Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe Jesus is Michael the Archangel?
When discussing beliefs about Jesus and Michael the Archangel, one often encounters diverse perspectives. Jehovah's Witnesses have a unique perspective that incorporates Scriptural symbolism and theological interpretations to explain why they believe Jesus is the same Michael the Archangel mentioned in various biblical texts. This article aims to explore this concept and highlight evidence from various scholars.
Understanding the Heavenly Messenger
According to Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus played a pivotal role as ‘God’s foremost messenger’ and is referred to as the Archangel, a term that means 'chief angel' (or 'head angel'). The Bible mentions only one archangel, and this singular reference aligns with the idea of Jesus being the Archangel Michael.
Judging the Popular Belief
Mormons, on the contrary, believe that Michael is Adam, not the archangel. This leads to a rather amusing paradox: St. Michael, or Michael the Archangel, has to manage his duties without the burden of being an archangel, which might seem redundant to some.
The Concept of Jesus as the Archangel
The Bible does not explicitly say that Jesus is Michael the Archangel, but it suggests this connection through various references and scriptural insights. One compelling argument comes from Philippians 2:7:
“No but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form and became human.” – Philippians 2:7NWT
While Jesus became a human, the concept of “emptied himself” does not necessarily imply a loss of all divine attributes. Rather, it suggests a voluntary relinquishment for the purpose of living a human life. This aligns with historical Christian beliefs and supports the idea that Jesus remained the Archangel Michael before and after his earthly ministry.
Historical and Scholarly Perspectives
The concept of Jesus as Michael the Archangel is not a modern discovery. Early Christian scholars and writings provide evidence that this belief existed well before Jehovah's Witnesses formalized it. Here are some notable quotes:
Origen (185-254 AD)
“Of all the angels, Christ (Michael) was the highest and best and is called not only the wisdom of God but also His power.”
Origen, a prominent early Christian scholar, reinforces the idea that Michael, the archangel, refers to Christ and his pivotal role among the heavenly host.
Joseph Benson (1800s)
“The description [of Michael] found in the Bible indicates that he is the archangel who became Jesus on earth.”
Benson, a Bible scholar from the 1800s, supports the notion that the archangel Michael is none other than Jesus, emphasizing the singular identity of the archangel.
E. W. Hengstenberg (19th Century)
“Michael is no other than Christ in warlike array against Satan.”
Hengstenberg, a Lutheran theologian, aligns the figure of Michael with Christ in warfare against the devil, further suggesting a direct connection between the archangel and Jesus.
Theodore Clarke (1801-1876)
“There can be properly only one archangel, one chief or head of all the angelic host. Nor is the word devil as applied to the great enemy of mankind ever found in the plural. Michael is this archangel and head of all the angelic orders.”
Clarke’s explanation, rooted in historical and theological accuracy, supports the singular identity of the archangel by emphasizing that Michael is specifically the archangel, a concept that aligns with the understanding of Jehovah's Witnesses.
John Calvin (Reformer, 1509-1564)
“I embrace the opinion of those who refer this to the person of Christ because it suits the subject best to represent him as standing forward for the defense of his elect people.”
Calvin's view positions Michael as Christ, highlighting Christ's role as the protector of God's elect, a role traditionally associated with the archangel.
Key Bible Verses
To provide further evidence, consider the following Bible verses:
1 Thessalonians 4:16: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call with an archangel’s voice.”
Revelation 12:7: “There was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and the dragon fought and his angels.”
Acts 7:53: “Who was about to be taken to God with faithful Abraham.”
Revelation 10:1: “Then I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire.”
These verses support the idea that Jesus is the Archangel Michael, emphasizing his preeminence in heavenly defense and warfare.
Conclusion
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is Michael the Archangel based on theologians, early Christian scholars, and scriptural evidence. While this belief may differ from other Christian denominations, it strongly supports the single identity of the archangel Michael.
This belief is not a recent development but has roots in historical and scholarly interpretations of the Bible. As always, understanding religious beliefs requires a careful examination of scriptural texts and historical context.