Four Angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth. –The Bible, Rev. 7:1

Traditionally, there are four most popular Archangels in Judeo-Christian tradition.  They are Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel. Depending on what references you come across, and the form of Christianity and belief, there are seven Archangels (the four mentioned formerly, with three added to the lot).  For example, there are said to be seven archangels of the seven churches of Asia Minor in the Book of Revelation. For now, let’s explore the four traditional archangels in the Bible.  We will see that Archangels Gabriel and Michael are found by name in the Bible.  Raphael and Uriel, however, are not found by name, although some verses may be indicative of them.

Archangel Michael in the Bible

Archangel Michael is the highest-ranking Archangel in the Bible.  Of the four Archangels in the Bible, he is the one found within the Bible with the most ease.  Michael is mentioned three times in the Old Testament, all in the book of Daniel. Daniel 12:1 says: “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise.  There will be a time to distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people – everyone whose name is found written in the book – will be delivered.”  Here are some other Bible verses that reference Archangel Michael:

“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon.  And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.”- Revelation 12:7-8

“But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” – Jude 1:9

Archangel Raphael in the Bible

Archangel Raphael has proven to be a bit difficult to find mentioned by name as one of the archangels in the Bible.  This is because he is not mentioned by name. He appears in apocryphal books such as Tobit and Enoch in early Christian, non-Biblical writings.  Raphael disguises himself as Azariah in the Book of Tobit, as he is sent to help Tobit and his son, Tobias. Raphael casts out a demon and heals Tobias. Later, he reveals his true identity by saying he is not Azariah the Israelite but “Raphael, one of the seven archangels who stand ready and enter before the glory of the Lord” (beliefnet.com).

Raphael is mentioned in the book of Enoch here- “Raphael, one of the holy angels, who is over the spirits of men.”- (1 Enoch 20:7).

Archangel Gabriel in the Bible

Archangel Gabriel is the most famous Archangel in the Bible as he had announced the Immaculate Conception to Mary.  He is a very important messenger Angel who is instrumental in interpreting Daniel’s vision and in the Gospel of Luke.  Here are some passages:

“While I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice.  He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding.”- Daniel 9:21-22

“The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel.  I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.” – Luke 1:19

Archangel Uriel in the Bible

Archangel Uriel is often identified as a cherub and an Angel of repentance.  He is also known as the angel of wisdom. Uriel means “God is my light” or “fire of God.”  Archangel Uriel is not found in the canonical writings as an Archangel in the Bible. He is, however, mentioned in major religious apocryphal texts.  He is mentioned in the book of Enoch, along with other significant Archangels. 

“And then Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel looked down from heaven and saw much blood being shed upon the earth, and the lawlessness being wrought upon the earth. And they said one to another: ‘The earth made without inhabitants cries the voice of their crying up to the gates of heaven.  And now to you, the holy ones of heaven, the souls of men make their suit, saying, ‘Bring our cause before the Most High.” – Enoch 9:1-4.