Is Jesus Michael the Archangel?

Is Jesus Michael the Archangel?

The identity of Michael the Archangel has long intrigued theologians and believers. Is Michael a distinct angelic being, or could this title represent Jesus Christ in His heavenly role? Drawing from Scripture and the insights of respected Protestant commentators—John Gill, Matthew Henry, Adam Clarke and Robert Hawker—this article explores the evidence, addresses objections, and considers alternative perspectives.

Key Evidence from Scripture

1. Michael’s Name and Its Significance

The name Michael means “Who is like God?”—a question that aligns with Christ, who is described as “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). While this name was common in ancient Israel, the Michael in Scripture is set apart by context. He is depicted as leading heavenly armies (Revelation 12:7), standing for God’s people (Daniel 12:1), and contending with Satan (Jude 1:9). These roles closely align with Christ’s mission as Redeemer, Defender, and King.

2. Michael’s Role in the End Times

In Daniel 12:1, Michael “stands up” during a time of unparalleled trouble for God’s people. John Gill interprets this as Christ actively protecting His people during end-time events. Similarly, in Revelation 12:7, Michael leads the heavenly armies against Satan, a role consistent with Christ’s authority over all creation (Revelation 19:11-16).

3. Michael as the Great Prince

Daniel 12:1 refers to Michael as “the great prince who stands for the children of your people.” Matthew Henry identifies this as Christ, the ultimate “Prince of the kings of the earth” (Revelation 1:5) and protector of His church.

4. Michael’s Advocacy and Deliverance

In Jude 1:9, Michael contends with Satan over Moses’ body. Adam Clarke connects this with Christ’s advocacy for believers, reflecting Jesus’ work as intercessor and defender (1 John 2:1; Revelation 12:10). Michael’s defence of Moses aligns with Christ’s redemptive mission.

5. Michael and Pre-Human Existence

Some protestant traditions, such as Seventh-day Adventists, continue to hold this historically protestant view that Michael represents Jesus in His heavenly existence. They point to passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16, which describes Jesus descending “with the voice of the archangel,” as evidence of a connection between Jesus and Michael.

Protestant Commentators on Michael as Christ

Several renowned Protestant commentators have explored the identity of Michael the Archangel, offering insights rooted in their theological traditions. John Gill (1697–1771), an English Baptist pastor and theologian, is known for his Calvinist interpretations and meticulous verse-by-verse commentary on Scripture. Matthew Henry (1662–1714), a British Presbyterian minister, authored a widely celebrated devotional commentary that emphasises the practical application and Christ-centred interpretation. Adam Clarke (1762–1832), a Wesleyan scholar, produced an extensive and detailed commentary that reflects his deep commitment to biblical exegesis and theological precision. Robert Hawker (1753–1827), an Anglican theologian and preacher, contributed rich theological reflections, especially on Christ’s titles and offices. Together, these commentators present compelling arguments for viewing Michael as a title or role for Jesus Christ.

You can find quotations from these protestant theologians and scholars at the end of this article. But for now, here is a summary of their positions.

John Gill

Divine Authority: Gill identifies Michael as Jesus, emphasising His divine nature and authority over angels.

End-Time Protection: Gill interprets Michael’s standing in Daniel 12 as Christ’s spiritual presence with His people during trials.

Matthew Henry

Church’s Defender: Henry describes Michael as Christ defending His church during persecution.

Prince and Advocate: He highlights Christ’s role as the “Prince of the kings of the earth” and His intercession for believers.

Adam Clarke

Michael as Unique: Clarke emphasises the singularity of the title “archangel,” arguing that this role belongs uniquely to Christ.

Parallels to Christ’s Mission: Clarke connects Michael’s actions—leading heavenly armies and silencing Satan—to Christ’s ultimate victory over evil.

Robert Hawker

Singular Office of Archangel: Hawker stresses that Scripture speaks of only one archangel, and that title must belong to Christ:

Michael as Christ in Action: Hawker identifies Michael’s actions in Jude 1:9 and Zechariah 3:2 as Christ’s role as intercessor, emphasizing Christ’s humility in rebuking Satan:

The Angel of the Covenant: Hawker ties Michael to the “Angel of the Covenant” (Malachi 3:1), arguing that both titles reflect Christ’s unique role in mediating and defending His people.

