Recently I have been emailing back and forth with a Jehovah’s Witness in response to my John 1:1 blog. Here is one of the emails of that discussion cleaned up into a blog format.
One of the most popular beliefs among Jehovah’s Witnesses regarding Jesus is that they believe that Jesus is Michael, the archangel. So let’s ask the question, Is Jesus an angel? Jehovah’s Witnesses base this on Watchtower publications and 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Jude 9.
Here are some articles from the Watchtower Magazine:
“Though this fifth angel is not named, all the evidence indicates that he must be the glorified Lord Jesus.” –Revelation-Its Grand Climax at Hand, 1988, page 115.
“The most prominent angel is introduced at Revelation 1:5 as ‘Jesus Christ…’” –The Watchtower, December 15, 1988, page 11.
“It is reasonable to conclude that this angel…was Jesus Christ in his prehuman spirit form.” –The Watchtower, December 1, 1963, page 736.
“Later this angel prince was transferred to earth as a human, becoming Jesus Christ the promised Messiah.” –The Watchtower, August 1, 1960, page 459.
“Jesus Christ further deserves honor because he is Jehovah’s chief angel, or archangel.” –The Watchtower, February 1, 1991, page 17.
“The foremost angel, both in power and authority, is the archangel, Jesus Christ, also called Michael (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9) Under his authority are seraphs, cherubs, and angels.” (“The Truth About Angels,” The Watchtower, November 1, 1995).
Watchtower Bible & Tract Society’s current home Bible study booklet, “What Does the Bible Really Teach?” (wikipedia) contains an Appendix, “Who Is Michael the Archangel?” on pages 218-219. It states:
Who Is Michael the Archangel?
THE spirit creature called Michael is not mentioned often in the Bible. However, when he is referred to, he is in action. In the book of Daniel, Michael is battling wicked angels; in the letter of Jude, he is disputing with Satan; and in Revelation, he is waging war with the Devil and his demons. By defending Jehovah’s rulership and fighting God’s enemies, Michael lives up to the meaning of his name-’Who Is Like God?’ But who is Michael? At times, individuals are known by more than one name. For example, the patriarch Jacob is also known as Israel, and the apostle Peter, as Simon. (Genesis 49:1, 2; Matthew 10:2). Likewise, the Bible indicates that Michael is another name for Jesus Christ, before and after his life on earth. Let us consider Scriptural reasons for drawing that conclusion.
Archangel. God’s Word refers to Michael `the archangel.’ (Jude 9) This term means `chief angel.’ Notice that Michael is called the archangel. This suggests that there is only one such angel. In fact, the term `archangel’ occurs in the Bible only in the singular, never in the plural. Moreover, Jesus is linked with the office of archangel. Regarding the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, l Thessalonians 4:16 states: `The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice.’ Thus the voice of Jesus is described as being that of an archangel. This scripture therefore suggests that Jesus himself is the archangel Michael.
Army Leader. The Bible states that `Michael and his angels battled with the dragon … and its angels.’ (Revelation 12:7) Thus, Michael is the Leader of an army of faithful angels. Revelation also describes Jesus as the Leader of an army of faithful angels. (Revelation 19:14-16) And the apostle Paul specifically mentions `the Lord Jesus’ and `his powerful angels.’ (2 Thessalonians 1:7; Matthew 16:27; 24:31; 1 Peter 3: 22) So the Bible speaks of both Michael and `his angels’ and Jesus and `his angels.’ (Matthew 13:41) Since God’s Word nowhere indicates that there are two armies of faithful angels in heaven-one headed by Michael and one headed by Jesus-it is logical to conclude that Michael is none other than Jesus Christ in his heavenly role.
1 Thess 4:16 (NWT = New World Translation) states, “because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first.” This clearly states that the Lord will descend with an archangel’s voice. It does not say that the Lord is an archangel. If you ever been to a military base, the person who makes the commanding call is not necessarily the general (the guy in charge) but someone else (usually his right hand person) though the command comes from the guy in charge. Likewise, Jesus doesn’t necessarily make the commanding call Himself, an archangel does, like a trumpet (however, Jesus can make the commanding call that is echoed by the archangel). Why can this text not refer to just an archangel with the Lord Jesus? Does this text have to equate Jesus with an archangel?
