The Archangels

Concept

Scripture names a small number of chief angels who stand in God’s presence and carry out his greatest errands. Only Michael is explicitly called an archangel (Jude 1:9; cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:16), and only Gabriel and Michael are named in the protocanonical books; Raphael appears in the book of Tobit. Together they represent the highest rank of the angelic host — messengers, warriors, and guardians of God’s people.

The chief angels

Michael — the archangel and "great prince" who guards God’s people and wars against the dragon (Daniel 12:1; Revelation 12:7).

Gabriel — the heavenly messenger who interpreted Daniel’s visions and announced the births of John and of Jesus (Luke 1:19; Luke 1:26–33).

Raphael — named in the book of Tobit as one of the seven holy angels who stand before the glory of the Lord (deuterocanonical).