The phrase “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel” in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 has sparked much discussion over what it means that Jesus will descend with the “voice of an archangel.” Here is an in-depth look at the meaning and significance behind this intriguing biblical statement.
The Broader Context
It’s important to first understand the broader context of 1 Thessalonians 4:16. The verses right before, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15, mention how Christians should not grieve like those who have no hope, because Jesus died and rose again, and so God will bring with Jesus those who have died as Christians. Then 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes what will happen when Jesus returns:
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
So this passage is describing the return of Christ and the resurrection of Christians who have died. The specific phrase about Jesus descending with the “voice of an archangel” is embedded in this description of Jesus’ second coming.
The Meaning of “Voice of an Archangel”
There are two main ways that people have understood the statement that Jesus will descend with the “voice of an archangel”:
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It means Jesus will speak with the authority and power of an archangel.
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It means an archangel will accompany Christ and announce His coming.
The first view takes “voice of an archangel” as a descriptive term, not meaning an actual archangel is present, but rather that Jesus will command the dead to rise and believers to gather to Him with angelic authority and power. His shout is as potent as that of the mighty archangel.
The second view takes “voice of an archangel” more literally to mean Jesus will be accompanied by an archangel, likely Gabriel or Michael, who will shout and declare Christ’s coming. This view sees “voice of an archangel” referring to an actual archangelic proclamation of Jesus’ return.
Does “Voice of an Archangel” Necessitate an Archangel’s Presence?
A key question is whether the statement necessitates Jesus actually bringing an archangel with Him at His return. Some argue the text does not definitively indicate this. Rather, it is primarily describing the power and authority behind Christ’s command. Just as He speaks with divine authority, so His shout has the very power of an archangel behind it.
However, most scholars understand the phrase as indeed implying an archangel announcing and accompanying Jesus on His return. Saying Jesus descends “with the voice of an archangel” suggests a voice accompanying Christ as He descends. This fits with other passages describing angelic announcements of God’s actions (e.g. Revelation 10:1-7).
Connections to Other Biblical Texts
There are several other biblical texts which also mention archangels in connection with the return of Christ or the resurrection of the dead.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 itself mentions “the trumpet of God” sounding along with Christ’s descent. This matches the trumpet blasts associated with angelic announcements of God’s plans elsewhere in Scripture (Zech. 9:14; Matt. 24:31; 1 Cor. 15:52). The angels often sound trumpets to declare God’s saving acts.
Revelation 12:7-11 describes a heavenly battle in which Michael and his angels fight against Satan and his demons. After Satan is defeated, a loud voice in heaven proclaims, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come.” This suggests a victorious angelic announcement connected to the culmination of God’s plans.
Matthew 16:27 states that when the Son of Man comes in glory, “He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect.” This parallels 1 Thessalonians 4:16’s mention of a trumpet accompanying Christ’s coming, and angels are explicitly involved.
Matthew 24:31 declares that when Jesus returns, “He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect.” Again, this directly connects angels, trumpet blasts, and the gathering of God’s people at Christ’s return.
Matthew 25:31 describes the Son of Man coming with “all the angels.” While this does not mention an archangel, it reinforces angelic involvement at the Second Coming.
1 Corinthians 15:52 mentions believers at Christ’s return being awoken “at the last trumpet.” This reiterates the trumpet motif associated with angels heralding Jesus’ return.
In light of these connections, it makes sense that Paul would mention an archangel playing some role in announcing the Second Coming in 1 Thessalonians 4:16.
The Identities of the Archangels
Scripture actually does not provide definitive names for the archangels. The term “archangel” itself only appears twice in the Bible:
But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” (Jude 1:9)
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
Only Michael is explicitly called an “archangel” in Scripture. Gabriel is also commonly identified as an archangel due to his important angelic roles, but the Bible does not use the term “archangel” for him.
Michael is referenced performing several important angelic functions:
- Fighting the dragon and his angels in Revelation 12:7-9
- Standing up for Israel in Daniel 10:13, 21 and 12:1
- Possibly playing a role at Jesus’ resurrection as the “angel of the Lord” in Matthew 28:2-7
Meanwhile, Gabriel is known for his prominent heralding roles, including:
- Announcing John the Baptist’s birth – Luke 1:11-20
- Announcing Jesus’ birth – Luke 1:26-38
- Revealing prophecy to Daniel – Daniel 8:15-26
So Michael and Gabriel both fit important angelic roles that could potentially include proclaiming Christ’s return.
What Does This Mean for Christians Today?
For Christians, the truth that Jesus will one day return accompanied by mighty angels brings tremendous hope. Here are some key implications:
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Jesus’ return will be glorious and impossible to miss. The angelic fanfare will ensure no one misses Christ coming back. The righteous will rejoice at their salvation while unbelievers are warned of coming judgment.
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God’s plans are assured and trustworthy. If God promises something in His Word, such as Jesus’ return, we can trust Him fully to fulfill it. The angels ensure everything aligns with His plans.
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Angelic beings serve God’s purposes. There is an unseen spiritual world at work, with powerful angels like Michael and Gabriel working to carry out God’s will. We can be confident angels continue ministering today.
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Jesus has supreme power and authority. Although accompanied by angels, Jesus descends with the majestic voice of an archangel. This affirms His deity and lordship over all creation.
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Jesus conquers death forever. The dead in Christ rise at His coming, showing Jesus’ complete victory over death, our ancient enemy. Eternal life triumphs.
In summary, the statement that Jesus will return with the voice of an archangel highlights the splendor, authority, assurance, spiritual forces, and life-giving power associated with Christ’s Second Coming. As we look forward to that day, we can stand firm in hope and continue living for Him.