Biblical and apocryphal aspects
More actions
1.2 Biblical and apocryphal aspects
1.2.1 - St Michael in the Old Testament
Presence and role in the Book of Daniel
In the Book of Daniel, the Archangel Michael is mentioned in three key passages, assuming the role of protector and guide of the people of Israel.
Daniel 10:13
"But the prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted me for twenty-one days; then Michael, one of the first princes, came to my aid."
In this verse, an angel explains to Daniel that he was thwarted by the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" for twenty-one days until Michael intervened to help him. Here, Michael is described as one of the leading heavenly princes, fighting for the good of God's people.
Daniel 10:21
"But I will make known to you what is written in the book of truth. No one helps me against them but Michael, your prince."
Michael is identified as 'your prince', emphasising his specific role as protector of the people of Israel. He is the one who supports the angel in the conflict against adverse forces, emphasising his importance in the heavenly hierarchy.
Daniel 12,1
"At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince, who watches over the children of thy people; there shall be a time of distress, such as there never was from the beginning of the nations until that time."
This prophetic verse announces the intervention of Michael in a time of great tribulation, promising salvation for those who will be found inscribed in the book of life. Michael is presented as the supreme defender in eschatological times.
Theological significance
In the context of the Old Testament, Michael emerges as a key figure in the struggle between divine and adverse forces. His function as protector of the people of Israel makes him a symbol of justice and defence against evil. Tradition recognises him as a 'great prince' and leader of the heavenly militia, charged with supporting God's people in their most difficult trials.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• Archangel Michael fighting with the devil - Engraving inspired by the Apocalypse
• Popular sacred image of St Michael Archangel
• Traditional shrine of St Michael Archangel
Video
• 'St Michael in the Old and New Testament'.
• Bible lesson - The role of the Archangel Michael in the Book of Daniel
Sources and references
Bible Gateway - Daniel 10:13, 10:21, 12:1
Wikipedia - Michael (archangel)
1.2.2 - St Michael in the New Testament
Revelation of John: Rev 12:7-9 - War in Heaven and the Expulsion of the Dragon
In chapter 12 of Revelation, the Archangel Michael is described as the leader of the heavenly militia fighting against the dragon, symbol of Satan:
"A war then broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon fought together with his angels, but they did not prevail and there was no more room for them in heaven. The great dragon, the ancient serpent, he whom we call the devil and Satan, and who seduces the whole earth, was cast down to the earth, and with him were also cast down his angels."
This passage represents the ultimate victory of good over evil, with Michael leading the heavenly forces in the battle against the demonic powers.
Letter of Jude: Jd 1:9 - The dispute between Michael and the devil over the body of Moses
In the Letter of Jude, the Archangel Michael is involved in a dispute with the devil over the body of Moses:
"In contrast, the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, dared not pronounce unrighteous judgement against him, but said: 'The Lord rebuke thee!'"
This episode, although enigmatic, underlines God's authority to judge and Michael's submission to the divine will.
Theological reflections on its angelic and judicial role
In the New Testament, Michael emerges as a central figure in the fight against evil and in the protection of God's people. His presence in Revelation and the Epistle of Jude highlights his role as defender of the faith and executor of divine justice. Christian tradition venerates him as a protector and spiritual guide, charged with leading souls to salvation.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• St. Michael Archangel - Icon on panel, Russian art
• St Michael Archangel - Classical representation with devil at his feet
• St. Michael fighting the devil - fresco at the Complex of the Pilotta (Parma)
Video
• "St Michael in the Apocalypse: War in Heaven".
• Bible Lesson - "Michael and Satan in the Epistle of Jude".
Sources and references
Bible Gateway - Revelation 12:7-9
Bible.com - Epistle of Jude 1:9
Wikipedia - Michael (archangel)
GotQuestions - Why did the archangel Michael and Satan dispute over the body of Moses?
1.2.3 - St Michael in the Jewish apocryphal texts
Book of Enoch (1 Enoch)
The Book of Enoch is an apocryphal text of Judaic origin, dating back to the 1st century BC, which has had considerable influence on angelological theology.
Michael as one of the four main archangels
In 1 Enoch, Michael is described as one of the four main archangels, together with Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel. He is considered the 'angel of the presence' and the protector of Israel.
The Judgement of the Fallen Angels
The text narrates the rebellion of the Vigilantes, angels who joined with the daughters of men, generating the Nephilim. Michael, on God's command, intervenes to punish these fallen angels, chaining them until the day of judgement.
Apocalypse of Abraham
The Apocalypse of Abraham is an Old Testament apocrypha, dated between 70 and 150 AD, which recounts Abraham's conversion to monotheism and his apocalyptic visions.
