The number of archangels that God created is not definitively stated in the Bible. However, tradition and theological writings over the centuries have established the names of seven archangels. There is debate among religious scholars as to the exact number, but the seven archangels named in tradition are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Remiel, and Saraqael.
What are archangels?
Archangels are chief angels or high-ranking angels, considered leaders among God’s angelic army. The term “archangel” comes from the Greek words archē meaning “chief” and angelos meaning “messenger.” So archangels are chief messengers of God and angelic leaders. They have special status, power, and authority above that of regular angels.
The archangels carry out important missions on behalf of God, often delivering significant messages, providing guidance and protection, and even battling against evil spiritual forces. Archangels are associated with bringing revelation, helping prophets and spiritual leaders, strengthening faith, answering prayers, facilitating miracles, and carrying out justice and wrath against wickedness.
Archangels named in scripture and tradition
Only two archangels are actually named in the Protestant and Catholic Bible: Michael and Gabriel. The other five archangels come from tradition and extra-biblical texts.
Here are the seven archangels named in tradition:
- Michael – “Who is like God?” Protector and leader of God’s army.
- Gabriel – “God is my strength.” Messenger to Mary and Joseph.
- Raphael – “God heals.” Healing and guardian angel.
- Uriel – “God is my light.” Wisdom and revelation.
- Raguel – “Friend of God.” Oversees justice and harmony.
- Remiel – “Mercy of God.” Guides deceased souls to afterlife.
- Saraqael – “One who God has commanded.” Oversees spirits.
Michael
Michael is the only angel directly called an “archangel” in the Protestant and Catholic Bible in passages such as Jude 1:9 and Revelation 12:7-9. He is portrayed as the commander of the heavenly host and the one who will defeat Satan and his followers. Some of Michael’s roles include:
- Fighting the dragon (Satan) and his angels in Revelation 12:7
- Disputing with the devil over Moses’ body in Jude 1:9
- Leading God’s angelic army against wicked forces
- Defending and protecting God’s people
- Rescuing souls of the righteous at death
Gabriel
Gabriel is a prominent messenger angel who appears by name in scripture. Some of Gabriel’s most important roles include:
- Appearing to the prophet Daniel to explain his visions (Daniel 8:15-26, 9:20-27)
- Announcing the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah (Luke 1:11-20)
- Appearing to Mary to tell her she would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-38)
- Informing Joseph in a dream to take Mary as his wife and the child is from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20-24)
- Proclaiming the birth of Jesus to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-15)
Raphael
The archangel Raphael is named in the apocryphal Book of Tobit. Raphael means “God heals” and he is known for healing and guiding Tobit’s son Tobiah on a hazardous journey. He also drives out demons and restores Tobit’s eyesight. He is a protector, healer, and guide.
Uriel
Uriel’s name means “God is my light” and he is often associated with imparting wisdom and revelation. He is not mentioned in the Protestant Bible, but appears in some apocryphal texts. In 2 Esdras, he is depicted as an interpreter of visions who helped answer Ezra’s questions. Uriel is connected to prophecy, divine light, and truth.
Raguel
Raguel’s name means “Friend of God” though he is sometimes known as Reuel or Rufael. In the Book of Enoch, Raguel is appointed by God to take vengeance on the world of the luminaries who transgressed God’s laws. He is associated with overseeing justice, fairness, and harmony among God’s creation.
Remiel
Remiel (or Jeremiel) means “Mercy of God.” His role is guiding the deceased to their respective afterlives and sometimes depicted helping newly deceased souls adjust to the afterlife. He is connected with divine mercy, death, and resurrection.
Saraqael
Saraqael is mentioned in some rabbinic and apocryphal texts such as the Book of Enoch where he is listed as one of the holy angels who watch over spirits imprisoned until the day of judgment. His name means “One who God has commanded” and he is associated with overseeing spirits.
How many archangels are there?
While seven archangels are commonly named, the exact number of archangels is not definitively stated in scripture. Some traditions identify four, seven, or twelve archangels.
Four archangels
In the Catholic faith, four archangels are commemorated in church tradition and recognized by name. These are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel. They each have feast days in the liturgical calendar.
Seven archangels
Eastern Orthodox tradition commonly identifies seven archangels. In addition to the four just mentioned, the other three are Raguel, Remiel and Saraqael. The seven archangels are commemorated in liturgy and iconography.
Twelve archangels
Some early manuscripts of the Book of Enoch mention seven holy angels who watch, but list twelve names. Later apocryphal texts suggest twelve ruling archangels. The names vary, but often include Michael, Uriel, Raphael, Gabriel, and others mentioned above.
So in summary, scripture and church tradition affirm at least Michael and Gabriel as archangels, and various texts identify between four and twelve chief angels in the heavenly host.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible specifically names two archangels: Michael and Gabriel. Beyond that, church tradition over the centuries has identified seven archangels as chief angels who serve important roles as messengers, healers, protectors, and warriors for God. While the number seven is commonly accepted, the exact amount of archangels is debatable with arguments for four, seven, or even twelve archangels described in theology and religious texts. However, the seven archangels named in tradition remain the most widely recognized based on their prominence in historical church writings, liturgy, and prayers.