Jude 9 states, “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” Who is “the Lord” here? Is it Jesus? Or is it Jehovah? This verse is clearly saying that Michael did not pronounce a judgment but left that to the Lord. If Michael was the Lord (as he is, according to Jehovah’s Witnesses, in 1 Thess 4:16), then why didn’t he just say his rebuke like he did in Matthew 4:10? If he is the Lord, why does he refer to himself in the third person? The expression “with an archangels voice” simply means that the archangel, like God’s trumpet, will herald the coming of the Lord, not that the Lord is an archangel. Jude mentions Jesus six times in verses 1 (2x), 4, 17, 21, and 25 with no indication that Michael and Jesus are one and the same.
If you search the Scriptures there are no Scriptures that declare Jesus as Michael. The New World Translation (NWT) mentions Michael five times as:
- “one of the foremost princes” (Dan. 10:13)
- “the prince of [Daniel's] people” (Dan. 10:21)
- “the great prince who is standing in behalf of the sons of [Daniel's] people” (Dan. 12:1)
- “the archangel” who “had a difference with the devil and was disputing about Moses body” but “did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms” (Jude 9)
- a participant in heavenly conflict when “Michael and his angels battled with the dragon” (Rev. 12:7).
Which one of these verses says that Michael IS Jesus Christ? It is to be noted that Daniel 10:13 states that Michael is only one of many chief princes, which is contrary to Hebrews 1:5 and 1:13.
Rather than being merely “one of the foremost princes,” Jesus Christ is “Lord of lords and King of kings” (Rev. 17:14, NWT) and is “far above every government and authority and power and lordship and every name named, not only in this system of things, but also in that to come” (Ephesians 1:21, NWT). And, unlike Michael who “did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” (Jude 9, NWT), Jesus Christ displayed His authority over the devil when He freely commanded him, “Go away, Satan!” (Matthew 4:10, NWT). So 1 Thessalonians 4:16 or Jude 9 cannot be used as a proof-text that Jesus IS Michael.
Let’s think about angels briefly. Throughout the Bible, angels refuse worship (Rev 19:9-10; 22:8-9). Furthermore, the worship of angels was condemned by the Apostle Paul in Colossians 2:18. So if Jesus was an angel, even if he was the top angel, wouldn’t he need to reject worship?
What are angels? Obviously watchtower has their own information (here, which we are discussing the first bullet point under WHO ARE THE ANGELS?), but let’s look at the Bible. So please look up these verses if you disagree with me. Angels are created spiritual beings who exercise moral judgment (hence, Satan falling, 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6; etc.) and high intelligence (as can been seen through their speaking with people, Matt 28:5; Acts 12:6-11; etc.). They are spiritual creatures (Heb 1:14; Luke 24:39) though they can be seen when God gives us the ability to see them (Num 22:31; 2 Kings 6:17; Luke 2:13) or when they take on temporary bodily form (Matt 28:5; Heb 13:2). Their ordinary jobs include guiding and protecting humanity (Psalm 34:7; 91:11; Heb 1:14), worshiping God (Heb 12:22; Revelation). There are various kinds of angels. There are the Cherubim, whose job is to guard the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:24). God is spoken of as enthroned on the cherubim and traveling with cherubim (Psalm 18:10; Eze 10:1-22). Over the ark were two cherubim with their wings spread over it (cf. Exodus 25:22, see vv18-21 too). There are also the Seraphim. These are only mentioned in Isaiah 6:2-7. They continually worship God and call to each other: “And this one called to that one and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of armies. The fullness of all the earth is his glory’” (NWT). There are also other “living creatures” in the heavens who sit around God’s throne (Eze 1:5-14; Rev 4:6-8) worshiping (Rev 4:8) with appearances like a lion, ox, man, and eagle. So surely there are other “angelic beings” that we know nothing about. There is also rank and file among angels, as I believe is demonstrated in Michael (which we are discussing so I will just say this and move forward), which even Watchtower acknowledges (“Since Jehovah is a God of order, it is not surprising that his vast angelic family is organized”). The only other named “good” angel is Gabriel (Satan also known as Lucifer is named). Gabriel is mentioned in Daniel 8:16 and 9:21 as a messenger who speaks with Daniel, Mary and Zechariah (Luke 1:19, 26-27). Angels can only be in one place at one time as can be seen from the accounts in the Bible speaking of their traveling from one place to another (Luke 1:26; Dan 10:12-14) which is consistent for they are created beings. There are innumerable angels (Deut 33:2; Heb 12:22; Rev 5:11), and angels have extreme power. They are called “mighty ones who do his word” (Psalm 103:20), “powers” (Eph 1:21), “dominions” and “authorities” (Col 1:16). They are greater in power than rebellious humans (2 Pe 2:11; cf. Matt 28:2) at least in human’s earthly existence. Angels serve God (Luke 1:11-19; Acts 8:26; 10:3-8, 22; 27:23-24). They carry out God’s judgments (2 Sam 24:16-17; 2 Chron 32:21; Acts 12:23; Rev 16:1). Angels patrol the earth as God’s representatives (Zech 1:10-11). An angel (not an archangel, not Michael, not Gabriel, and not Jesus) bounds Satan in Revelation 20:1-3.
