?Who is Michael the Archangel

Who is Saint Michael the Archangel?

Archangel, whose name means “Who is like God?” is honored as the “chief angel” of God. But what does that mean?

In various religious texts, Saint Michael is frequently mentioned as the “chief of angels” or the “great archangel.” He is one of the highest-ranking celestial beings. Michael’s responsibilities go beyond those of a typical angel; he is portrayed as a formidable leader, a defender of humanity, and an ally of God in the fight between good and evil. In the Book of Revelation, Michael is shown leading an army of angels in a decisive battle against Satan and his forces, eventually overcoming them. This battle is a symbolic representation of the ultimate clash between good and evil at the end of times.

So, who is Saint Michael the Archangel in essence?

Saint Michael is often described in religious texts as the “chief of angels” or “great archangel,” signifying his prominent position among heavenly beings. The Book of Daniel mentions him multiple times: in Daniel 10:13 as “Michael, one of the chief princes,” and in Daniel 12:1, where “Michael, the great prince,” stands up for the people of Israel. Daniel 10:21 also notes that “no one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.” Alongside another angel, Michael responds to Daniel’s prayer for God to “turn away His anger and wrath from Jerusalem, His city, His holy mountain” (Daniel 9:16).

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

The Prayer to Saint Michael is a Catholic plea for his protection against the forces of evil. It is often recited after Mass in the Catholic Church. The traditional text of the prayer is as follows:

“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”

This prayer is seen as a potent call for spiritual support and is often recited by Catholics during times of hardship or spiritual conflict.

Biblical References to Saint Michael the Archangel

Jude 1:9: “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’”
Revelation 12:7-8: “And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”

Daniel 10:13: “But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.”
Daniel 12:1: “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.”

What Does Saint Michael Look Like?

The Bible does not provide specific details about Saint Michael’s appearance. However, artistic representations often show him (and other angels) as beautiful, taller than humans, and powerful. “Angels are spiritual beings” who have “some form of locational presence—they occupy a space that aligns with the unseen spiritual realm.”

Paul explains that “not all flesh is the same” and there are “heavenly bodies and earthly bodies; but the glory of the heavenly is one, and the glory of the earthly is another” (1 Corinthians 15:39-40). Hebrews 13:2 tells us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Thus, it seems that angels can sometimes appear in human form, though their true nature might not always be obvious. A group of angels appeared in radiant form to shepherds on the night of Christ’s birth, whereas at other times, angels might blend into a crowd.

Saint Michael in the End Times

Saint Michael plays a key role in the events of the end times. Daniel 12:1 states: “Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise.” He might be the archangel Paul refers to in 1 Thessalonians 4:16: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” Michael will lead an angelic army to a victorious battle against Satan and his demonic forces in Revelation 12.

Michael is not just an angel but the leader of an angelic host, though the ultimate commander is God. The apostles were familiar with the Roman military hierarchy, where Caesar commanded, and the Senate served as an advisory body for Roman officials.

In other words, the concept of angelic hierarchy was understandable to people in Christ’s time, which is why artists often depict Michael as a warrior. Michael is portrayed as the “great commander” of angels, a “warrior who helps the children of Israel.” He was known as “the helper of the Church’s forces against paganism and the assaults of the devil,” and “numerous depictions of Michael in art reflect his character as a warrior.”

Is Saint Michael the Archangel the Same as Christ?

A controversial theory suggests that Michael is Christ before His incarnation. He is given the title “ruler” and known as the “protector of the people of Israel.” However, according to Don Stewart, “the one who protects Israel” is God Himself. As the Bible states: “My help comes from the Lord” (Psalms 121:2-4). Many argue that if God protects Israel and Michael protects Israel, then they must be the same. Furthermore, when Christ returns, He will come with “a shout, with the voice of the archangel” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

However, as Stewart points out, Michael the Archangel is the chief of angels. Jesus, among His many titles including “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:16), never received the title “chief of angels.” Michael is like a “commander of the Roman Empire” who “commanded an entire province.” He is one of several commanders in the angelic army and is not unique. Jesus is the only Son of God.

In Matthew 28:18, Jesus tells His disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This cannot be said of Michael the Archangel, as Jude tells us, he could not rebuke Satan; only God can do that. Christ, being one with the Father, can also rebuke Satan.

Christ’s true power is in forgiving sins. He demonstrated this power by sacrificing Himself, submitting to Roman punishment, and triumphing over death. Angels do what humans expected the Messiah to do, such as defeating armies. But only Christ could surpass human expectations and desires, conquering the greatest issue—our separation from God due to our sins.

What Does Saint Michael the Archangel Mean for Us?

Angels are indeed real; the Bible frequently mentions their existence, affirming that God created them and they fulfill a purpose in His realm. Angels are “mighty and powerful” beings who work for God with the power and authority He bestows (Psalms 103:20) and fight against Satan. This is evident in the verses cited earlier.

Wayne Grudem explains that angels deliver messages, “execute some of God’s judgments,” serve as “models” for us in worshiping and obeying God, and “patrol the earth as God’s representatives.” They act on behalf of God for His people.

This truth should fill us with wonder that angels are around us, invisibly carrying out God’s will. Elijah and his servant were surrounded by the Syrian forces, and the servant was terrified. But Elijah said: “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16). Elijah could see what most people could not—the forces of God working on behalf of His people. Angels are at work around us, and we may be tempted to be more fascinated by these beautiful and powerful beings than by the Son of God.

Yet, even as Michael the Archangel battles Satan in the end times, he does not reach the power of Christ. We often imagine Michael as a warrior with a sword fighting demons, but the sword that Christians value most is the “sword of the Spirit,” which is an essential part of the “full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:1-17).

What Does This Mean?

This means we should not worship anyone other than the Lord, as John Gilhooly reminds us, “To which of the angels did God ever say, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father’?” (Hebrews 1:5). “It is a false teaching to think humans are kept safe through other beings.” The Bible repeatedly promises “the presence of God through the Holy Spirit by faith. We should find peace in the eternal God and His everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27), not in the arms of angels.”