Addressing Common Objections

1. “Jesus Is Superior to Angels” (Hebrews 1:5-8)

Objection: “To which of the angels did God ever say, ‘You are my Son’?” distinguishes Jesus from angels, including Michael.

Response: To the contrary, identifying Michael as a title for Christ highlights His role as ruler over the angels or chief of the angels (The Archangel). Michael signifies Christ’s mission as the commander of heavenly armies.

2. Michael’s Rebuke of Satan (Jude 1:9)

Objection: Michael defers to God’s authority in rebuking Satan, saying, “The Lord rebuke you!” In contrast, Jesus directly rebukes Satan (Matthew 4:10).

Response: Jude 1:9 reflects Michael’s submission to divine authority, consistent with Christ’s humility during His earthly ministry (See Jn 5:30, 14:10). We also see this same language in Zechariah 3:2 "The LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan!" This does not diminish Christ’s divinity but underscores His role within God’s plan.

3. Michael as a Created Angel

Objection: Michael is described as an archangel, a term often associated with created beings, while Jesus is the eternal Creator.

Response: Jesus is not a created being but the eternal Creator, as affirmed in John 1:3. The word archangel is only found twice in scripture (1 Th 4:16, Jud 1:9). The Greek word for 'arch' is ἄρχω; to be first (in political rank or power): - reign (rule) over. Such a title can only belong to Christ (See Col 1:15-18, Rev 1:5, Phil 2:9-11, Isa 9:6-7).

4. Michael as One of Many Angels

• Objection: Daniel 10:13 refers to "Michael, one of the chief princes,” suggesting he is among a group of high-ranking angels.

• Response: This phrase can be interpreted functionally rather than numerically, indicating Michael’s preeminence as "Michael, first of the chief heads" (Young's Literal Translation) rather than implying he is one of many equals.

Michael’s Role in Light of Christ’s Divinity

While the Bible does not explicitly state, “Jesus is Michael,” the actions attributed to Michael—defending God’s people, leading heavenly armies, and defeating Satan—are consistent with Christ’s mission as revealed in Scripture. These parallels suggest that Michael may function as a title or role emphasising specific aspects of Christ’s work. Key distinctions include:

1. Jesus is not a created being: Unlike angels, Jesus is the eternal Creator of all things (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Michael’s depiction as the leader of heavenly armies aligns with Jesus’ authority over all creation, not as a created being but as the divine Commander.

2. Michael as a title: Similar to titles such as “Lamb of God” or “Lion of Judah,” “Michael” may highlight a specific aspect of Christ’s role—His leadership and defence of God’s people in spiritual warfare—without compromising His divinity.

Alternative View: Michael as a Separate Angel

Critics of the Michael-is-Jesus view often interpret Michael as a distinct and created angelic being. Their arguments include:

1. Michael as Archangel (Jude 1:9): Michael’s designation as “archangel” is seen as indicating a high-ranking angelic being, distinct from Christ, who is worshipped as God.

2. Angels Worship Jesus (Hebrews 1:6): The fact that angels, including Michael, worship Jesus highlights the superiority and divinity of Christ compared to any angelic being.

3. Michael’s Limited Authority: In Jude 1:9, Michael defers to God by saying, “The Lord rebuke you!” In contrast, Jesus directly exercises divine authority over Satan (e.g., Matthew 4:10), reinforcing their distinction in power and role.

These arguments focus on Michael’s title and actions but often overlook the possibility that Michael represents a functional role for Jesus, emphasising His role as defender, advocate, and commander of heavenly forces. Viewing Michael as a title for Christ does not diminish His divinity but instead underscores His multifaceted mission in both heaven and earth.