Instead Scripture clearly teaches the opposite: namely, that Jesus, the Son of God, is superior to the angels. All of Hebrews 1 is argues for this. For ease of use, let me write out Hebrews 1:1-5 (NWT):
1 God, who long ago spoke on many occasions and in many ways to our forefathers by means of the prophets, 2 has at the end of these days spoken to us by means of a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the systems of things. 3 He is the reflection of [his] glory and the exact representation of his very being, and he sustains all things by the word of his power; and after he had made a purification for our sins he sat down on the right hand of the Majesty in lofty places. 4 So he has become better than the angels, to the extent that he has inherited a name more excellent than theirs. 5 For example, to which one of the angels did he ever say: “You are my son; I, today, I have become your father”? And again: “I myself shall become his father, and he himself will become my son”? 6 But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all God’s angels do obeisance to him.” 7 Also, with reference to the angels he says: “And he makes his angels spirits, and his public servants a flame of fire.” 8 But with reference to the Son: “God is your throne forever and ever, and [the] scepter of your kingdom is the scepter of uprightness. 9 You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness. That is why God, your God, anointed you with [the] oil of exultation more than your partners.” 10 And: “You at [the] beginning, O Lord, laid the foundations of the earth itself, and the heavens are [the] works of your hands. 11 They themselves will perish, but you yourself are to remain continually; and just like an outer garment they will all grow old, 12 and you will wrap them up just as a cloak, as an outer garment; and they will be changed, but you are the same, and your years will never run out.” 13 But with reference to which one of the angels has he ever said: “Sit at my right hand, until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet”? 14 Are they not all spirits for public service, sent forth to minister for those who are going to inherit salvation?
Note Hebrews 1:5-6. To which of the angels did Jehovah call them a Son? God the Father doesn’t do that. No angel is ever called a son. Hebrews 1:6 writes, “But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all God’s angels do obeisance to him.” Why does this text say “obeisance”? Throughout Scripture, the angels consistently refuse worship. Revelation 22:8-9 states, “Be careful! Do not do that! …Worship God,” (Revelation 22:8,9, NWT). Here in Hebrews 1:6, the Father is commanding all the angels to worship Jesus. But wait, the text doesn’t say worship, or does it?
Notice the NWT states, “‘And let all God’s angels do obeisance to him.’” However, before 1970, the New World Translation read, “And let all God’s angels do worship him.” So why the change? Revelation 22:8 (NWT) states, “I fell down to WORSHIP before the feet of the angel that had been showing me these things.” And Revelation 22:9 (NWT) states, “WORSHIP God.” Matthew 4:10 (NWT) states, “Go away, Satan! For it is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must WORSHIP.’” All of these are the same Greek word, proskuneo. So why the change?
CARM, Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry, writes a beautiful article on Hebrews 1:6 and NWT use of obeisance and worship. They chart the word proskuneo in the Watchtower Kingdome Interlinear. They write:
What is curious is to note that the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society used to teach that worshiping Jesus was acceptable:
“The fact that our Lord received worship is claimed by some to be an evidence that while on earth he was God the Father disguised in a body of flesh and not really a man. Was he really worshiped, or is the translation faulty? Yes we believe our Lord Jesus while on earth was really worshiped, and properly so. While he was not the God, Jehovah, he was a God. The word ‘God’ signifies a ‘mighty one,’ and our Lord was indeed a mighty one. So it is stated in the first two verses of the gospel of John. It was proper for our Lord to receive worship in view of his having been the only begotten of the Father. . .” (The Watchtower, July 15, 1898, p. 216.)And in the book, New Heavens and a New Earth, on pages 27-28, published in 1953, it says:
“For example, to which one of the angels did he ever say: ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father’? And again: ‘I shall be a Father to him, and he will be a Son to me’? But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: ‘And let all God’s angels worship him.’”The word proskuneo occurs 55 times in the Watchtower Kingdome Interlinear. Of those 55, 15 are in reference to Jesus with 40 used of others. 27% of the usage is of Jesus and not a single reference is translated as “worship” even though in reference to the devil, demons, idols, etc., they DO translate it as worship (Matt 4:9; Luke 4:7; Acts 7:43; to the dragon/beast, Rev 13:4, 8, 12, 15; 14:9, 11; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4).
