Tracing Michael and His Angels from Daniel to Revelation Through Warfare, Resurrection, and the Kingdom of God
By Carl Timothy Wray
Michael and His Angels: AUTHOR
Carl Timothy Wray has spent more than forty years searching the Scriptures and tracing the progressive revelation of Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation. Through hundreds of books and teachings freely distributed around the world, his work focuses on the Finished Work of Christ, the Throne of God, the Book of Revelation, and the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
In this study, Carl Timothy Wray examines one of the most debated figures in Scripture: Michael the Archangel. Rather than relying upon tradition or denominational conclusions, this book gathers the biblical witnesses concerning Michael and his angels and follows them through Daniel, Jude, Thessalonians, and Revelation. The goal is not merely to answer theological questions, but to unveil the greater purpose, warfare, resurrection, and Kingdom authority revealed through Michael and his angels.
Who is Michael the Archangel? Is Michael the Archangel Jesus Christ? Why does Michael fight Satan? Why does Michael have angels under his authority? What role does Michael play in Daniel, Jude, 1 Thessalonians, and Revelation 12? In this Scripture-rich study, Carl Timothy Wray traces Michael and his angels from Daniel to Revelation through warfare, resurrection, and the Kingdom of God. Examining every major passage concerning Michael, this book explores the relationship between Michael, the woman, the man-child, the dragon, and the war in heaven while allowing the Scriptures to speak for themselves.
INTRODUCTION
Few subjects in Scripture generate more discussion than the identity of Michael the Archangel.
Some believe Michael is the highest-ranking created angel. Others believe Michael is the heavenly protector of Israel. Still others believe Michael is a title revealing Jesus Christ in His role as the leader of the heavenly hosts.
For centuries these questions have been debated, yet the Scriptures themselves contain remarkably few references to Michael. In fact, Michael is directly named only a handful of times throughout the entire Bible. Because of this, every appearance becomes significant.
Why does Michael appear in Daniel during times of conflict and deliverance?
Why does Michael appear in connection with resurrection?
Why does Michael contend with Satan?
Why does Michael appear in Revelation 12 when the woman brings forth the man-child and the dragon is cast down?
Why does Michael command angels?
And perhaps most importantly, what is God revealing through Michael and his angels?
This book does not begin with tradition. It begins with Scripture.
Our purpose is to gather every witness concerning Michael and allow the Word of God to define its own terms. We will examine Michael as prince, archangel, warrior, deliverer, and leader of heavenly hosts. We will follow the testimony from Daniel to Jude, from Thessalonians to Revelation, and we will explore the relationship between Michael, the woman, the man-child, the dragon, and the Kingdom of God.
The goal is not merely to identify Michael.
The goal is to understand why Michael appears where he appears and what divine purpose is being unveiled through Michael and his angels.
As with every biblical study, we must allow the Scriptures to interpret the Scriptures.
Line upon line.
Precept upon precept.
Witness upon witness.
For in the end, all true revelation points to Jesus Christ, the One of whom Moses, the prophets, the apostles, and the Book of Revelation testify.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Who Is Michael?
Chapter 2
What Does Michael Mean?
Chapter 3
Michael the Prince
Chapter 4
Michael the Archangel
Chapter 5
Michael and His Angels
Chapter 6
Why Does Michael Fight Satan?
Chapter 7
Michael and the Resurrection
Chapter 8
Michael and the Captain of the Lord’s Host
Chapter 9
Michael, the Woman, and the Man-Child
Chapter 10
Michael and the War in Heaven
Chapter 11
Is Michael the Archangel Jesus Christ?
Chapter 12
Michael and His Angels Revealed
Conclusion
Gathering the Witnesses: Michael, His Angels, and the Kingdom of God
CHAPTER 1
WHO IS MICHAEL?
One of the most frequently asked questions in Scripture is:
Who is Michael?
The question has been debated for centuries.
Some teach that Michael is the highest-ranking created angel.
Some teach that Michael is the protector of Israel.
Some teach that Michael the Archangel is another title associated with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rather than beginning with tradition, let us begin where all true revelation begins—with the Scriptures themselves.
The purpose of this chapter is not to force a conclusion. The purpose is to gather the biblical witnesses concerning Michael and allow the Word of God to reveal what it says.
MICHAEL FIRST APPEARS IN DANIEL
The first direct appearance of Michael in Scripture is found in the Book of Daniel.
Daniel 10:13
“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…”
Immediately we learn several important truths.
First, Michael is called a prince.
Second, Michael appears in a time of conflict.
Third, Michael comes to help in the accomplishment of God’s purpose.
The first appearance of Michael is not connected to comfort, prosperity, or earthly success.
Michael appears in warfare.
This theme will continue throughout the Scriptures.
Every time Michael appears, conflict, deliverance, warfare, or kingdom transition is occurring.
MICHAEL IS CONNECTED TO GOD’S PEOPLE
Daniel 10:21
“But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.”
Notice the language.
Michael is called:
“Your prince.”
The angel speaking to Daniel identifies Michael as having a special relationship to God’s covenant people.
Again, Michael is not introduced as a random heavenly being.
Michael is introduced as a prince associated with God’s people and God’s purposes.
The question begins to grow.
Why is Michael given such a unique place?
Why does Michael appear in matters concerning God’s people?
Why does Michael appear in moments of spiritual warfare?
The Scriptures continue to build the picture.
MICHAEL APPEARS AT A TIME OF RESURRECTION
Daniel 12:1
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people…”
This is one of the most significant passages concerning Michael in the entire Bible.
Michael stands up.
Michael is called the great prince.
Michael stands for God’s people.
Then immediately afterward Daniel speaks of resurrection.
Daniel 12:2
“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake…”
This is remarkable.
Michael is not merely associated with warfare.
Michael is associated with deliverance.
Michael is associated with resurrection.
Michael is associated with the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom purpose.
The reader should take note of this pattern.
Michael appears.
Deliverance follows.
Resurrection follows.
Kingdom purpose advances.
This pattern will become increasingly important as we continue our study of Michael and his angels.
MICHAEL APPEARS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
The next direct mention of Michael occurs in the Epistle of Jude.
Jude 9
“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.”
Here we discover another important truth.
Michael is called:
“The Archangel.”
This is the title that has generated so much discussion throughout Christian history.
Yet before we debate the title, notice the context.
Michael is once again engaged in conflict.
Michael is once again confronting the adversary.
Michael is once again appearing in a matter connected to God’s purpose.
The pattern continues.
Michael appears.
Conflict appears.
God’s purpose advances.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS
The most detailed description of Michael and his angels is found in Revelation.
Revelation 12:7
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.”
This single verse introduces the primary theme of this book.
Michael and his angels.
Notice the contrast.
Michael and his angels.
The dragon and his angels.
Two kingdoms.
Two administrations.
Two opposing purposes.
The conflict is not presented as random.
The warfare is connected to the unfolding of God’s Kingdom.
The woman has appeared.
The man-child has been brought forth.
The dragon seeks to devour.
Then Michael and his angels enter the scene.
Michael once again appears in warfare.
Michael once again appears in a kingdom transition.
Michael once again appears in connection with deliverance.
The pattern established in Daniel continues in Revelation.
WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES REVEAL ABOUT MICHAEL?
At this point, let us gather the witnesses.
Daniel reveals Michael as a prince.
Daniel reveals Michael as a great prince standing for God’s people.
Daniel reveals Michael in connection with deliverance and resurrection.
Jude reveals Michael as the archangel.
Revelation reveals Michael and his angels engaged in warfare against the dragon.
These facts are not debated.
These are the plain statements of Scripture.
The question is not whether these things are true.
The question is what these witnesses reveal.
Who is Michael?
Why does Michael appear at strategic moments in God’s plan?
Why is Michael connected to warfare?
Why is Michael connected to deliverance?
Why is Michael connected to resurrection?
Why is Michael connected to the Kingdom of God?
These are the questions that will guide our study.
THE TESTIMONY OF THE SCRIPTURES
Jesus made a profound statement concerning the Scriptures.
John 5:39
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
As we continue this study of Michael and his angels, we must remember this principle.
The goal is not merely to learn about Michael.
The goal is to discover what the Scriptures are revealing.
Every prophet.
Every symbol.
Every shadow.
Every prince.
Every messenger.
Every administration.
Ultimately bears witness to Jesus Christ.
Therefore, we will continue our study by allowing the Scriptures to define their own terms and reveal their own testimony.
For the Word of God is the final authority.
And the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
CHAPTER 2
WHAT DOES MICHAEL MEAN?
Before we attempt to understand Michael and his angels, we must first understand the meaning of the name Michael.
Names in Scripture are rarely accidental.
Biblical names often reveal character, purpose, calling, administration, or divine intent.
Abraham.
Israel.
Joshua.
Jesus.
Each name carries meaning.
The same is true of Michael.
The name Michael comes from the Hebrew:
“Mi-ka-el”
Which literally means:
“Who Is Like God?”
This is not merely a name.
It is a declaration.
It is a challenge.
It is a testimony.
It is a question that echoes throughout the Scriptures:
Who is like God?
THE QUESTION HIDDEN IN THE NAME
Exodus 15:11
“Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?”
Notice the similarity.
Who is like God?
Who is like unto thee, O Lord?
The answer is obvious.
No one.
No king.
No nation.
No principality.
No power.
No angel.
No devil.
No created being.
