Michael the Archangel is one of the few angels specifically named in Scripture. His name means “Who is like God?” and he is consistently depicted as a powerful warrior defending God’s people. Some groups falsely claim that Michael is a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, but a careful study of Scripture reveals that Michael is a created being, distinct from Christ.
Michael in the Book of Daniel
The first mentions of Michael occur in the book of Daniel, where he is described as a chief angelic prince engaged in spiritual warfare.
Daniel 10:13:
“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.”
Here, Michael assists another angel in spiritual conflict against a demonic principality. This passage reveals Michael as a created angelic being assigned to battle against spiritual forces of darkness.
Daniel 10:21:
“But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince.)”
Michael is referred to as a defender of God’s people, specifically Israel.
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, Every one who is found written in the book.”
Michael is described as “the great prince” who will stand for Israel during the time of great tribulation. His role as a protector for Israel is evident.
Michael in the Book of Jude
The most explicit reference to Michael is found in Jude, where he is described contending with Satan.
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!'”
This passage confirms that Michael is an archangel, a high-ranking angelic being. His authority is limited, as he does not rebuke Satan directly but invokes the authority of the Lord. This distinction makes it clear that Michael is not divine but a servant of God under His authority.
Michael in the Book of Revelation
Michael is also mentioned in Revelation, leading the armies of heaven against Satan and his angels.
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.”
Michael leads the armies of heaven against Satan, highlighting his warrior role. However, even in this passage, it is God’s power that brings ultimate victory, not Michael’s own authority.
Why Michael Is Not Jesus
Some groups have mistakenly identified Michael as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, but this interpretation does not align with Scripture. Here’s why:
Michael Is Called an Archangel, Not God:
The term “archangel” means “chief angel” (Greek: archangelos). Jesus is never referred to as an angel but as the Son of God, the Word made flesh (John 1:1-3,14).
Michael Refers to God’s Authority, Not His Own:
In Jude 1:9, Michael does not rebuke Satan directly but says, “The Lord rebuke you!” In contrast, Jesus rebukes Satan directly in Matthew 4:10:
“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”
Michael Is a Created Being:
Angels, including Michael, are created beings (Psalm 148:2-5). Jesus, however, is the eternal Word, co-eternal with the Father (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15-17).
Christ’s Authority Is Supreme, Not Shared:
Jesus has absolute authority over all creation (Matthew 28:18). Michael, however, is depicted as a servant under God’s authority, even needing help in Daniel 10.
Christ Receives Worship; Michael Does Not:
Jesus is worshiped (Revelation 5:12-14), while Michael, like all angels, refuses worship (Revelation 22:8-9).
Michael’s Role in God’s Kingdom
Defender of Israel:
Michael is called the protector of Israel (Daniel 12:1).
Warrior Against Satan:
Michael leads the angelic host against Satan in the heavenly battle (Revelation 12:7).
Servant, Not Supreme:
Michael serves God and operates under His authority, not as a divine being but as a created angelic warrior.
My Final Thoughts
Michael the Archangel is a mighty servant of God, a warrior, and a defender of God’s people. However, he is not Jesus Christ. Jesus is the eternal Son of God, the Alpha and Omega, and the fullness of God in bodily form (Colossians 2:9). Michael, while powerful, operates under God’s authority and is clearly a created being. Understanding this distinction keeps our theology clear and Christ at the center of all worship and authority.