Conclusion: Michael’s Identity and Christ’s Mission

The identity of Michael the Archangel is a captivating topic that invites thoughtful exploration of Scripture and theology. Whether viewed as a title for Jesus Christ or as a distinct angelic being, Michael’s actions—defending God’s people, leading heavenly armies, and contending with Satan—illuminate profound truths about God’s plan for salvation and His ultimate victory over evil. This study highlights Christ’s divine authority as the eternal Creator and His leadership as protector, advocate, and commander of heaven’s forces. Through examining both supporting evidence and objections, we see how Michael’s role directs us to the glory and mission of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and King.

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Additional Note for Deeper Study: Insights and Key Verses

For readers interested in a deeper exploration of the identity and role of Michael the Archangel, here are key insights from Protestant commentators—John Gill, Matthew Henry, and Adam Clarke—along with the primary verses that form the foundation of this discussion.

Key Verses

1. Daniel 12:1

“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.”

2. Revelation 12:7–9

“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

3. Jude 1:9

“Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’”

4. 1 Thessalonians 4:16

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.”

5. Zechariah 3:1–2

“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the LORD said to Satan, ‘The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?’”

Insights from Protestant Theologian and Scholars

John Gill on Michael in Daniel 12

1. Michael as Jesus Christ

The Archangel, who has all the angels of heaven under him, and at his command, the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ; who is as God, as the name signifies, truly and really God, and equal in nature, power, and glory, to his divine Father.

Gill identifies Michael as Jesus, emphasising His divine nature and supreme authority over all the angels of heaven. He ties this interpretation to the meaning of Michael’s name, “Who is like God?”

2. Michael’s Role in the End Times

He shall stand up… of his spiritual presence among his people, and protection of them, and continuance with them.

This “standing up” represents Christ’s active role in defending His people and reigning spiritually during critical times, particularly during the end-time events.

3. Michael as the Great Prince

The great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people; the King of kings, and Lord of lords, the Prince of the kings of the earth.

Gill identifies Michael as Jesus in His role as protector and defender of God’s people (both spiritual Israel and, ultimately, the Jewish nation during their restoration).

4. Time of Trouble and Deliverance

It is that time of trial, and hour of temptation, that shall come upon all the world, as it may concern the church and people of God… the last persecution of the saints, which will be short and sharp.

Gill connects the “time of trouble” to events described in Revelation, particularly the final struggle between Christ and the forces of antichrist. He also emphasises that Christ will ultimately deliver His people through these trials.

Matthew Henry on Michael as Jesus Christ

1. Michael as Christ, the Church’s Patron and Protector

Jesus Christ shall appear his church’s patron and protector: At that time, when the persecution is at the hottest, Michael shall stand up.

Matthew Henry directly identifies Michael with Jesus Christ, portraying Him as the defender of the church, stepping in when persecution reaches its peak.

2. Michael as the Great Prince

Christ is that great prince, for he is the prince of the kings of the earth, Rev 1:5. And, if he stand up for his church, who can be against it?

Henry emphasises Christ’s supreme authority as the “Prince of the kings of the earth” and relates it to Michael’s role as the protector of God’s people.

3. Michael’s Role in Salvation

Michael shall stand up for the working out of our eternal salvation; the Son of God shall be incarnate, shall be manifested to destroy the works of the devil.

He connects Michael’s standing to Christ’s incarnation and His mission to destroy Satan’s works (1 John 3:8), securing eternal salvation for believers.

4. Michael as Advocate and Friend:

He stands for them in the intercession he ever lives to make within the veil, stands up for them, and stands their friend.

Henry highlights Christ’s role as intercessor and advocate, suggesting that Michael’s actions in Daniel 12 reflect Christ’s ongoing work of defending His people.

5. Michael’s Final Victory:

After the destruction of antichrist, of whom Antiochus was a type, Christ shall stand at the latter day upon the earth, shall appear for the complete redemption of all his.

Henry associates Michael’s actions with Christ’s ultimate victory over evil and His role in redeeming His people, both in historical deliverances and at the end of time.

Summary

Matthew Henry clearly identifies Michael as Jesus Christ, interpreting Michael’s standing up for God’s people in Daniel 12:1 as symbolic of Christ’s roles as:

• Protector of His church during persecution.

• Prince and ruler over all creation.