The name Michael itself points to the uniqueness and supremacy of God.
The name becomes a testimony against every rival authority.
MICHAEL APPEARS WHEN GOD’S SUPREMACY IS CHALLENGED
As we follow Michael and his angels through Scripture, a pattern begins to emerge.
Michael appears when opposition arises.
Michael appears when kingdoms collide.
Michael appears when God’s people are threatened.
Michael appears when the dragon opposes God’s purpose.
Why?
Because the very meaning of the name Michael is:
Who is like God?
Every appearance of Michael becomes a testimony to the supremacy of God’s authority.
ISAIAH ANSWERS THE QUESTION
Isaiah 40:18
“To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?”
Isaiah 46:5
“To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?”
The prophets repeatedly ask the same question.
Who is like God?
Who can be compared to Him?
Who can stand equal with Him?
The answer remains unchanged.
No one.
This is the testimony hidden within the name Michael.
MICHAEL IN DANIEL
Daniel 10:13
“But, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…”
Daniel 10:21
“Michael your prince.”
Daniel 12:1
“Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people.”
Notice something remarkable.
Daniel never explains the meaning of Michael’s name.
Daniel simply reveals Michael functioning within divine administration.
Michael helps.
Michael stands.
Michael delivers.
Michael protects.
Michael appears when God’s purpose advances.
The name speaks of God’s supremacy.
The ministry speaks of God’s government.
The two are working together.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS
When we arrive at Revelation, the significance becomes even clearer.
Revelation 12:7
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon…”
The dragon represents rebellion.
The dragon represents opposition.
The dragon seeks to exalt himself.
The dragon seeks to resist God’s purpose.
Then Michael and his angels appear.
The very name Michael becomes the answer to the dragon’s rebellion.
Who is like God?
The dragon says:
“I will exalt my throne.”
Michael’s name answers:
“Who is like God?”
The dragon seeks supremacy.
Michael’s name declares God’s supremacy.
The dragon seeks authority.
Michael’s name declares God’s authority.
Thus Michael and his angels appear as witnesses to the Kingdom of God.
THE NAME AND THE FUNCTION
Here we discover an important principle.
A biblical name may reveal one thing while a biblical ministry reveals another.
The name Michael reveals a testimony.
Who is like God?
The ministry of Michael reveals an administration.
Protection.
Deliverance.
Warfare.
Kingdom advancement.
Resurrection.
The name reveals God’s supremacy.
The ministry reveals God’s activity.
The name reveals truth.
The administration reveals the outworking of that truth.
WHAT IS GOD REVEALING THROUGH THE NAME MICHAEL?
As we continue studying Michael and his angels, we must keep the meaning of the name before us.
Every appearance of Michael points to the same testimony.
Who is like God?
Who can resist His purpose?
Who can overthrow His Kingdom?
Who can stop His plan?
Who can frustrate His will?
The answer remains unchanged from Genesis to Revelation.
No one.
The kingdoms of men cannot.
The kingdoms of darkness cannot.
The dragon cannot.
Death cannot.
Hell cannot.
The grave cannot.
For the Lord alone is supreme.
The Lord alone reigns.
The Lord alone sits upon the throne.
And every appearance of Michael and his angels becomes a witness to that eternal truth.
THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST
John 5:39
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
Ultimately, every testimony in Scripture leads us to Christ.
Every shadow.
Every type.
Every prince.
Every kingdom.
Every victory.
Every administration.
Every revelation.
The question hidden within the name Michael finds its fullest answer in Jesus Christ.
For the Scriptures declare:
Philippians 2:9-11
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”
The testimony remains.
Who is like God?
And the Scriptures continually point us to the One in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we will next examine Michael as Prince and explore why Scripture repeatedly connects Michael with government, authority, and the protection of God’s people.
CHAPTER 3
MICHAEL THE PRINCE
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we arrive at one of the most important titles associated with Michael in all of Scripture.
Michael the Prince.
Before Michael is called the archangel in Jude, he is called a prince in Daniel.
In fact, the first biblical descriptions of Michael are not centered upon angels, but upon government, authority, and administration.
This is important.
The Scriptures first reveal Michael as a prince before they reveal him as an archangel.
Therefore, to understand Michael and his angels, we must first understand Michael the Prince.
MICHAEL APPEARS AS A PRINCE
Daniel 10:13
“But, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…”
The first thing we learn is that Michael is called:
One of the chief princes.
The word prince carries the idea of rulership, authority, leadership, and government.
Michael is not introduced as a servant.
Michael is not introduced as a messenger.
Michael is introduced as a prince.
Immediately the reader should begin asking:
Why is Michael identified with government?
Why is Michael associated with authority?
Why does Michael appear in matters involving kingdoms?
The answers begin to unfold throughout Daniel.
MICHAEL YOUR PRINCE
Daniel 10:21
“There is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.”
Notice the language carefully.
Michael is called:
Your prince.
This statement is made concerning God’s covenant people.
Michael is directly connected to the affairs of God’s people.
Michael is directly connected to the purposes of God.
Michael is directly connected to the advancement of divine intention.
This is not random.
The Scriptures are deliberately establishing a relationship between Michael and God’s people.
MICHAEL THE GREAT PRINCE
Daniel 12:1
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people…”
The revelation increases.
In Daniel 10 Michael is a chief prince.
In Daniel 10 Michael is your prince.
In Daniel 12 Michael is the great prince.
The description continues to expand.
Michael is not diminishing in authority.
The revelation is increasing.
The Spirit is drawing our attention to Michael’s unique role within God’s purpose.
THE GREAT PRINCE STANDS UP
Daniel 12:1
“And at that time shall Michael stand up…”
This statement deserves careful consideration.
Michael stands up.
Something changes.
Something moves.
Something advances.
The language is governmental.
A king stands.
A ruler stands.
A prince stands.
An authority rises to act.
The context is not passive.
The context is administration.
The context is intervention.
The context is divine action.
Michael stands up because God’s purpose is advancing.
MICHAEL AND DELIVERANCE
Daniel 12:1
“And at that time thy people shall be delivered…”
Notice what follows Michael standing up.
Deliverance.
This pattern has appeared repeatedly.
Michael appears.
Deliverance follows.
Michael stands.
God’s people are delivered.
Michael enters the scene.
Kingdom purpose advances.
This is one of the great themes surrounding Michael and his angels.
Michael is consistently associated with divine intervention on behalf of God’s people.
MICHAEL AND RESURRECTION
The next verses continue the pattern.
Daniel 12:2
“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake…”
Again the progression appears.
Michael stands up.
Deliverance occurs.
Resurrection follows.
The sequence is remarkable.
Michael is not merely associated with conflict.
Michael is associated with one of the greatest themes in all Scripture:
Resurrection life.
This relationship between Michael and resurrection will become even more important when we arrive at:
1 Thessalonians 4:16
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God…”
Daniel links Michael with resurrection.
Paul links the voice of the archangel with resurrection.
The witnesses are beginning to gather.
THE PRINCE OF PEACE
As we continue examining Michael the Prince, another prince appears within Scripture.
Isaiah 9:6
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given… and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Here we encounter another prince.
The Prince of Peace.
The government rests upon His shoulder.
The Kingdom advances through Him.
Authority belongs to Him.
This is not the place to force conclusions.
This is the place to observe witnesses.
Daniel presents Michael as a prince.
Isaiah presents Christ as a prince.
Both are associated with government.
Both are associated with God’s people.
Both are associated with Kingdom purpose.
The reader should take note of these parallels as we continue.
THE PRINCE AND THE KINGDOM
One thing becomes increasingly clear.
Michael never appears in trivial matters.
Michael appears when kingdoms are involved.
Michael appears when warfare is occurring.
Michael appears when deliverance is needed.
Michael appears when resurrection is being unveiled.
Michael appears when the purposes of God are advancing.
This is why Michael and his angels become such an important subject.
The focus is not merely upon angels.
The focus is upon Kingdom administration.
The focus is upon divine government.
The focus is upon God’s purpose moving forward in the earth.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS IN REVELATION
When we arrive at Revelation 12, the same pattern remains.
Revelation 12:7
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon…”
The prince of Daniel becomes the warrior of Revelation.
The protector of God’s people becomes the leader in heavenly conflict.
The one who stood for God’s people in Daniel now appears in the war in heaven.
The pattern remains consistent.
Government.
Warfare.
Deliverance.
Kingdom advancement.
Michael and his angels continue to appear wherever the purposes of God are moving forward.
THE TESTIMONY OF THE SCRIPTURES
The Scriptures have now revealed several important truths concerning Michael the Prince.
Michael is a chief prince.
Michael is your prince.
Michael is the great prince.
Michael stands for God’s people.
Michael is connected to deliverance.
Michael is connected to resurrection.
Michael is connected to Kingdom purpose.
Michael is connected to warfare.
Michael is connected to divine administration.
These are not assumptions.
These are the direct statements of Scripture.
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we will now turn our attention to one of the most debated titles in the entire discussion:
Michael the Archangel.
What does archangel mean?
Why is Michael given this title?
Is the title revealing nature, office, function, or administration?
The Scriptures will continue to provide the answers.
CHAPTER 4
MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we arrive at one of the most discussed titles in all of Scripture:
Michael the Archangel.
For many believers, this single title becomes the center of the entire discussion.
Why is Michael called the Archangel?
What does archangel mean?