So why the change in theology? Why the change in translation? The Greek hasn’t changed, and the light is not getting brighter (a typical Jehovah’s Witness phrase, “the light is getting brighter”). And if the light is getting brighter, then how can you trust what you are being taught now won’t change? If they’ve changed before (and not just here in this doctrine), how can you be sure they won’t change again?
According to CARM, the Greek word proskuneo occurs 55 times in the Watchtower Kingdome Interlinear (though it actually occurs 60 times in the Greek, and I believe it occurs 60 times in Watchtower Kingdome Interlinear though CARM is checking this to be sure. The 5 missing are verses where the word occurs twice: John 4:20, 22, 24; Revelation 13:4; and 19:10. CARM’s categories would be GOD for John 4:20, 22, 24; dragon/best: Revelation 13:4; angel: Revelation 19:10). Of those 60, 15 are in reference to Jesus (Matt 2:2, 8, 11; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 20:20; 28:9, 17; Mark 5:6; 15:19; Luke 24:52; John 9:38; Heb 1:6) with 45 used of others. If we remove Jesus from the total, proskuneo appears 45 times, and of those 45 times, it is translated “obeisance” only three times, that’s less than 7% (6.7%, 3/45) . So 93% of the time when the term does not refer to Jesus, it is translated “worship.” The three occurrences where it is translated “obeisance” are: Matthew 18:26; Acts 10:25; and Rev 3:9, and even in these the KJV translates them as “worship.” Let’s take a look.
In Matthew 18:26, a slave falls before his master, whom he was quite in debt to, begging for patience. The slave’s singular act of begging left him at the complete mercy of his master. The master could do anything he wished. Here the NWT translates, “Therefore the slave fell down and began to do obeisance to him,” while the NASB translates, “So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him.” The NIV translates, “he servant fell on his knees before him.” The RSV translates, “So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him.” The KJV translates, “The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying.” While this is could not be worship, it contains many of its elements.
In Acts 10:25-26, it says, “And when it came about that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter raised him up, saying, ‘Stand up; I too am just a man’” (NASB). Here, Cornelius bows down before Peter. Peter knew that this homage is to be given to God alone. Jesus, undoubtedly, knew the same thing. Yet, when they bow down before Jesus to worship him, He does not rebuke them.
In Revelation 3:9, Jesus is speaking to the church in Philadelphia. Here the NWT translates, “I will make them come and do obeisance before your feet and make them know I have loved yo.” The NASB translates, “I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.” The NIV translates, “I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.” The RSV translates, “I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and learn that I have loved you.” The KJV translates, “I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” While this is probably is not worship, it contains many of its elements.
On the other hand, the NWT has this proskuneo translated as worship with demons and idols in Revelation 9:20. NWT states, “But the rest of the men who were not killed by these plagues did not repent of the works of their hands, so that they should not worship the demons and the idols of gold and silver and copper and stone and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.” Clearly this verse states that the living men went on worshiping the demons and the idols. Demons and idols are not worthy of worship, but they were being worshiped. In Revelation 19:10 and 22:8, John confesses that he too went to worship an angel, but both times the angels denied John’s worship. So again, if Jesus was an angel, why did he not do the same as the angels in Revelation 19 and 22? And why is the word translated worship in Revelation 19 and 22 and not as worship in the 15 verses that refer to Jesus (Matt 2:2, 8, 11; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 20:20; 28:9, 17; Mark 5:6; 15:19; Luke 24:52; John 9:38; Heb 1:6)? Is it because Jesus did not deny it like the angels in Revelation 19:10 and 22:8?
Now, back to Hebrews 1:6; God commands that all the angels to worship Jesus, not just give Him obeisance. The ASV, KJV, NASB, NIV, NKJV, and RSV all translate the verse to say “worship.” Is the NWT correct and all the others wrong? Not at all. Simply, the New World Translation is simply slanted Bible to support Jehovah’s Witness theology. Several scholars have called the NWT erroneous including the late Dr. Bruce Metzger, author and professor of New Testament Language and Literature at Princeton University, Dr. William Barclay, a leading Greek scholar and Unitarian (not even a Trinitarian Christian), and Julius Mantey, author of A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament.
