What angels are named in the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

An angel is "a spiritual being acting as an attendant, agent, or messenger of God." In the Bible, angels are powerful and commissioned by God for special jobs both on earth and in heaven. The Bible mentions angels collectively as a heavenly "host" (Luke 2:13), but there are only a few specific angels mentioned by name in the Bible. The elect angels named in the Bible are Gabriel and Michael. The fallen angels named in the Bible are Satan and Apollyon. The fact that not many angels are named emphasizes the significance of angels’ missions and roles above their specific identities. We, too, are called to live on mission for God’s glory without desiring our own recognition.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The angel Gabriel visited the prophet Daniel and provided an explanation for visions God had given Daniel regarding the end times (Daniel 8:15–27; 9:20–27). Even though Daniel struggled to understand some of the explanations, Gabriel's descriptions still help us today, because they enable us to better anticipate various facets of the end times. Whenever Gabriel is mentioned in the Bible, he has wisdom or a special word from God to share.
• The archangel Michael battles against Satan and the fallen angels (who became demons when they rebelled against God) on God's behalf for the purpose of helping God's people (Daniel 10:21; 12:1). Michael also fights against the demonic "prince of the kingdom of Persia," which enables "one in the likeness of the children of man" to reach Daniel and provide interpretation for a vision (Daniel 10). The archangel Michael is referred to as “the great prince” (Daniel 12:1) and leads the angel army directly against Satan himself, revealing that he is an extremely high-ranking and powerful angel (see Revelation 12:7–8).
• Lucifer/Satan is a fallen angel mentioned in the Bible. Lucifer was a beautiful and high-ranking angel, and he became the first angel to rebel against God. Because he desired to be God, he pridefully rebelled against Him and was cast out of heaven with the angels who took his side (Isaiah 14:12–18). Lucifer fell from heaven and became a cursed being, known as Satan, the Devil who is in direct opposition to God.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Perhaps the most famous visit of Gabriel is the one which he made to Mary, announcing the upcoming birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:26–38). He also appeared to Zachariah for another birth announcement—that of John the Baptist to Zachariah's wife, Elizabeth (Luke 1:11–23). It's possible that Gabriel also visited Joseph, husband of Mary, a few times to give him divine insight and instructions. Joseph's angel visitor(s), however, is only referred to as "an angel of the Lord," so we cannot say with one hundred percent certainty that it was Gabriel (Matthew 1:20–21; 2:13, 19–20).
• In Revelation 12:7–9, Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels in a heavenly war. Michael's forces prevailed, leading to the dragon's defeat and expulsion from heaven.
• Jude 1:9 refers to Michael as "the archangel Michael," indicating he might be the one and only archangel of heaven, but even if he isn't, he holds some prominence.
• Satan’s expulsion from heaven is also mentioned in Luke 10:18, where Jesus states that He saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Satan now attempts to deceive and thereby "steal and kill and destroy" all people (John 10:10).
• Revelation 9:11 mentions Apollyon/Abaddon, another fallen angel who leads an army of demons during the end times.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The fact that only a few angels are named in the Bible, such as Gabriel and Michael, highlights the significance of their missions and roles. Most angels remain unnamed, reminding us that their primary identity and purpose are tied to their service to God rather than individual recognition. This anonymity emphasizes their function as God's messengers and agents, rather than their personal identity. For us today, this understanding can encourage humility and a focus on fulfilling our God-given purposes rather than seeking personal acclaim. Just as the unnamed angels work in unity for God's kingdom, we, too, should work in unity for the good of God’s kingdom over individual recognition. Philippians 1:27 calls us to “let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” This perspective shifts our focus from seeking personal glory to living in unity with other believers and with purpose for God's greater plan.

UNDERSTAND

• Only two elect angels are named in the Bible: Gabriel and Michael.
• Knowing that not many angels’ names are given in the Bible reminds us that living on mission for God’s glory is what matters, not our own recognition.
• The fallen angels named in the Bible are Satan and Apollyon.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that only two elect angels are named in the Bible influence your understanding of living for God's glory rather than seeking personal recognition?
• What does it look like to focus on the specific mission or purposes God has called you to fulfill in your life without focusing on your own recognition?
• How does the story of Lucifer's fall serve as a reminder of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility?

ENGAGE

• Why do you think the Bible only names a few angels, and how does this emphasis on their missions over their identities apply to our lives today?
• How can the examples of Gabriel and Michael inspire us to better live for God's purposes in our communities and personal lives?
• How can we support each other in striving to live for God's glory, focusing on our collective mission rather than individual recognition?