Is the title describing Michael’s nature?
Is the title describing Michael’s function?
Is the title describing a position of authority?
Or is the title describing a divine administration?
Rather than beginning with assumptions, let us begin with the Scriptures.
THE ONLY PLACE MICHAEL IS CALLED THE ARCHANGEL
Jude 9
“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.”
This is the only verse in Scripture where Michael is specifically called:
The Archangel.
Immediately several observations emerge.
Michael is confronting the devil.
Michael is involved in spiritual conflict.
Michael is protecting something connected to God’s purpose.
Michael is acting within divine authority.
The setting is once again warfare.
The pattern has not changed.
Michael appears.
Conflict is present.
God’s purpose advances.
WHAT DOES ARCHANGEL MEAN?
The word archangel comes from two Greek words.
“Arch”
Meaning:
Chief
Ruler
First
Principal
And:
“Angelos”
Meaning:
Messenger
Thus archangel literally means:
Chief Messenger.
Principal Messenger.
Ruling Messenger.
The title speaks of leadership and authority among messengers.
The title itself does not explain nature.
The title explains function.
This distinction is important.
NATURE OR FUNCTION?
Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself through many titles.
Shepherd.
King.
Lamb.
Lion.
High Priest.
Apostle.
Mediator.
Judge.
Bridegroom.
Each title reveals a particular function or administration.
The title itself does not necessarily define nature.
It reveals activity.
It reveals purpose.
It reveals administration.
This becomes one of the central questions surrounding Michael and his angels.
When Scripture uses the title archangel, is it revealing nature?
Or is it revealing function?
The Scriptures themselves must answer.
THE CHIEF MESSENGER
Hebrews 1:1-2
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son…”
Notice the pattern.
God speaks.
God reveals.
God communicates.
Throughout history God has used many messengers.
Prophets.
Priests.
Kings.
Angels.
Apostles.
Yet Hebrews ultimately points to the Son as the supreme revelation.
The Son becomes the fullness of God’s communication.
The fullness of God’s expression.
The fullness of God’s testimony.
This principle becomes important as we continue studying Michael the Archangel.
MICHAEL AND THE VOICE OF THE ARCHANGEL
The second major passage involving the title archangel is found in Paul’s writings.
1 Thessalonians 4:16
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God…”
This verse has generated discussion for centuries.
Notice the sequence.
The Lord Himself descends.
The voice of the archangel is heard.
The trumpet of God sounds.
The dead in Christ rise.
Resurrection follows.
The question naturally arises:
Why is the voice of the archangel connected to resurrection?
Why does Paul place the voice of the archangel within this great resurrection passage?
These are questions we will explore more fully in a later chapter.
For now, it is enough to observe that both Daniel and Paul connect Michael and resurrection within the same prophetic framework.
MICHAEL AND DIVINE AUTHORITY
Returning to Jude 9, notice something else.
Michael does not operate independently.
Michael says:
“The Lord rebuke thee.”
Michael acts under divine authority.
Michael acts in submission to God’s purpose.
Michael acts in harmony with heaven’s government.
The focus is not on self-exaltation.
The focus is upon divine authority.
This is one of the reasons Michael and his angels stand in direct contrast to the dragon and his angels.
One kingdom operates through submission.
The other kingdom operates through rebellion.
One kingdom exalts God.
The other exalts self.
One kingdom advances divine purpose.
The other resists divine purpose.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS
Revelation 12:7
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.”
Notice the governmental structure.
Michael and his angels.
The dragon and his angels.
Both kingdoms have leadership.
Both kingdoms have messengers.
Both kingdoms have administration.
But only one kingdom ultimately prevails.
The kingdom of God.
The title archangel fits naturally within this context.
Michael functions as a leader among heavenly messengers engaged in the advancement of God’s purpose.
THE GREATER QUESTION
The greatest question may not be:
What is an archangel?
The greater question may be:
Why does Michael appear where he appears?
Michael appears in Daniel during warfare.
Michael appears in Jude during conflict.
Michael appears in Thessalonians in connection with resurrection.
Michael appears in Revelation during the war in heaven.
The pattern is remarkably consistent.
Warfare.
Deliverance.
Resurrection.
Kingdom advancement.
Michael and his angels appear whenever God’s purpose is moving forward.
THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST
John 5:39
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
Every biblical study must ultimately return to this principle.
The purpose of Scripture is not merely to reveal information.
The purpose of Scripture is to reveal Christ.
Every messenger points beyond himself.
Every prince points beyond himself.
Every shadow points beyond itself.
Every administration points beyond itself.
The Scriptures continually direct our attention toward God’s eternal purpose revealed in His Son.
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we will next examine a closely related question:
Why does Michael have angels?
Why are they called Michael’s angels?
And what role do Michael and his angels play in the unfolding Kingdom of God?
CHAPTER 5
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS
As we continue our study, we now arrive at the central phrase of this book:
Michael and his angels.
This phrase appears only once in Scripture, yet it stands at the center of one of the most dramatic scenes in the entire Bible.
Revelation 12:7
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.”
In this single verse, two kingdoms stand opposed to one another.
Michael and his angels.
The dragon and his angels.
The Kingdom of God.
The kingdom of darkness.
The conflict is not merely personal.
The conflict is governmental.
The conflict concerns authority, dominion, purpose, and the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
To understand Michael and his angels, we must allow Scripture to define Scripture.
WHO ARE MICHAEL’S ANGELS?
The first question many readers ask is:
Who are Michael’s angels?
The verse itself does not immediately answer the question.
However, it reveals something important.
Michael has angels associated with him.
Michael leads.
The angels follow.
Michael directs.
The angels participate.
Michael appears as a leader within divine administration.
This follows the same pattern already established in Daniel.
Michael the Prince.
Michael the Great Prince.
Michael the Archangel.
Now:
Michael and his angels.
The progression continues.
ANGELS ARE MESSENGERS
The word angel simply means:
Messenger.
Throughout Scripture angels are sent to accomplish God’s purpose.
Hebrews 1:14
“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
Notice their purpose.
They are sent.
They minister.
They serve God’s purpose.
They participate in God’s administration.
Angels do not operate independently.
They function under divine authority.
This becomes important as we examine Michael and his angels.
THE LORD ALSO HAS ANGELS
Jesus frequently speaks of angels associated with Himself.
Matthew 13:41
“The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend.”
Notice the phrase.
His angels.
Matthew 24:31
“And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet…”
Again:
His angels.
Matthew 25:31
“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him…”
The Scriptures repeatedly reveal angels operating under divine authority and administration.
They are sent.
They gather.
They minister.
They accomplish God’s purpose.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS IN REVELATION
Revelation 12:7
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon…”
Notice that Revelation does not focus primarily upon the angels.
The focus is upon the conflict.
The focus is upon the Kingdom.
The focus is upon the overthrow of opposition.
Michael and his angels are presented as participants in a greater divine purpose.
The emphasis is not upon their identity alone.
The emphasis is upon what God is accomplishing.
THE DRAGON ALSO HAS ANGELS
Revelation 12:7
“And the dragon fought and his angels.”
The contrast is deliberate.
Michael and his angels.
The dragon and his angels.
One kingdom operates through truth.
One kingdom operates through deception.
One kingdom advances God’s purpose.
One kingdom resists God’s purpose.
One kingdom moves toward life.
One kingdom moves toward destruction.
The battle is not merely between individuals.
The battle is between two opposing administrations.
THE WAR IN HEAVEN
Revelation 12:8-9
“And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
And the great dragon was cast out…”
The dragon loses.
The dragon is cast down.
The dragon’s administration is removed.
The dragon’s authority is overthrown.
The dragon’s influence is displaced.
The victory belongs to God.
Michael and his angels appear as participants in this victory.
Again the pattern continues.
Michael appears.
Conflict occurs.
God’s purpose advances.
Deliverance follows.
Kingdom authority increases.
THE KINGDOM FOLLOWS THE WARFARE
Immediately after the dragon is cast down, a declaration is made.
Revelation 12:10
“Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ…”
Notice the sequence.
Warfare.
Victory.
Kingdom.
This pattern appears repeatedly throughout Scripture.
Opposition arises.
God intervenes.
Deliverance occurs.
The Kingdom advances.
Michael and his angels appear within that pattern.
They are connected to the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS IN THE LIGHT OF DANIEL
When Daniel introduced Michael, he revealed:
Michael the Prince.
Michael the Great Prince.
Michael standing for God’s people.
Michael connected to deliverance.
Michael connected to resurrection.
Now Revelation expands the picture.
Michael and his angels are connected to warfare.
Michael and his angels are connected to victory.
Michael and his angels are connected to the establishment of Kingdom authority.
The witnesses agree.
Daniel and Revelation are telling the same story from different perspectives.
THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS
Psalm 103:20
“Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.”
Notice the ministry of angels.
They hear His voice.
They obey His word.
They accomplish His purpose.
They serve His administration.
This has always been the role of faithful messengers.
God speaks.
His servants respond.
His purpose advances.
THE GREATER TESTIMONY
As important as Michael and his angels are, the focus of Scripture is always larger than the messengers themselves.
The focus is the Kingdom.
The focus is God’s purpose.
The focus is Christ.
John 5:39
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
The Scriptures continually move beyond the messenger to the message.
Beyond the servant to the purpose.
Beyond the administration to the One seated upon the throne.
Thus Michael and his angels become part of a larger testimony.