• Saviour and Advocate, securing salvation and interceding for His people.

• Victor, defeating Satan and antichrist in the end times.

Henry’s Christ-centred interpretation sees Michael as another title for Jesus, highlighting His care, defence, and ultimate deliverance of His people.

Adam Clarke on Michael the Archangel

Adam Clarke (1762-1832) was a Wesleyan and influential biblical scholar, who published a Bible commentary among other works. Here are some key quotes and insights from Adam Clarke on Jude 1:9:

1. Michael’s Identity and Title:

Clarke connects Michael’s name and role with the divine:

The word Michael מיכאל, seems to be compounded of מי mi, who, כ ke, like, and אל El, God; he who is like God; hence by this personage, in the Apocalypse, many understand the Lord Jesus.

This ties Michael’s name to a Christological understanding, as Jesus is uniquely described in Scripture as the image of God (Hebrews 1:3) and equal with God (Philippians 2:6).

2. Michael’s Unique Position as Archangel:

Clarke observes the singularity of the title “archangel” in Scripture, suggesting it could be uniquely tied to Christ:

Let it be observed that the word archangel is never found in the plural number in the sacred writings. There can be properly only one archangel, one chief or head of all the angelic host.

By linking this singular role to Michael and then to Christ, Clarke implies a special status that aligns with Jesus’ supreme authority over the angels (Hebrews 1:6).

3. Michael as Advocate Against Satan:

Drawing from Jewish tradition, Clarke notes the parallels between Michael’s role and Christ’s intercession for believers:

Michael and Samael stand before the Lord; Satan accuses, but Michael shows the merits of Israel. Satan endeavors to speak, but Michael silences him.

This mirrors the biblical description of Jesus as our advocate who defends against Satan’s accusations (1 John 2:1; Revelation 12:10).

4. Michael’s Contention Over Moses’ Body:

Clarke connects Michael’s dispute with Satan to the broader role of Christ in preserving God’s purposes for His people:

Michael is spoken of as one of the chief angels who took care of the Israelites as a nation; he may therefore have been the angel of the Lord before whom Joshua the high priest is said, Zechariah 3:1, to have stood, Satan being at his right hand to resist him.

In this view, Michael’s defence of Moses aligns with Christ’s protective and redemptive work for His people.

5. Michael as the Leader of the Heavenly Hosts

Clarke highlights Revelation 12:7, where Michael leads the armies of heaven:

Michael is this archangel, and head of all the angelic orders… Michael and his angels fought against the Dragon and his angels.

This leadership role fits the portrayal of Christ in Revelation 19:11-16, where He leads the heavenly armies in triumph over evil.

Robert Hawker on the Archangel

The very name archangel signifies the first, or prince of the order of angels, consequently, there cannot be many firsts… Scripture speaks but of one archangel, and that officially, that archangel is Christ.

Hawker’s argument hinges on several key points:

1. Michael as a Name of Office

Hawker notes that the title “archangel” is not a description of Christ’s nature but His office as the leader of the heavenly host. He argues that the role of Michael aligns with Christ’s divine authority and mission.

2. Michael as Christ in Jude 1:9 and Zechariah 3:1-4

Addressing objections that Michael in Jude 1:9 cannot be Christ because He does not rebuke Satan directly, Hawker states:

The Lord Jesus durst not do it; not because he dared not, or had not the power, but because it belonged not to the Redeemer’s character, ‘who, when reviled, reviled not again, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.

Hawker compares this to Zechariah 3:1-4, where Christ rebukes Satan on behalf of Joshua (a symbol of God’s people), further linking Michael’s role to Christ’s intercessory work.

3. The Angel of the Covenant and the Archangel

Hawker also connects Michael to the “Angel of the Covenant” (Malachi 3:1), asserting that both titles point to Christ:

Both the angel of the covenant and the archangel are one and the same… Christ, who is elsewhere called the angel of the covenant, for Christ took not on him the nature of angels, but the seed of Abraham.

By identifying Michael as Christ, Hawker strengthens the argument that the archangel is not a created being but a title reflecting Christ’s divine authority and role in leading the heavenly hosts.