Introduction
T
he word “archangel” is a combination of the words “arch” (meaning “chief”) and “angel”; combined, the meaning is “chief angel.” Consequently, archangels are angels of high status who possess great influence and power. For instance, archangel Gabriel is God’s chief messenger, and archangel Michael is God’s main warrior in the endless battle against evil. “Archangel” as a title is commonly used to describe all angels of importance; until the Middle Ages, they were considered the most important angels of all. At that time, theologians became interested in creating different ranks of angels, so the archangels were demoted. Because of this, “archangel” also describes a rank of angels in the celestial hierarchy of angels. There are usually thought to be seven archangels. In the book of Revelation, John wrote: “I saw the seven angels which stood before God” (Revelation 8:2). These seven are believed to be archangels, but no one knows the names of all seven. Over many years, different names and varying numbers of archangels have been suggested. Only two archangels are mentioned by name in the Bible: Michael and Gabriel. The same two archangels are named in the Koran: Jibril (Gabriel) and Michael. Islam recognizes two other archangels as well: Azrael, the angel of death; and Israfel, the angel of music, who will blow the trumpet on Judgment Day.
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