A testimony of warfare.
A testimony of deliverance.
A testimony of resurrection.
A testimony of Kingdom authority.
A testimony of the victory of God.
GATHERING THE WITNESSES
The Scriptures have now revealed several truths concerning Michael and his angels.
Michael is a prince.
Michael is the great prince.
Michael is the archangel.
Michael stands for God’s people.
Michael and his angels engage in warfare.
Michael and his angels oppose the dragon and his angels.
Michael and his angels appear in connection with Kingdom advancement.
Michael and his angels participate in the overthrow of opposition.
The pattern is becoming increasingly clear.
As we continue our study, we must now ask another important question:
Why does Michael fight Satan?
Why does Michael repeatedly appear wherever conflict arises between God’s purpose and opposing powers?
The Scriptures will continue to provide the answer.
CHAPTER 6
WHY DOES MICHAEL FIGHT SATAN?
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we arrive at one of the most important questions in Scripture:
Why does Michael fight Satan?
This question immediately takes us to the heart of the conflict revealed throughout the Bible.
Every time Michael appears, warfare is present.
Every time Michael appears, opposition is present.
Every time Michael appears, God’s purpose is advancing against resistance.
This pattern is too consistent to ignore.
Michael appears in Daniel.
Michael appears in Jude.
Michael appears in Revelation.
And in every appearance, conflict surrounds him.
Why?
To answer this question, we must go back to the beginning.
THE FIRST CONFLICT
Genesis 3:15
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed…”
The first prophecy of conflict appears immediately after the fall.
The woman.
The seed.
The serpent.
The battle lines are drawn.
This conflict continues throughout Scripture.
The serpent opposes God’s purpose.
The serpent opposes God’s people.
The serpent opposes God’s Kingdom.
The serpent opposes God’s Seed.
What begins in Genesis eventually unfolds in Revelation.
THE DRAGON OF REVELATION
Revelation 12:9
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan…”
The dragon of Revelation is identified with the serpent of Genesis.
The conflict has not changed.
The names may differ.
The administrations may differ.
The ages may differ.
But the warfare remains.
The serpent opposes.
God advances.
The dragon resists.
The Kingdom prevails.
Michael and his angels appear directly within this conflict.
MICHAEL CONTENDS WITH THE DEVIL
Jude 9
“Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses…”
This is one of the most fascinating passages concerning Michael and his angels.
Notice the language.
Michael contends.
Michael disputes.
Michael confronts the devil.
The conflict is direct.
The opposition is real.
Yet Michael does not rely upon personal authority.
Michael says:
“The Lord rebuke thee.”
This is important.
Michael points beyond himself.
Michael appeals to divine authority.
Michael stands in agreement with God’s purpose.
The focus remains upon the Lord.
SATAN OPPOSES GOD’S PURPOSE
Throughout Scripture, Satan consistently appears as an adversary.
The very name Satan means:
Adversary.
Opponent.
Resister.
His activity remains remarkably consistent.
He opposes truth.
He opposes God’s people.
He opposes God’s Kingdom.
He opposes God’s purpose.
He opposes God’s Seed.
This is why conflict continually appears wherever God’s purpose is advancing.
And this is why Michael and his angels repeatedly appear in moments of Kingdom transition.
THE WAR IN HEAVEN
Revelation 12:7
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon…”
This is the clearest picture of the conflict in all Scripture.
Michael and his angels.
The dragon and his angels.
Two kingdoms.
Two purposes.
Two administrations.
One seeks to advance God’s purpose.
The other seeks to resist it.
The war is not random.
The war is connected to the Kingdom of God.
The war is connected to the woman.
The war is connected to the man-child.
The war is connected to the dragon’s attempt to stop God’s purpose.
THE DRAGON SEEKS TO DEVOUR
Revelation 12:4
“And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.”
Notice the timing.
The dragon appears when the woman is bringing forth.
The dragon appears when God’s purpose is advancing.
The dragon appears when the man-child is about to be revealed.
This is exactly the pattern we have seen throughout Scripture.
Whenever God’s purpose advances, opposition arises.
Whenever God’s Kingdom moves forward, resistance appears.
Whenever deliverance approaches, conflict intensifies.
Michael and his angels enter the scene at precisely this moment.
WHY MICHAEL FIGHTS
Michael does not fight for personal gain.
Michael does not fight for self-promotion.
Michael does not fight to establish his own kingdom.
Michael fights because God’s purpose is being opposed.
Michael fights because the dragon is resisting divine intention.
Michael fights because God’s Kingdom is advancing.
Michael fights because deliverance is at hand.
Michael fights because the woman and the man-child are connected to God’s plan.
The conflict is always connected to purpose.
CHRIST AND THE DESTRUCTION OF THE DEVIL’S WORKS
1 John 3:8
“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
Notice the language.
For this purpose.
Manifested.
Destroy the works of the devil.
The conflict revealed in Genesis, Daniel, Jude, and Revelation ultimately points toward this purpose.
The destruction of opposition.
The triumph of truth.
The advancement of God’s Kingdom.
The victory of Christ.
I BEHELD SATAN FALL
Luke 10:18
“And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.”
Jesus speaks of Satan’s fall.
Revelation speaks of the dragon being cast down.
The Scriptures repeatedly reveal the overthrow of opposing authority.
This is why Michael and his angels are connected to warfare.
The warfare is connected to the removal of opposition.
The warfare is connected to the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
THROUGH DEATH HE DESTROYED HIM
Hebrews 2:14
“That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.”
Notice the progression.
Conflict.
Victory.
Kingdom.
This same pattern appears throughout the Scriptures.
The adversary resists.
God intervenes.
Deliverance comes.
Kingdom authority increases.
Michael and his angels appear within this larger testimony.
THE KINGDOM FOLLOWS THE CONFLICT
Revelation 12:10
“Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ…”
Immediately after the dragon is cast down, the Kingdom is announced.
This is not accidental.
The conflict serves a purpose.
The warfare serves a purpose.
The victory serves a purpose.
The purpose is the manifestation of God’s Kingdom.
This is why Michael fights Satan.
The conflict is not about personalities.
The conflict is about purpose.
The conflict is about Kingdom.
The conflict is about the advancement of God’s will.
THE TESTIMONY OF MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS
As we gather the witnesses, the answer becomes clearer.
Michael fights Satan because Satan opposes God’s purpose.
Michael fights Satan because Satan opposes God’s people.
Michael fights Satan because Satan opposes God’s Kingdom.
Michael fights Satan because Satan opposes the woman.
Michael fights Satan because Satan opposes the man-child.
Michael fights Satan because Satan opposes God’s advancing purpose in the earth.
The conflict is not random.
The conflict is prophetic.
The conflict is governmental.
The conflict is Kingdom-centered.
THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST
John 5:39
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we must remember that every conflict, every victory, every overthrow of darkness, and every advancement of the Kingdom ultimately points to Jesus Christ.
The Scriptures are leading us somewhere.
The woman.
The man-child.
The dragon.
Michael and his angels.
The war in heaven.
The Kingdom of God.
All of these witnesses are part of a larger testimony.
A testimony that ultimately reveals the triumph of God’s purpose through Jesus Christ.
In the next chapter, we will examine another remarkable connection in Scripture:
Michael and the Resurrection.
For whenever Michael appears, resurrection life seems to be standing very near.
CHAPTER 7
MICHAEL AND THE RESURRECTION
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we now arrive at one of the most remarkable patterns in all of Scripture.
Michael and the resurrection.
At first glance, many readers never notice the connection.
Yet when the witnesses are gathered together, the relationship becomes difficult to ignore.
In Daniel, Michael appears.
Then resurrection follows.
In Thessalonians, the voice of the archangel appears.
Then resurrection follows.
The pattern deserves careful examination.
Let us allow the Scriptures to speak.
MICHAEL STANDS UP
Daniel 12:1
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people…”
Notice the language.
Michael stands up.
The great prince rises.
The administration changes.
Divine intervention begins.
Something significant is occurring.
Michael is not merely mentioned in passing.
Michael is standing up at a critical moment in God’s purpose.
DELIVERANCE FOLLOWS
Daniel 12:1
“And at that time thy people shall be delivered…”
Immediately after Michael stands up, deliverance follows.
The pattern should already feel familiar.
Michael appears.
Deliverance follows.
Michael stands.
God intervenes.
Michael enters the scene.
Kingdom purpose advances.
This has been consistent throughout our study of Michael and his angels.
RESURRECTION FOLLOWS
Then Daniel continues.
Daniel 12:2
“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake…”
Notice the sequence carefully.
Michael stands.
Deliverance comes.
Resurrection follows.
This is one of the strongest biblical connections involving Michael.
The great prince stands.
Then those who sleep awake.
The Scriptures deliberately place these events together.
The reader should not rush past this pattern.
THE HOPE OF RESURRECTION
Throughout Scripture, resurrection is one of the greatest themes of God’s purpose.
Job 19:25-26
“For I know that my redeemer liveth…”
Isaiah 26:19
“Thy dead men shall live…”
Hosea 6:2
“In the third day he will raise us up…”
Ezekiel 37:12
“Behold, O my people, I will open your graves…”
The promise echoes throughout the prophets.
Death will not have the final word.
The grave will not have the final word.
God’s purpose moves toward life.
And Daniel places Michael within this resurrection context.
