*** w06 1/15 p. 6 Angels—How They Affect Us ***The angel foremost in power and authority is Michael the archangel, or Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9) Seraphs, cherubs, and other angels are under him.
*** w06 5/15 p. 5 God’s Purpose for the Earth—Soon to Be Fulfilled ***Says the apostle John: "I saw an angel [the archangel Michael, or Jesus Christ] coming down out of heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. And he seized the dragon, the original serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. And he hurled him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, that he might not mislead the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended." (Revelation 20:1-3; 12:12)
*** w06 9/15 p. 3 What Are "the Last Days"? ***The Bible tells us: "War broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled." (Revelation 12:7) "Michael the archangel" is Jesus Christ in his heavenly position. (Jude 9; 1 Thessalonians 4:16)
*** Bible Teach Book (bh) 2005 p. 218 - p. 219 Who Is Michael the Archangel? ***
WhoIsMichaeltheArchangel?
THE spirit creature called Michael is not mentioned often in the Bible. However, when he is referred to, he is in action. In the book of Daniel, Michael is battling wicked angels; in the letter of Jude, he is disputing with Satan; and in Revelation, he is waging war with the Devil and his demons. By defending Jehovah’s rulership and fighting God’s enemies, Michael lives up to the meaning of his name—"Who Is Like God?" But who is Michael?
At times, individuals are known by more than one name. For example, the patriarch Jacob is also known as Israel, and the apostle Peter, as Simon. (Genesis 49:1, 2; Matthew 10:2) Likewise, the Bible indicates that Michael is another name for Jesus Christ, before and after his life on earth. Let us consider Scriptural reasons for drawing that conclusion.
Archangel.
God’s Word refers to Michael "the archangel." (Jude 9) This term means "chief angel." Notice that Michael is called
the archangel. This suggests that there is only one such angel. In fact, the term "archangel" occurs in the Bible only in the singular, never in the plural. Moreover, Jesus is linked with the office of archangel. Regarding the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 4:16 states: "The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice." Thus the voice of Jesus is described as being that of an archangel. This scripture therefore
suggests that Jesus himself is the archangel Michael.
Army
Leader. The Bible states that "Michael and
his angels battled with the dragon . . . and its angels." (Revelation 12:7) Thus, Michael is the Leader of an army of faithful angels. Revelation also describes Jesus as the Leader of an army of faithful angels. (Revelation 19:14-16) And the apostle Paul specifically mentions "the Lord Jesus" and "his powerful angels." (2 Thessalonians 1:7; Matthew 16:27; 24:31; 1 Peter 3:22) So the Bible speaks of both Michael and "his angels" and Jesus and "his angels." (Matthew 13:41) Since God’s Word nowhere indicates that there are two armies of faithful angels in heaven—one headed by Michael and one headed by Jesus—it is
logical to conclude that Michael is none other than Jesus Christ in his heavenly role.
[Footnote]
More information showing that the name Michael applies to God’s Son is found in Volume 2, pages 393-4, of InsightontheScriptures, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
