation might have been because of Gabriel's high rank and the pivotal nature of his mission in announcing the Son of God's birth, which was crucial in saving mankind from a futile and short life on Earth without the hope of resurrection and eternal life.

Conclusion

From a rigorous biblical and theological perspective, Michael and Gabriel are the only named archangels in the accepted canon of scriptural texts. Their names and roles are integral to the narratives of their respective religions, emphasizing their unique significance and divine missions.