THE VOICE OF THE ARCHANGEL
Now we move to Paul’s writings.
1 Thessalonians 4:16
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.”
This is one of the most discussed passages involving Michael and his angels.
Notice the sequence.
The Lord Himself descends.
The voice of the archangel is heard.
The trumpet sounds.
The dead rise.
Again resurrection appears.
The connection is remarkable.
Daniel places Michael near resurrection.
Paul places the voice of the archangel near resurrection.
The witnesses are beginning to stand together.
THE LORD HIMSELF
Notice something else.
Paul does not merely speak of angels.
Paul says:
“The Lord himself shall descend.”
The focus remains upon the Lord.
The purpose remains upon the Lord.
The victory belongs to the Lord.
The resurrection belongs to the Lord.
This is important because every biblical witness ultimately points beyond itself.
Every messenger points to Christ.
Every administration points to Christ.
Every victory points to Christ.
I AM THE RESURRECTION
Jesus declared:
John 11:25
“I am the resurrection, and the life…”
Notice what Jesus did not say.
He did not merely promise resurrection.
He identified Himself as resurrection.
Resurrection is not merely an event.
Resurrection is a Person.
Life is not merely a doctrine.
Life is a Person.
The power behind every resurrection in Scripture ultimately proceeds from Christ Himself.
THE FIRSTFRUITS
1 Corinthians 15:20
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”
Paul presents Christ as the firstfruits.
The pattern is established.
Christ rises.
Others follow.
Life advances.
Death retreats.
The Kingdom increases.
This same resurrection theme continues throughout the New Testament.
THE LAST ENEMY
1 Corinthians 15:26
“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”
Notice the progression.
Conflict.
Victory.
Kingdom.
The same pattern we observed with Michael and his angels continues here.
Death stands as an enemy.
God intervenes.
Life triumphs.
The Kingdom advances.
Resurrection becomes one of the greatest demonstrations of divine victory.
THE TRUMPET AND THE RESURRECTION
1 Corinthians 15:52
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump…”
Again Paul links resurrection to a trumpet.
Again resurrection is connected to divine intervention.
Again resurrection is connected to Kingdom purpose.
Daniel.
Paul.
The prophets.
The apostles.
The witnesses continue to agree.
MICHAEL AND KINGDOM TRANSITION
Throughout our study, we have observed a pattern.
Michael appears during warfare.
Michael appears during deliverance.
Michael appears during Kingdom transition.
Now Michael appears in passages connected to resurrection.
This is not accidental.
Resurrection itself is a Kingdom transition.
Death gives way to life.
Corruption gives way to incorruption.
Weakness gives way to power.
The old yields to the new.
The Kingdom advances.
THE RESURRECTION TESTIFIES OF CHRIST
John 5:28-29
“The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice…”
Notice whose voice ultimately calls the dead.
His voice.
Christ’s voice.
The resurrection belongs to Him.
The authority belongs to Him.
The victory belongs to Him.
The Kingdom belongs to Him.
This principle must govern every discussion concerning Michael and his angels.
The Scriptures always lead us back to Christ.
GATHERING THE WITNESSES
Let us gather the witnesses.
Daniel 12 reveals Michael standing up before resurrection.
Daniel 12 reveals deliverance preceding resurrection.
1 Thessalonians 4 reveals the voice of the archangel in a resurrection passage.
1 Corinthians 15 reveals Christ as the firstfruits of resurrection.
John 11 reveals Christ as the resurrection and the life.
John 5 reveals the dead hearing His voice.
The witnesses are accumulating.
The pattern is becoming clearer.
Michael appears in passages connected to resurrection, deliverance, and Kingdom advancement.
Yet every witness ultimately directs our attention to Christ, who is Himself the resurrection and the life.
THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST
John 5:39
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
Resurrection is one of the greatest testimonies of Jesus Christ in all Scripture.
The prophets testified of it.
The apostles testified of it.
The Scriptures testify of it.
And wherever resurrection appears, the purpose of God is moving toward life, victory, and Kingdom fulfillment.
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we now turn to another fascinating witness in Scripture:
Michael and the Captain of the Lord’s Host.
For before Revelation’s war in heaven, another heavenly Captain appeared with a drawn sword standing before Joshua.
CHAPTER 8
MICHAEL AND THE CAPTAIN OF THE LORD’S HOST
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we arrive at one of the most fascinating encounters in all of Scripture.
Before the walls of Jericho fell…
Before Israel entered one of its greatest victories…
Joshua encountered a heavenly warrior.
A Captain.
A Ruler.
A Commander.
A Leader of heavenly hosts.
The encounter raises an important question.
Who was this Captain of the Lord’s Host?
And does this appearance help us better understand Michael and his angels?
Let us follow the Scriptures carefully.
JOSHUA’S ENCOUNTER
Joshua 5:13
“And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand…”
The setting is important.
Israel stands at the edge of conquest.
A major Kingdom transition is approaching.
The walls of Jericho still stand.
The battle has not yet begun.
Then a heavenly figure appears.
Notice the similarities already emerging.
Throughout Scripture, Michael appears at moments of conflict.
Michael appears at moments of deliverance.
Michael appears when God’s purpose is advancing.
Now Joshua encounters a heavenly commander immediately before warfare.
The pattern should sound familiar.
A DRAWN SWORD
Joshua 5:13
“…with his sword drawn in his hand.”
The sword throughout Scripture represents authority, judgment, warfare, and the Word of God.
Ephesians 6:17
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword…”
The Captain stands prepared for battle.
The appearance is not one of weakness.
The appearance is one of authority.
The appearance is one of government.
The appearance is one of Kingdom administration.
WHO ARE YOU?
Joshua 5:13
“And Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?”
Joshua immediately recognizes that this is no ordinary man.
The figure radiates authority.
The figure commands attention.
The figure stands between two worlds.
Joshua asks the question every reader eventually asks:
Who are You?
THE CAPTAIN OF THE LORD’S HOST
Joshua 5:14
“And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come.”
This statement is remarkable.
The heavenly figure identifies Himself as:
The Captain of the Host of the Lord.
Notice the language.
Captain.
Host.
Government.
Authority.
Leadership.
Command.
The same themes we have repeatedly seen surrounding Michael and his angels.
Once again Scripture presents a heavenly leader associated with divine warfare and Kingdom purpose.
JOSHUA FALLS BEFORE HIM
Joshua 5:14
“And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship…”
This moment is one of the most significant details in the entire account.
Joshua falls.
Joshua worships.
Joshua recognizes divine authority.
Throughout Scripture faithful angels consistently refuse worship.
Revelation 22:8-9
“See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant…”
Yet here the worship is not rejected.
The encounter continues.
The Captain accepts Joshua’s response.
This detail has caused many students of Scripture to pause and consider the identity of this heavenly commander.
HOLY GROUND
Joshua 5:15
“And the captain of the LORD’S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy.”
The language immediately reminds us of another encounter.
Exodus 3:5
“Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.”
Moses heard these words at the burning bush.
Joshua hears these words from the Captain of the Lord’s Host.
The parallel is striking.
The atmosphere is holy.
The ground is holy.
The presence is holy.
The moment is holy.
THE HEAVENLY HOST
The Scriptures frequently speak of heavenly hosts.
Psalm 103:21
“Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.”
Psalm 148:2
“Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.”
The host of the Lord refers to the armies and servants of heaven operating under divine authority.
Thus the Captain of the Lord’s Host stands as a commander over heavenly forces.
This naturally raises questions as we continue examining Michael and his angels.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS
Revelation 12:7
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon…”
Notice the similarity.
The Captain commands a host.
Michael leads angels.
The Captain appears before warfare.
Michael appears in warfare.
The Captain stands in Kingdom conflict.
Michael stands in Kingdom conflict.
The parallels are significant.
At the very least, both passages reveal divine government operating through heavenly administration.
THE WARFARE OF THE KINGDOM
One truth continues to emerge.
Michael never appears in isolation.
The Captain never appears in isolation.
Both appear during moments of transition.
Both appear during moments of warfare.
Both appear during moments when God’s purpose is advancing.
Jericho is about to fall.
The dragon is about to be cast down.
The Kingdom is moving forward.
The warfare serves the purpose of God’s government.
THE LORD OF HOSTS
Throughout the Old Testament another title repeatedly appears.
The LORD of Hosts.
1 Samuel 17:45
“I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts…”
Isaiah 6:3
“Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts…”
The Lord Himself is presented as the ultimate ruler of heavenly hosts.
The armies belong to Him.
The authority belongs to Him.
The victory belongs to Him.
Every heavenly administration ultimately serves His purpose.
THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST
John 5:39
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
As we gather the witnesses, we must remember that Scripture continually points beyond individual figures to God’s greater purpose revealed in Christ.
The Captain of the Lord’s Host points to divine government.
Michael and his angels point to divine government.
The heavenly hosts point to divine government.
The Kingdom points to divine government.
And all true government ultimately proceeds from the throne of God.
GATHERING THE WITNESSES
Let us gather what the Scriptures have revealed.
The Captain of the Lord’s Host appears before warfare.
The Captain carries a drawn sword.
The Captain commands heavenly hosts.
Joshua worships before Him.
Holy ground surrounds His presence.
Michael and his angels appear in warfare.
Michael and his angels oppose the dragon.
Michael and his angels advance Kingdom purpose.
Both passages reveal heavenly authority operating within divine administration.
