Archangels are powerful beings mentioned in Scripture with specific roles in God’s plan. Today, we’ll uncover what the Bible says about these heavenly messengers and their significance.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Self Respect
What Does The Bible Say About Archangels
Jude 1:9
But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
This verse highlights the power and authority of the archangel Michael, who engaged in a spiritual battle with the devil. Despite his great power, Michael demonstrated reverence and respect for God by deferring to the Lord to rebuke the devil. It teaches us the importance of humility and relying on God’s strength in spiritual warfare.
1 Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
This verse speaks of the glorious event of Jesus’ return, where He will descend from heaven accompanied by the voice of the archangel. It emphasizes the role of the archangel in signaling the resurrection of the dead in Christ. This verse brings comfort and hope to believers, assuring them that those who have died in faith will be raised again to eternal life.
Colossians 2:18
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.
This verse serves as a warning against the misguided practice of worshiping angels. It cautions believers not to be deceived by those who claim special knowledge or spiritual experiences related to angels. It reminds us to remain grounded in Christ and not elevate any created being, including archangels, to the place where only God deserves worship.
Hebrews 1:13-14
To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
This passage highlights the superiority of Jesus over the angels. It questions whether God has ever bestowed the same exalted position upon any angel as He has given to Jesus. It further emphasizes that angels are servants sent by God to minister to and assist those who will inherit salvation. It reminds believers of the privilege and assistance they receive through the ministry of angels.
Matthew 18:10
See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
Jesus teaches the disciples the value and importance of children in the kingdom of God. He emphasizes that children have angels who constantly have access to the presence of God. This verse reassures believers that even the littlest ones are under the watchful care of heavenly angels and possess a special place in God’s heart.
2 Thessalonians 1:7
and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.
This verse describes the future return of Jesus, accompanied by His powerful angels. It assures believers that there will be relief for those who are troubled when Jesus is revealed in all His glory. It brings hope to those enduring trials and tribulations, reminding them that their ultimate deliverance and comfort will come with the coming of Christ.
Mark 13:27
And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.
Jesus assures his disciples that when He returns, He will send His angels to gather His chosen ones from all corners of the earth. This verse speaks of the global and comprehensive nature of God’s redemptive plan, assuring believers that no matter where they are, they will be gathered together with other believers to be in the presence of the Lord.
Psalm 91:11-12
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
This beautiful Psalm speaks of God’s protective care through the ministry of angels. It assures believers that God commands His angels to guard and protect them in every aspect of their lives. This verse brings comfort and reassurance that even in the face of danger or stumbling, God’s angels are watching over His children and preventing harm and danger from befalling them.
Revelation 12:7-9
Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
This passage depicts a spiritual battle in the heavenly realms between Michael and his angels against the dragon (Satan) and his angels. It highlights the power and victory of God’s angels over the forces of evil. It serves as a reminder that even in the unseen realm, God’s angelic beings engage in warfare against the enemy and emerge triumphant through the power of God.
Acts 12:5-7
So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.
This incredible account narrates the intervention of an angel to release Peter from prison. It showcases the power of God’s angels to break chains and open prison doors. It serves as a testament to the miraculous interventions of God’s angelic beings on behalf of His faithful followers, reminding believers of the supernatural assistance available to them when they face difficult circumstances.
Daniel 10:12-13
Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me because I was detained there with the king of Persia.
In this passage, an angelic being appears to Daniel and provides insight into the spiritual battles that took place in the heavenly realms. The angel explains how he was delayed by the prince of the Persian kingdom until the archangel Michael came to assist him. This verse offers a glimpse into the spiritual warfare that occurs beyond the visible realm and reveals the might and power of archangels in battling against powerful spiritual forces.
Luke 1:11-13
Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”
This verse recounts the appearance of an angel to Zechariah, announcing the miraculous birth of his son John (the Baptist). The angel’s message brings assurance and comfort to Zechariah, who initially was filled with fear. It serves as a reminder of the role of angels in delivering divine messages and the faith-building impact their presence can have on individuals.
Genesis 19:15-16
With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.” When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them.
This passage records the deliverance of Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The angels urgently ensured their safety by physically leading them out of the city before its destruction. It highlights the compassion and mercy of God, who employs His angels as messengers and protectors, ensuring the safety of His chosen ones in times of impending judgment.
Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
This verse encourages believers to practice hospitality towards strangers, reminding them of the possibility of entertaining angels without being aware of it. It demonstrates the supernatural encounters that can occur when believers extend kindness and hospitality, emphasizing the interconnectedness between the physical and spiritual realms. It serves as a reminder to treat others with love and kindness, as they may be agents of God’s divine presence.
Psalm 34:7
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
This psalm reassures those who fear and reverence the Lord that His angel encamps around them for protection and deliverance. It brings comfort to believers, assuring them that they are not alone in their journey but are surrounded by heavenly beings who watch over and come to their aid in times of trouble.
Matthew 1:20-21
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”
This verse recounts the appearance of an angel to Joseph, reassuring him of the divine origin of Mary’s pregnancy and instructing him to take her as his wife. The angel also declares the name of the child and proclaims that He will be the Savior who will deliver people from their sins. It demonstrates the role of angels as messengers and the vital role they played in important events surrounding the birth of Jesus.
Exodus 14:19
Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them.
This verse speaks of the angel of God, who guided the Israelites through the wilderness in the form of a pillar of cloud. It highlights the protective and guiding presence of God’s angel in leading and guarding His people. This verse reminds believers that God’s angels are actively involved in the journey of His people, providing guidance and support in times of uncertainty.
Daniel 9:21-22
While I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.”
This verse describes the appearance of the angel Gabriel to Daniel during his prayer. Gabriel delivers a message from God, providing insight and understanding to Daniel. It exemplifies the role of angels as messengers and reveals the involvement of angels in imparting divine wisdom and revelation to believers. It demonstrates the significance of prayer and the avenue through which God’s messages can be conveyed.
Acts 27:23-24
Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’
In this passage, an angel appears to Paul during his time of distress while sailing to Rome as a prisoner. The angel delivers a message of reassurance and guidance, assuring Paul that he will stand trial before Caesar and that God has granted him and his companions protection and safety. It serves as an example of God’s intervention through His angelic messengers, comforting believers in times of uncertainty and danger.
Revelation 8:3-4
Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.
This verse describes an angel performing the role of an intermediary, offering the prayers of God’s people before the throne of God. It illustrates the involvement of angels in presenting the prayers of believers to God, highlighting their role in the spiritual realm in carrying out God’s divine purposes. It encourages believers to continue praying with confidence, knowing that their prayers are received and presented by angelic beings.
Matthew 2:13
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”
This verse reveals the appearance of an angel to Joseph, instructing him to escape to Egypt with Jesus and Mary to protect them from King Herod’s plan to harm the child. It highlights the role of angels as protectors and guides, bringing divine direction and safeguarding God’s chosen ones. It demonstrates how God employs His angelic beings to bring about the fulfillment of His purposes and to ensure the safety of His people.
Acts 8:26
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”
In this verse, an angel of the Lord speaks directly to Philip, giving him specific instructions to go to a certain road. It demonstrates how angels can deliver divine directives and lead believers to specific places or people. It serves as a reminder that God’s guidance can be conveyed through angelic messengers, directing believers in their journey of faith.
Matthew 28:2-3
There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.
This verse describes the moment of Jesus’ resurrection, where an angel of the Lord appears at the tomb. The angel displays great power and glory as he rolls back the stone and sits on it. It signifies the triumph over death and the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption. It reminds believers of the resurrection power of Jesus and the role angels played as witnesses to the most significant event in human history.