Angel Gabriel

Created Date: 20-Dec-2020
 

Last updated: 22-Dec-2020
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Sections:
 
1 Preface
2 Scriptural References

Preface

The Angel Gabriel appears three times in the scriptures as a messenger from God to a person on Earth.  He is not named as a Archangel in the scriptures, but is often described as an Archangel because of association that God uses Archangels such as the Archangel Michael, as read in  Jude 1:9.

Jude 1:9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

There is a NOT inspired historical writing called the Book of Enoch, which names Michael as an Archangel, but this cannot be relied upon.  It is mentioned for the reader's knowledge.  There are sometimes manuscripts and codex, such as the Book of Enoch, that have interesting references, include scriptural verses from the recognized books of the Old and New Testament, but reading through them betrays these books as not given by the Holy Spirit as written by God's appointed representatives.  Readers of this topic on Biblical Thoughts can read more on the topic of Encryptions in the Old and Testament that are proving the authentication of God.

Most Biblical Scholars describe Gabriel as always in the role of a Divine Messenger because his appearances always dealt with imparting information.  Many commentaries noted that Gabriel always began his messages with words of comfort because his reception caused initial fear. 

There are several scriptural references, beside those dealing with the Angel Gabriel such as Revelation 1:16-18, where the Apostle John had to be strengthened at the appearance of the risen and glorified Jesus Christ. 

Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Revelation 1:16-17 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last, 18 and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

While there are other scriptural accounts such as the Theophany appearance of Jesus Christ to Abraham, where Abraham recognized the person as deity without fear, but Abraham acted in the presence of Theophany and the two Angels with extreme deference.  Later, Lot entertained two angels in Sodom Gomorra where Lot also treated the two angels with extreme deference.  The point is any visitation from a Theophany and angels would make all of cognizant of our sinful unworthiness.

Genesis 18:1-3 1 Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth, 3 and said, "My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by.

Scriptural References

There are three appearances where Gabriel is identified in the scriptures, and other scriptural passages with an Angel of God which some Biblical Scholars state it was possibly Gabriel.  As discussed above in this topic, the recipient of the meeting from Gabriel were afraid which conveys the reverence and awe that was being experienced from an emissary from God. 

  1. Visits with the Prophet Daniel to explain a vision that Daniel received in Daniel 8 concerning the Ram and Goat which was dealing with Alexander the Great.
  2. Visits with Zechariah to let him know about the future son, John the Baptist, that him and his wife Elizabeth would have that coincides with the pregnancy of Mary with Jesus Christ.
  3. Visits with Mary to let her know about her wonderful news to be selected for the mother of the Messiah, which Jewish history shows was the dream of every Jewish girl at that time.
Daniel 8:16 And I heard the voice of a man between the banks of Ulai, and he called out and said, "Gabriel, give this man an understanding of the vision."
Daniel 8:17 So he came near to where I was standing, and when he came I was frightened and fell on my face; but he said to me, "Son of man, understand that the vision pertains to the time of the end."
Luke 1:11 Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and gripped with fear.
Luke 1:19 “I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
Luke 1:26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth,
Luke 1:30 The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.

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