Both passages reveal Kingdom advancement through conflict.
Both passages reveal God’s purpose moving forward despite opposition.
The witnesses continue to accumulate.
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we now arrive at the very heart of Revelation 12:
The Woman.
The Man-Child.
The Dragon.
And the role of Michael and his angels within one of the most important prophetic chapters in all of Scripture.
CHAPTER 9
MICHAEL, THE WOMAN, AND THE MAN-CHILD
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we now arrive at the chapter where all the major themes begin to converge.
The Woman.
The Man-Child.
The Dragon.
Michael and His Angels.
The Kingdom of God.
These are not separate stories.
These are not unrelated visions.
These are interconnected witnesses revealed within a single prophetic chapter.
Revelation 12 stands as one of the most important chapters in all of Scripture because it gathers together themes that have been developing since Genesis.
To understand Michael and his angels, we must understand the Woman and the Man-Child.
A GREAT WONDER IN HEAVEN
Revelation 12:1
“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.”
The vision begins with a woman.
Not with Michael.
Not with the dragon.
Not with warfare.
The woman appears first.
This is important.
The conflict that follows is connected to what God is producing through the woman.
The woman becomes the setting in which the entire chapter unfolds.
THE WOMAN IN SCRIPTURE
Throughout Scripture, women often symbolize covenant communities.
Isaiah 54:5
“For thy Maker is thine husband…”
Jeremiah 6:2
“I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman.”
Galatians 4:26
“But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.”
The imagery is consistent.
The woman represents a people connected to God’s purpose.
A covenant people.
A heavenly people.
A people through whom God’s purpose is advancing.
THE WOMAN TRAVAILS
Revelation 12:2
“And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.”
The woman is carrying something.
The woman is bringing forth something.
The woman is not static.
The woman is productive.
The woman is moving toward manifestation.
This pattern appears repeatedly throughout Scripture.
God plants.
God forms.
God develops.
God brings forth.
The Kingdom advances through manifestation.
THE DRAGON APPEARS
Revelation 12:3
“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon…”
Immediately opposition appears.
This should not surprise us.
Throughout Scripture, whenever God’s purpose advances, resistance emerges.
Whenever God brings forth life, opposition seeks to stop it.
Whenever God moves toward manifestation, conflict arises.
The dragon appears because something precious is about to be revealed.
THE DRAGON SEEKS TO DEVOUR
Revelation 12:4
“And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.”
Notice the target.
The dragon is not focused upon the woman.
The dragon is focused upon the child.
The dragon recognizes the significance of what is being brought forth.
The conflict is connected to manifestation.
The conflict is connected to Kingdom purpose.
The conflict is connected to what God is producing.
THE MAN-CHILD IS BORN
Revelation 12:5
“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron…”
Now the focus shifts.
The woman brings forth the man-child.
The child is connected to government.
The child is connected to authority.
The child is connected to rulership.
Notice the language:
“Who was to rule.”
The theme of Kingdom authority continues to unfold.
THE MAN-CHILD AND KINGDOM AUTHORITY
Psalm 2:8-9
“Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance…
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron.”
The same language appears.
Government.
Authority.
Kingdom.
Rule.
The man-child is connected to the administration of God’s purpose in the earth.
The conflict surrounding the child is therefore understandable.
The dragon opposes what God is bringing forth.
THE CHILD IS CAUGHT UP
Revelation 12:5
“And her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.”
Notice the destination.
The throne.
This is significant.
Throughout Scripture, the throne represents government.
Authority.
Administration.
Kingdom rule.
The man-child is connected to the throne.
The man-child is connected to divine government.
The man-child is connected to Kingdom authority.
THEN MICHAEL APPEARS
Immediately after these events, Revelation introduces the central phrase of our study.
Revelation 12:7
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon…”
Notice the sequence.
The woman appears.
The man-child is brought forth.
The child is caught up to the throne.
Then Michael and his angels appear.
This is not accidental.
The order matters.
The warfare is connected to what God has brought forth.
The warfare is connected to Kingdom advancement.
The warfare is connected to the throne.
The warfare is connected to manifestation.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS ENTER THE CONFLICT
Michael and his angels do not appear at random.
They appear at a strategic moment.
The woman has brought forth.
The man-child has been revealed.
The throne has been introduced.
The dragon is opposing.
Then Michael and his angels enter the scene.
Again the familiar pattern emerges.
Michael appears.
Conflict occurs.
God’s purpose advances.
Deliverance follows.
Kingdom authority increases.
THE DRAGON IS CAST DOWN
Revelation 12:9
“And the great dragon was cast out…”
The warfare produces a result.
The dragon loses position.
The dragon loses influence.
The dragon loses authority.
The dragon is cast down.
The Kingdom advances.
This is consistent with every previous appearance of Michael.
Michael appears.
Opposition is confronted.
God’s purpose advances.
THE KINGDOM IS ANNOUNCED
Revelation 12:10
“Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ…”
Notice what follows the conflict.
The Kingdom.
The purpose of the warfare becomes clear.
The purpose is not destruction alone.
The purpose is Kingdom manifestation.
The purpose is the advancement of God’s rule.
The purpose is the unveiling of divine government.
GATHERING THE WITNESSES
Let us gather the witnesses.
The woman brings forth.
The man-child is revealed.
The child is connected to the throne.
The dragon opposes.
Michael and his angels enter the conflict.
The dragon is cast down.
The Kingdom is announced.
The sequence is deliberate.
The sequence is prophetic.
The sequence reveals the progressive advancement of God’s purpose.
THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST
John 5:39
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
The woman testifies.
The man-child testifies.
Michael and his angels testify.
The throne testifies.
The Kingdom testifies.
The entire chapter points beyond itself to God’s greater purpose revealed in Jesus Christ.
Revelation 12 is not merely a chapter about conflict.
It is a chapter about manifestation.
It is a chapter about Kingdom advancement.
It is a chapter about the triumph of God’s purpose.
And it is within this setting that Michael and his angels appear.
As we continue our study, we will now examine the war in heaven itself and gather the witnesses concerning one of the most dramatic conflicts recorded in Scripture.
CHAPTER 10
MICHAEL AND THE WAR IN HEAVEN
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we now arrive at the central conflict of Revelation 12.
The War in Heaven.
Few passages in Scripture have generated more discussion.
Few passages contain more symbolism.
Few passages gather together so many themes from Genesis to Revelation.
The woman.
The man-child.
The dragon.
Michael and his angels.
The Kingdom of God.
All converge in this remarkable conflict.
To understand the war in heaven, we must allow the Scriptures to interpret the Scriptures.
THE WAR IN HEAVEN
Revelation 12:7
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.”
The war is introduced suddenly.
The reader has already seen the woman.
The reader has already seen the man-child.
The reader has already seen the dragon.
Now the conflict reaches its climax.
Michael and his angels enter the battle.
The dragon and his angels resist.
Two opposing administrations collide.
WHAT IS HEAVEN?
Before examining the warfare, we must consider the setting.
The conflict occurs in heaven.
Throughout Scripture, heaven speaks of God’s realm, God’s authority, God’s government, and God’s rule.
Psalm 103:19
“The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.”
Heaven is consistently associated with divine government.
Divine authority.
Divine administration.
The throne of God.
This becomes important because the conflict of Revelation 12 is ultimately connected to Kingdom authority.
THE DRAGON’S OPPOSITION
Revelation 12:3
“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon…”
The dragon has already been introduced.
The dragon opposes the woman.
The dragon opposes the man-child.
The dragon opposes God’s purpose.
The dragon opposes God’s Kingdom.
The conflict is not random.
The conflict is purposeful.
The dragon seeks to prevent manifestation.
The dragon seeks to stop what God is bringing forth.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS ENTER THE CONFLICT
Revelation 12:7
“Michael and his angels fought against the dragon…”
Notice once again the consistency of Scripture.
Michael appeared in Daniel during conflict.
Michael appeared in Jude during conflict.
Michael now appears in Revelation during conflict.
Every appearance of Michael is connected to warfare.
Every appearance of Michael is connected to Kingdom advancement.
Every appearance of Michael is connected to God’s purpose overcoming resistance.
The pattern remains unchanged.
THE DRAGON AND HIS ANGELS
Revelation 12:7
“And the dragon fought and his angels.”
Two kingdoms are now visible.
Michael and his angels.
The dragon and his angels.
The Kingdom of God.
The kingdom of darkness.
Truth and deception.
Submission and rebellion.
Life and death.
The battle is larger than personalities.
The battle concerns dominion.
The battle concerns authority.
The battle concerns government.
THE DRAGON PREVAILS NOT
Revelation 12:8
“And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.”
One of the most important statements in the chapter is:
“Prevailed not.”
The dragon resists.
The dragon opposes.
The dragon fights.
But the dragon does not prevail.
The outcome is determined.
The Kingdom of God advances.
The purpose of God continues.
The opposition fails.
This is one of the great testimonies of Scripture.
God’s purpose ultimately prevails.
THE DRAGON IS CAST DOWN
Revelation 12:9
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan…”
John now identifies the dragon.
The dragon is:
The old serpent.
The Devil.
Satan.
Immediately the reader is taken back to Genesis.
The serpent who appeared in the garden.
The serpent who opposed God’s purpose.
The serpent who deceived.
The serpent who resisted.
The conflict that began in Genesis now appears in Revelation.
