ABOUT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

1. Is Michael the archangel really Jesus Christ as many people think?

a) There are only five references to Michael in the Bible. His name means, which is of Hebrew origin, "who is like God" and is Strong's Concordance #4317 for its use in the Old Testament.

b) The first two references to the archangel Michael are in the book of Daniel. In chapter 10, we see the account of Daniel and the "glorious man" discussing prophecies of Persia and Greece. It is a vision that only he sees and it so frightens him that he is has no strength left. This vision came to him after fasting and praying for three weeks. Verse 12 relates that the "man" came because of Daniel's words.

c) Verse 13 of Daniel is the first mention of this angel in the Bible. He is one of the "chief princes" or one of those who are first in rank or power. He was (and is) a very powerful and influential angelic being.

d) A little further down in Daniel 10 he is referred to as a prince (Daniel 10:21). The third mention of this created spirit being can be found in Daniel 12.

i) "At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people . . . " (Daniel 12:1)

e) He has yet to stand up and defend Daniel's people, the Israelites.

2. Protector of the grave of Moses

a) The fourth mention of this angel in the Bible is in the New Testament book of Jude.

i) 9. But Michael the archangel, when he was personally taking issue with the devil, disputing about the body of Moses, did not presume to pronounce a reviling judgment against him . . . (Jude 1:9)

b) This verse calls him an archangel. It reveals that even though he has always possessed great power and influence he still is subservient to the higher authority of God.  According to Strong's Concordance #743, the word for this designation comes from the Greek word archaggelos and means a chief angel.

3. Leading good angels

a) The fifth and last Biblical mention of this powerful spiritual is in Revelation 12. The seventh and eighth verses of the chapter state that he and "his angels" FOUGHT (and will fight) Satan and his demonic hosts. This incident is identical to that of Daniel 12:1 and is still future, and to me, does not conflict with Luke 10 where Jesus said he actually witnessed the devil being thrown out of heaven like lightning (Luke 10:18)!

b) Satan is a spirit being and he could have fallen from heaven more than once. Ephesians 6:12 also verifies that we are still wrestling with "spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

c) Michael the Archangel is NOT Jesus but a powerful spirit being and prince whom God the Father has designated as protector of His people Israel.