Michael the Archangel

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Question: Is Michael the archangel really Jesus Christ as many people think?

Answer: 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.

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. Now, look at verse 13:

"But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael (the archangel), one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia." (Daniel 10:13, NKJV throughout)

This is the first mention of Michael 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 archangel.

Continuing in Daniel 10, note that he is again mentioned in verse 21 where he is referred to as a prince:

"But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince." (Daniel 10:21)

The third mention of this archangel can be found in Daniel 12:

"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, every one who is found written in the book." (Daniel 12:1).

Michael has yet to stand up and defend Daniel's people, the Israelites.

The next mention of this angel is in the New Testament book of Jude where verse 9 reads:

"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!' " (Jude 9)

This verse calls Michael an archangel. It reveals that even though Michael 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 archangel comes from the Greek word archaggelos and means a chief angel.

The last Biblical mention of this powerful spiritual being named Michael is in Revelation 12:

"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." (Revelation 12:7-8)

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:

"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." (Luke 10:18)

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."

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.