The story is coming full circle.
THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN
Revelation 12:10
“For the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”
Another description appears.
The accuser.
One of Satan’s primary activities throughout Scripture is accusation.
Accusation seeks to condemn.
Accusation seeks to discourage.
Accusation seeks to separate.
Accusation seeks to oppose God’s purpose.
The casting down of the accuser reveals a victory of tremendous significance.
HOW THE VICTORY IS WON
Revelation 12:11
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…”
The victory is not achieved through human strength.
The victory is not achieved through natural ability.
The victory comes through:
The blood of the Lamb.
The word of their testimony.
This is one of the most powerful Kingdom principles in all of Scripture.
The Lamb remains central.
The blood remains central.
Christ remains central.
THE WAR AND THE KINGDOM
Revelation 12:10
“Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ…”
Notice what follows the warfare.
Salvation.
Strength.
Kingdom.
Power.
The conflict serves a purpose.
The warfare serves a purpose.
The purpose is Kingdom manifestation.
The purpose is Kingdom advancement.
The purpose is the unveiling of God’s authority.
This has been the consistent pattern throughout our study of Michael and his angels.
THE PATTERN OF SCRIPTURE
Let us gather the witnesses.
Genesis reveals the serpent.
Daniel reveals Michael the Prince.
Jude reveals Michael the Archangel.
Revelation reveals Michael and his angels.
The dragon opposes.
The Kingdom advances.
The dragon is cast down.
The Kingdom is announced.
The pattern remains unchanged.
God’s purpose moves forward despite opposition.
THE THRONE AND THE WAR
One detail should not be overlooked.
The man-child was caught up to:
The throne.
Revelation 12:5
“And her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.”
The war in heaven follows the introduction of the throne.
This is significant.
The conflict concerns government.
The conflict concerns authority.
The conflict concerns administration.
The conflict concerns who rules.
Throughout Scripture, the throne remains the center of divine government.
The throne governs.
The throne administers.
The throne reigns.
The Kingdom proceeds from the throne.
THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST
John 5:39
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
The war in heaven ultimately points beyond itself.
The dragon points beyond itself.
Michael and his angels point beyond themselves.
The throne points beyond itself.
The Kingdom points beyond itself.
The Scriptures continually direct our attention toward Jesus Christ and the triumph of God’s purpose through Him.
GATHERING THE WITNESSES
The war in heaven reveals several important truths.
Michael and his angels oppose the dragon and his angels.
The dragon seeks to resist God’s purpose.
The dragon does not prevail.
The dragon is cast down.
The accuser is removed.
The blood of the Lamb secures victory.
The Kingdom of God advances.
The power of Christ is revealed.
The throne remains established.
The purpose of God continues.
As we continue our study of Michael and his angels, we now arrive at the question that has occupied theologians, scholars, and believers for generations:
Is Michael the Archangel Jesus Christ?
With the witnesses now gathered from Daniel, Jude, Thessalonians, Joshua, and Revelation, we are finally prepared to examine the question directly from the Scriptures.
CHAPTER 11
IS MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL JESUS CHRIST?
We now arrive at the question that has stood at the center of our study from the beginning.
Is Michael the Archangel Jesus Christ?
For centuries believers have debated this question.
Some answer yes.
Some answer no.
Some see Michael as the highest-ranking created angel.
Others see Michael as a title revealing Christ in His role as leader of the heavenly hosts.
The purpose of this chapter is not to defend tradition.
The purpose of this chapter is to gather the witnesses and allow the Scriptures to speak.
Let every witness stand in its own place.
Let the Word define itself.
WHAT THE SCRIPTURES ACTUALLY SAY
Before examining conclusions, let us first review what the Scriptures plainly reveal.
Daniel reveals Michael as:
A chief prince.
Daniel 10:13
“Michael, one of the chief princes…”
Daniel reveals Michael as:
Your prince.
Daniel 10:21
“Michael your prince.”
Daniel reveals Michael as:
The great prince.
Daniel 12:1
“Michael stand up, the great prince…”
Jude reveals:
Michael the Archangel.
Jude 9
“Michael the archangel…”
Revelation reveals:
Michael and his angels.
Revelation 12:7
“Michael and his angels fought against the dragon…”
These facts are not debated.
These are the direct statements of Scripture.
THE QUESTION OF IDENTITY
The debate begins when readers attempt to identify Michael.
Some conclude:
Michael is a created angel.
Others conclude:
Michael is a heavenly prince distinct from Christ.
Others conclude:
Michael is a title revealing Christ’s role within divine administration.
The question becomes:
What do the Scriptures reveal?
THE PRINCE OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Daniel 12:1
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people…”
Notice the language.
Michael stands for God’s people.
Michael protects God’s people.
Michael appears in connection with deliverance.
Michael appears in connection with resurrection.
These themes are significant because they also appear throughout the ministry of Christ.
Christ delivers.
Christ protects.
Christ raises the dead.
Christ advances the Kingdom.
The parallels are worthy of consideration.
THE VOICE OF THE ARCHANGEL
One of the strongest passages in the discussion appears in Paul’s writings.
1 Thessalonians 4:16
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God…”
Notice carefully.
The Lord Himself descends.
The voice of the archangel is heard.
The dead rise.
Resurrection follows.
Some readers ask:
Why is the voice of the archangel associated with the appearing of the Lord?
Others ask:
Is the archangel accompanying Christ?
Still others ask:
Does the passage reveal a deeper connection?
The Scriptures invite careful examination.
MICHAEL AND RESURRECTION
Daniel 12:1-2
“Michael stand up…”
“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake…”
Again the pattern appears.
Michael.
Deliverance.
Resurrection.
Then Paul writes:
1 Thessalonians 4:16
“The voice of the archangel…”
“The dead in Christ shall rise…”
The witnesses stand side by side.
Daniel places Michael beside resurrection.
Paul places the voice of the archangel beside resurrection.
The reader must consider the significance of the pattern.
MICHAEL AND THE WAR IN HEAVEN
Revelation 12:7
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon…”
Notice another parallel.
Michael defeats the dragon.
The dragon is cast down.
The Kingdom is announced.
Revelation 12:10
“Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God…”
The victory results in Kingdom advancement.
Again the reader is reminded of Christ.
Christ defeats the works of the devil.
Christ destroys the power of death.
Christ advances the Kingdom.
The parallels continue to accumulate.
THE CAPTAIN OF THE LORD’S HOST
Joshua 5:14
“But as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come.”
Earlier we examined Joshua’s encounter with the Captain of the Lord’s Host.
The Captain appears before warfare.
The Captain carries a drawn sword.
The Captain commands heavenly hosts.
Joshua worships.
Holy ground surrounds the encounter.
This passage has often been connected to discussions surrounding Michael and his angels because both reveal heavenly leadership associated with divine warfare.
Again the witnesses stand before us.
THE TESTIMONY OF HEBREWS
At this point another witness must be heard.
Hebrews 1:4-5
“Being made so much better than the angels…”
“For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son…?”
The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the supremacy of Christ.
Christ is exalted.
Christ is enthroned.
Christ inherits a more excellent name.
Whatever conclusions one reaches concerning Michael, Hebrews leaves no doubt concerning the absolute supremacy of Christ.
The Son stands above all.
The Son reigns above all.
The Son inherits all things.
NATURE OR FUNCTION?
Perhaps one of the most important questions is not:
Who is Michael?
Perhaps the deeper question is:
What is the title revealing?
Throughout Scripture, titles often reveal function.
King.
Shepherd.
Lamb.
Lion.
Mediator.
High Priest.
Captain.
Each title reveals an aspect of divine administration.
This brings us back to the question we raised earlier in our study.
Is the title archangel revealing nature?
Or is the title revealing function?
Is the title describing essence?
Or is the title describing administration?
The Scriptures repeatedly reveal God through offices, ministries, administrations, and manifestations.
This principle deserves careful consideration.
THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK
Jesus made a profound statement.
John 5:39
“Search the scriptures… they are they which testify of me.”
The Scriptures ultimately testify of Christ.
Every shadow.
Every type.
Every prophecy.
Every kingdom.
Every victory.
Every administration.
The purpose of Scripture is revelation.
The purpose of Scripture is Christ.
This principle should govern every discussion concerning Michael and his angels.
GATHERING THE WITNESSES
Let us gather the witnesses one final time.
Michael is called a prince.
Michael is called the great prince.
Michael is called the archangel.
Michael appears in warfare.
Michael appears in deliverance.
Michael appears in resurrection.
Michael appears in Kingdom transition.
Michael and his angels oppose the dragon.
The dragon is cast down.
The Kingdom is announced.
Christ is the Prince of Peace.
Christ is the Resurrection and the Life.
Christ destroys the works of the devil.
Christ advances the Kingdom.
Christ sits upon the throne.
The parallels are significant.
The witnesses deserve careful consideration.
THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST
The purpose of this chapter has not been to force a conclusion.
The purpose has been to gather the witnesses.
The purpose has been to allow Scripture to speak.
For ultimately, the Scriptures do not exist merely to satisfy curiosity concerning Michael.
The Scriptures exist to reveal Jesus Christ.
And whether one approaches Michael as a prince, an archangel, a heavenly leader, or a figure within divine administration, the final testimony of Scripture remains unchanged:
Revelation 19:16
“KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Every throne points to Him.
Every kingdom points to Him.
Every victory points to Him.