Michael as guide and interpreter of Abraham's vision
In this text, Michael appears as Abraham's heavenly guide, leading him through the heavens and explaining divine visions to him. He is described as a mediator between God and man, in charge of transmitting divine knowledge.
Testament of Abraham
The Testament of Abraham is an apocryphal text of Jewish origin, dating from the end of the 1st century AD, which describes Abraham's journey to the afterlife.
Michael as psychopomp and minister of judgement
In this tale, Michael is charged with accompanying Abraham's soul into the afterlife, showing the rewards of the righteous and the punishments of the wicked. He acts as a psychopomp, guiding souls after death, and as a minister of judgement, carrying out divine sentences.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• Russian icon of St. Michael the Archangel Knight of the Apocalypse
Sources and references
1.2.4 - St Michael in the Christian Apocrypha
Gospel of Bartholomew
The Gospel of Bartholomew is an apocryphal Christian text that attributes to St Michael the role of guardian of souls and intermediary between God and man. According to some traditions, Michael is the one who brings God the earth and water necessary for Adam's creation.
Revelation of Paul
The Apocalypse of Paul, also known as Visio Pauli, is an apocryphal New Testament text belonging to the visionary and apocalyptic genre. In this writing, the Archangel Michael is described as the "weigher of souls", in charge of assessing the souls of the dead. Furthermore, Michael intercedes with God to grant a weekly day of respite to tormented souls.
Apocalypse of Moses
The Apocalypse of Moses, also known as the Life of Adam and Eve, is a group of Jewish apocryphal writings recounting the life of Adam and Eve after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. In this text, the Archangel Michael accompanies Adam to the burial, lifting him up and carrying him to paradise until the day of judgement.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• St. Michael Archangel - Icon on panel, Russian art
• St Michael Archangel - Classical representation with devil at his feet
Video
• St Michael in the Apocalypse
• The figure of St Michael in the Epistle of Jude - Biblical Insight
Sources and references
Apocalypse of Paul (Greek) - WikipediaWikipedia, the free encyclopaedia+1BiblioToscana+1
Revelation of Moses - Abrahamic Study HallASH - Abrahamic Study Hall
Apocalypse of Moses and Life of Adam and Eve - ScrutatioScrutatio+1
1.2.5 - Symbolic and doctrinal significance of apocryphal sources
1.2.5.1 - Differences between canonical and apocryphal approach
Canonical texts are officially recognised by the Church as inspired by God and included in the biblical canon. The canonical approach:
• It is normative for faith;
• It was the subject of doctrinal discernment;
• It has a liturgical and dogmatic status.
Apocryphal texts, although excluded from the canon, often offer:
• Vivid and symbolic narratives;
• Additional details on biblical figures, such as St Michael;
• Theological reflections free from dogmatic constraints.
In these texts, Michael takes on broader roles (psychopomp, judge, guide of souls), displaying a symbolic enrichment that complements his traditional biblical role.
1.2.5.2 - Influence of the Apocrypha on Popular Devotion
Many aspects of popular piety derive directly from apocryphal sources:
• The image of St Michael as a soul-weigher comes from the Apocalypse of Paul;
• His role as heavenly intermediary is reinforced by the Gospel of Bartholomew;
• The scene of Adam's burial accompanied by Michael, narrated in the Apocalypse of Moses, was a source of inspiration for medieval art.
These stories, spread through homilies, hagiographic legends, popular songs and pictorial representations, have made St. Michael a familiar figure close to the faithful, even outside the official liturgical context.
1.2.5.3 - The Church's prudence in receiving these texts
The Church has always adopted a cautious attitude towards the Apocrypha. While recognising their historical, literary and spiritual value, it has avoided giving them doctrinal authority. The main reasons are:
• Presence of doctrinally ambiguous content;
• Origin often anonymous or uncertain;
• Frequent use of symbolic and esoteric languages.
However, the Church has integrated certain insights from these texts into liturgy, theology and devotion, when deemed compatible with revelation.
"The Church uses the apocrypha as an extra-canonical spiritual tradition, but never as a source of dogmatic truth."
- Pontifical Biblical Commission, 1993
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• Michael as psychopomp and weigher of souls - medieval miniature
Video
Sources and references
Pontifical Biblical Commission, 'The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church' (1993)
Wikipedia - Apocrypha of the New Testament
Scrutatio - Apocalypse of Paul, Moses and Bartholomew
Aleteia - What are Apocryphal texts
Abrahamic Study Hall - Insights into the Christian Apocrypha