Who Are The 3 Angels Of God?
Angels play an important role in many religions, including Christianity. References to angels appear numerous times throughout the Bible, carrying out God’s work and acting as messengers between God and humanity.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The 3 angels of God that are most well-known are Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore in detail these 3 prominent angels, examining their origins, their purpose, and their significance across religious texts and tradition.
Archangel Michael
As one of the chief angels and the leader of the heavenly hosts, Archangel Michael holds great importance in biblical lore and tradition. His name signifies his noble standing as “one who is like God”.
Let’s explore more about Michael’s origins, biblical roles, military leadership, and veneration through the ages.
Origins and Meaning of the Name Michael
The name Michael translates from Hebrew as a rhetorical question – “Who is like God?” This signifies Michael’s role as the highest angelic being who most closely resembles God in terms of nobility, power and authority.
He is one of only two angels explicitly named in the Bible (along with Gabriel) and the only one termed an “Archangel”. His prominence dates to the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible written between 5th-2nd century BCE. Michael is portrayed as the special patron and protector of Israel.
Michael’s Role and Significance in the Bible
Michael appears at critical junctures in the Bible narrative. In the Book of Daniel, he helped the prophet understand his apocalyptic visions and defeats demonic forces threatening Israel.
In the New Testament’s Epistle of Jude and Book of Revelation, Michael leads the angelic forces in the cosmic war against Satan and the fallen angels, defeating them decisively and casting them down from heaven.
Some Major Biblical Roles | Significance |
Helping Daniel understand his visions and supporting him spiritually | Guide and mentor to a major Hebrew prophet |
Leading the loyal angels against Satan’s rebellion in Revelation 12:7-9 | Commander of the Heavenly Hosts |
Resurrecting Moses’ body and disputing with Satan about it according to the Assumption of Moses | Role in afterlife judgement of a great Hebrew leader |
Michael as Leader of the Heavenly Hosts
As commander of God’s armies, Michael leads the loyal angels in pivotal clashes against rebellious spiritual forces – defeating fallen angels, casting them out of the heavenly realm, and maintaining cosmic order and righteousness.
In Revelation 12:7, Michael and his angels “made war with the dragon…and his angels fought but did not prevail, neither was a place found for them in heaven any longer”. This underscores his military prowess and zeal for upholding God’s sovereignty.
Patron Saint and Veneration of Michael
As the unconquerable champion of God’s cause, Michael became the natural heavenly patron of soldiers, police, paramedics and others who risk their lives battling evil or protecting society.
By the Middle Ages, Michael was considered the most popular and important of all saints in Catholic Europe. Many cathedrals, basilicas, and churches were dedicated to him. His feats of defeating demons and Satan made him a venerated ally against diabolical and occult threats.
Today, Archangel Michael remains an iconic and appealed figure revered by Christians, Jews, Theosophists, spiritualists, and New Age mystic groups. September 29 continues to be celebrated by Catholics as the Feast of Michael and All Angels.
Archangel Gabriel
Origins and Meaning of the Name Gabriel
The name Gabriel comes from the Hebrew name “Gavri’el” and translates to “God is my strength” or “Might of God.” Gabriel is considered one of the seven archangels in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. As an archangel, Gabriel is believed to be one of God’s main messengers.
The archangel Gabriel is most known for delivering important news to the prophets. Gabriel’s name first appears in the Old Testament in the prophetic Book of Daniel, announcing prophecies to Daniel.[1]
Gabriel’s Appearances and Messages in the Bible
According to the Bible, Gabriel appears to at least three people bringing news from God:
So Gabriel delivered critical messages about the coming of the Messiah Jesus at his birth and the arrival of his forerunner, John the Baptist.
Significance as a Messenger and Interpreter
As these passages show, Gabriel brings messages to God’s people at key moments in salvation history. Christians believe his proclamations about John and Jesus paved the way for redemption through Christ.
In the book of Daniel, Gabriel is described as a holy angel who understands God’s plans. He interprets visions and dreams to reveal God’s divine plans.[2] So Gabriel serves as a messenger and interpreter for God’s people to understand His will.
Gabriel’s Role in Islam and Other Faiths
Gabriel is an important figure in Islam as well. Muslims believe Gabriel revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.[3]
So Gabriel has a vital role in Islam as the transmitter of the Word of God. He is one of three angels mentioned by name in the Quran, along with Michael and Raphael.
Some Jewish and Christian literature also mentions Gabriel destroying cities and battling fallen angels. But among believers, Gabriel is best known as God’s special herald bringing word of hope and life. Truly one of the most amazing 😇 of God’s messengers!
Archangel Raphael
Origins and Meaning of Raphael’s Name
Raphael is one of the seven archangels who stand before the throne of God. His name means “God has healed” in Hebrew, pointing to his role as a healer. The origins of Raphael can be traced back to Jewish and Christian writings as early as the Book of Enoch in 200 BC.
Raphael has since been revered as an angel by believers of different faiths.
Raphael’s Healing Works in the Book of Tobit
The Book of Tobit includes one of the main accounts where Raphael plays a prominent role. In the apocryphal scripture, Raphael took the form of a guide called Azariah to aid Tobit and his son Tobias. Raphael restored Tobit’s sight and healed Sarah’s grief.
This biblical episode showcased Raphael’s healing powers which earned him the moniker of being medicine of God.
Patronage and Veneration of Raphael
As a powerful healer angel, Raphael is often regarded as a patron of doctors, nurses and medics. His feast day is celebrated in the Catholic church on September 29. Many churches in Europe such as Sant’Agostino in Italy honour Raphael. He is also considered as a protector of travelers.
There are even hotels like Hotel Raphael in Rome named after him.
Raphael’s Role Protecting Travelers
In the Book of Tobit, Raphael accompanied and safely guided Tobias on his journey. This protective role earned Raphael another patronage of travelers and people embarking on pilgrimages. Catholics often pray to Raphael for a safe journey when they travel.
Medieval prayers also invoked Raphael’s help to ward off danger during travel by foot or sea.
Conclusion
Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael stand out as the three archangels most frequently mentioned by name in the Bible and venerated in Christianity. With Michael leading the heavenly armies, Gabriel bringing news and revelations, and Raphael performing works of healing and protection, these three angels take on prominent, active roles in carrying out God’s divine plan.
The origins, purposes, and legacies of these three angels give us insight into the wider biblical angelology and the significance of angels in religious tradition. Their virtues of strength, communication, and healing continue to inspire faith and spiritual reflection to this day.