Every administration points to Him.
Every true witness points to Him.
And the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
In the final chapter, we will gather all the witnesses together and examine what God is revealing through Michael and his angels from Genesis to Revelation.
CHAPTER 12
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS REVEALED
We now arrive at the final chapter of our study.
For eleven chapters we have gathered the witnesses.
Daniel has spoken.
Joshua has spoken.
Jude has spoken.
Paul has spoken.
John has spoken.
The woman has appeared.
The man-child has appeared.
The dragon has appeared.
Michael and his angels have appeared.
The war in heaven has unfolded.
The Kingdom has been announced.
Now it is time to gather the testimony.
THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this book was never merely to answer a theological question.
The purpose was never simply to determine whether Michael is this or that.
The purpose was to discover what God is revealing through Michael and his angels.
The Scriptures are not merely revealing information.
The Scriptures are revealing purpose.
The Scriptures are revealing administration.
The Scriptures are revealing Christ.
THE PATTERN OF MICHAEL
As we gather the witnesses, a remarkable pattern emerges.
Michael appears in warfare.
Michael appears in deliverance.
Michael appears in resurrection.
Michael appears in Kingdom transition.
Michael appears wherever God’s purpose is advancing.
Daniel reveals Michael standing for God’s people.
Jude reveals Michael contending with the devil.
Revelation reveals Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon.
The pattern is unmistakable.
Michael consistently appears in moments of divine intervention.
THE PATTERN OF THE DRAGON
The dragon also follows a consistent pattern.
The serpent appears in Genesis.
The dragon appears in Revelation.
The adversary opposes God’s purpose.
The adversary opposes God’s people.
The adversary opposes God’s Kingdom.
The adversary opposes God’s Seed.
Yet every appearance of opposition ultimately serves to reveal the triumph of God’s purpose.
The dragon appears.
The dragon resists.
The dragon opposes.
The dragon is cast down.
The Kingdom advances.
THE PATTERN OF THE WOMAN
The woman appears carrying divine purpose.
The woman appears bringing forth.
The woman appears in travail.
The woman appears moving toward manifestation.
Throughout Scripture, God is always bringing forth something.
Abraham.
Israel.
David.
Christ.
The Church.
The Kingdom.
The woman represents the ongoing purpose of God moving toward manifestation.
THE PATTERN OF THE MAN-CHILD
The man-child appears as the fruit of God’s purpose.
The child is brought forth.
The child is connected to the throne.
The child is connected to authority.
The child is connected to Kingdom government.
The child is connected to rulership.
The dragon seeks to devour.
God brings forth.
The dragon opposes.
God advances.
This is one of the great themes of Scripture.
THE PATTERN OF THE THRONE
Revelation 12:5
“And her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.”
The throne stands at the center of the chapter.
The throne represents government.
The throne represents authority.
The throne represents administration.
The throne represents divine purpose.
The throne appears before the war in heaven.
The throne appears before the dragon is cast down.
The throne appears before the Kingdom is announced.
The throne governs everything that follows.
THE PATTERN OF THE KINGDOM
Revelation 12:10
“Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ…”
Notice the progression.
The woman.
The man-child.
The throne.
Michael and his angels.
The dragon cast down.
The Kingdom revealed.
This progression is not accidental.
It reveals the movement of divine purpose.
The Kingdom is the goal.
The Kingdom is the destination.
The Kingdom is the unveiling of God’s government.
NATURE AND ADMINISTRATION
One of the great questions raised throughout this study has been:
Is Scripture revealing nature?
Or is Scripture revealing administration?
The Bible repeatedly reveals God through offices, ministries, functions, and administrations.
Priest.
King.
Shepherd.
Judge.
Lamb.
Lion.
Captain.
Prince.
Messenger.
These titles reveal purpose.
These titles reveal function.
These titles reveal administration.
Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself through progressive unfoldings of His purpose.
This principle becomes important when examining Michael and his angels.
The Scriptures consistently reveal Michael functioning within warfare, deliverance, resurrection, and Kingdom advancement.
THE PROGRESSIVE REVELATION OF CHRIST
Luke 24:27
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”
The Scriptures are progressive.
The revelation increases.
The light shines brighter.
The witnesses accumulate.
Genesis introduces the conflict.
The prophets expand the conflict.
The Gospels reveal the victory.
Revelation unveils the consummation.
The entire Bible moves toward one great revelation.
Jesus Christ.
THE GATHERING OF ALL THINGS
Ephesians 1:10
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ…”
Notice the goal.
Gather together in one.
All things in Christ.
The purpose of Scripture is not fragmentation.
The purpose of Scripture is gathering.
The purpose of Scripture is unity.
The purpose of Scripture is revelation.
The purpose of Scripture is Christ.
MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
As we stand at the conclusion of this study, one truth becomes clear.
Michael and his angels cannot be properly understood apart from Christ.
The warfare points to Christ.
The deliverance points to Christ.
The resurrection points to Christ.
The Kingdom points to Christ.
The throne points to Christ.
The victory points to Christ.
The entire testimony moves toward Christ.
John 5:39
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
The Scriptures continually direct our attention toward Him.
THE FINAL TESTIMONY
Revelation 19:11
“And I saw heaven opened…”
The Bible begins with creation.
The Bible ends with an open heaven.
The Bible begins with a garden.
The Bible ends with a city.
The Bible begins with a serpent.
The Bible ends with the serpent defeated.
The Bible begins with conflict.
The Bible ends with victory.
The Bible begins with promise.
The Bible ends with fulfillment.
The Bible begins with purpose.
The Bible ends with manifestation.
Throughout this journey, Michael and his angels appear as witnesses to warfare, deliverance, resurrection, and Kingdom advancement.
Yet beyond every witness stands the One to whom all witnesses point.
The King of Kings.
The Lord of Lords.
The Alpha and Omega.
The Beginning and the End.
The First and the Last.
The One seated upon the throne.
The One who was, and is, and is to come.
The One in whom all things consist.
The One in whom all things are gathered together.
The One of whom Moses wrote.
The One of whom the prophets testified.
The One unveiled in the Book of Revelation.
Jesus Christ.
For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
CONCLUSION
Michael and his angels stand as powerful witnesses within the Scriptures.
They reveal warfare.
They reveal deliverance.
They reveal resurrection.
They reveal Kingdom advancement.
But their greatest purpose is not to draw attention to themselves.
Their greatest purpose is to direct our attention to the eternal purpose of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
For from Genesis to Revelation, the final testimony remains unchanged:
“Of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”
CHAPTER REFERENCES
Chapter 1 — Who Is Michael?
Daniel 10:13
Daniel 10:21
Daniel 12:1
Jude 9
Revelation 12:7-12
John 5:39
Chapter 2 — What Does Michael Mean?
Exodus 15:11
Isaiah 40:18
Isaiah 46:5
Daniel 10:13
Daniel 10:21
Daniel 12:1
Revelation 12:7-12
John 5:39
Philippians 2:9-11
Chapter 3 — Michael the Prince
Daniel 10:13
Daniel 10:21
Daniel 12:1-3
Isaiah 9:6
Acts 5:31
1 Thessalonians 4:16
Revelation 12:7-12
Chapter 4 — Michael the Archangel
Jude 9
1 Thessalonians 4:16
Hebrews 1:1-14
Revelation 12:7-12
John 5:39
Chapter 5 — Michael and His Angels
Revelation 12:7-12
Hebrews 1:14
Matthew 13:41
Matthew 24:31
Matthew 25:31
Psalm 103:20
John 5:39
Chapter 6 — Why Does Michael Fight Satan?
Genesis 3:15
Jude 9
Revelation 12:3-12
Luke 10:18
Hebrews 2:14
1 John 3:8
John 5:39
Chapter 7 — Michael and the Resurrection
Daniel 12:1-3
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
John 11:25
John 5:28-29
1 Corinthians 15:20-58
Job 19:25-26
Isaiah 26:19
Hosea 6:2
Ezekiel 37:12
John 5:39
Chapter 8 — Michael and the Captain of the Lord’s Host
Joshua 5:13-15
Exodus 3:5
Psalm 103:21
Psalm 148:2
Ephesians 6:17
Hebrews 4:12
1 Samuel 17:45
Isaiah 6:3
Revelation 12:7
John 5:39
Chapter 9 — Michael, the Woman, and the Man-Child
Revelation 12:1-10
Genesis 37:9-11
Isaiah 54:5
Jeremiah 6:2
Galatians 4:26
Psalm 2:8-9
John 5:39
Chapter 10 — Michael and the War in Heaven
Revelation 12:7-12
Psalm 103:19
Genesis 3:15
John 5:39
Chapter 11 — Is Michael the Archangel Jesus Christ?
Daniel 10:13
Daniel 10:21
Daniel 12:1-3
Joshua 5:13-15
Jude 9
1 Thessalonians 4:16
Hebrews 1:4-14
John 5:39
Revelation 12:7-12
Revelation 19:16
Chapter 12 — Michael and His Angels Revealed
Revelation 12:1-12
Luke 24:27
John 5:39
Ephesians 1:10
Revelation 19:11-16
Romans 11:36
Philippians 2:9-11
Conclusion
John 5:39
Luke 24:27
Ephesians 1:10
Romans 11:36
Revelation 19:16
Michael and His Angels Series
- MICHAEL AND HIS ANGELS — WHO IS THE ARCHANGEL?