Angels, 10of27

~ The Angel Gabriel ~   

General Information  ~  Angels are powerful spiritual beings who perform specific tasks on behalf of God.  Angels are mentioned many times in Scripture but seldom by name. 

Meaning of Gabriel  ~  Scripture records the names of three specific angels.  Each of these have interesting meanings of their names when contrasted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  “But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.  And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’  So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:20-23).  The name Gabriel means “Man of God” or “Hero of God.”

The Angel Gabriel  ~  The most well-known angel in Scripture is seen as functioning as a special messenger from God.  He brings announcements from God and he imparts wisdom from God.  At times he carefully explains things (for example, see Daniel chapters 8 and 9).  The Angel Gabriel seems to have the role of being a special messenger of God.  (While Gabriel is described as a “Man of God” Jesus Christ is God!)   

Appearances of Gabriel  ~  Scripture records the following appearances of Michael: to Daniel (Daniel 8:16, 9:21, 26), to Joseph (Matthew 1:20, and a second time in 2:13, 19), to Zacharias (Luke 1:11, 19), to Mary (Luke 1:26-27), to Jesus (Luke 22:43), to The Apostles (Acts 5:19), to Phillip (Acts 8:26), to Peter (Acts 12:7), to Herod (Acts 12:23), to the Apostle Paul (Acts 27:23), and to the Beloved Apostle—John (Revelation 22:8).

Closing Comment  ~  When we consider the many strategically important times in which Gabriel appears in Scripture it would seem that Gabriel is one of God’s most important angels—kind of a “right-hand angel.”

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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