Archangel
Summary
A chief angel of the highest rank in the celestial hierarchy, with only Michael explicitly identified as an archangel in canonical Scripture.
☩Definition and Rank
The term 'archangel' means 'chief angel' and designates those angels who occupy the highest rank in the celestial order or hierarchy, which consists of 'thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers.' Seven archangels are said to stand immediately before the throne of God, having authority over other angels and serving as patrons of particular nations.
☩Named Archangels
Only two archangels are named in canonical Scripture: Michael, the patron of the Jewish nation, and Gabriel. Michael is explicitly called 'the archangel' and is depicted as contending with the devil and leading heavenly armies. Gabriel serves as God's messenger for important announcements. The apocryphal books mention additional names such as Raphael and Uriel.
☩Role in Eschatology
The voice of the archangel will accompany Christ's return, when the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God. This indicates the archangel's prominent role in the culminating events of redemptive history.