Archangel Raphael is recognized in some religious traditions as a powerful and significant angel, particularly within Judaism and certain branches of Christianity, such as Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. However, Raphael is not mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible recognized by most Protestant denominations. From a Bible-believing Christian worldview, understanding the role of angels and specifically the figure of Raphael requires careful consideration of both biblical texts and the broader tradition in which he appears.

Biblical and Apocryphal References to Raphael

Raphael in the Book of Tobit

The primary source for the story of Archangel Raphael is the Book of Tobit, an apocryphal or deuterocanonical book included in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Bibles but not in the Protestant canon.

• Role in Tobit:
  • In the Book of Tobit, Raphael is sent by God to heal Tobit’s blindness and to guide Tobias, Tobit’s son, on a journey. Raphael reveals his identity as one of the seven angels who stand before the Lord (Tobit 12:15).
  • Tobit 12:15: “I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand in the glorious presence of the Lord, ready to serve him.” This passage introduces Raphael as a significant heavenly being, involved in healing and divine guidance.

Raphael in Other Religious Traditions

Raphael’s presence is more prominent in Jewish tradition and Christian denominations that include the deuterocanonical books in their Bible.

• Jewish Tradition:
  • In Jewish angelology, Raphael is often considered one of the principal angels, associated with healing and protection.
  • The name Raphael means “God heals,” which aligns with his role in the Book of Tobit.
• Christian Tradition:
  • Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy venerate Raphael as a saint and archangel. He is considered a patron of travelers, the blind, and those seeking healing.
  • Feast Day: In Roman Catholic tradition, Raphael’s feast day is celebrated on September 29, along with the archangels Michael and Gabriel.

The Role of Angels in the Bible

Biblical Understanding of Angels

The Bible, particularly in the Old and New Testaments, describes angels as spiritual beings created by God to serve Him and to carry out His will. Angels are messengers, protectors, and warriors in the service of God.

• Messengers of God:
  • Hebrews 1:14: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” This verse describes angels as beings who serve God and assist believers.
  • Luke 1:26-27: The Archangel Gabriel, for instance, is sent by God to announce the birth of Jesus to Mary.
• Warriors and Protectors:
  • Psalm 91:11: “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Angels are also seen as protectors, guarding God’s people from harm.
  • Revelation 12:7-9: This passage describes a heavenly battle involving Michael the archangel, emphasizing the role of angels in spiritual warfare.

Archangels in the Bible

The Bible specifically names only one angel as an archangel: Michael. Michael is described as a warrior who fights against the forces of evil.

• Michael the Archangel:
  • Jude 1:9: “But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’” This verse mentions Michael’s role in spiritual warfare.
  • Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1: Michael is also mentioned as the protector of Israel.
• Gabriel:
  • Although not explicitly called an archangel in the Bible, Gabriel is often considered one due to his role as a divine messenger (Daniel 8:16; Luke 1:19, 26).

Christian Perspectives on Raphael

Protestant Viewpoint

In most Protestant traditions, Raphael is not considered an archangel because he is not mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible. Protestants generally base their beliefs and doctrines solely on the 66 books of the Bible recognized in the Protestant canon.

• Sola Scriptura:
  • Protestant theology emphasizes “sola scriptura,” the doctrine that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority for faith and practice. Since Raphael is not mentioned in the canonical books, he is not venerated or recognized in the same way as in Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox traditions.
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This verse supports the Protestant emphasis on the authority of Scripture.

Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Perspectives

In Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, Raphael is venerated as an archangel and is associated with healing and protection, based on the narrative in the Book of Tobit and other apocryphal texts.

• Role in Healing:
  • Raphael’s name, meaning “God heals,” reflects his association with divine healing and protection. He is often invoked in prayers for healing and safe journeys.
  • Veneration and Prayer: Raphael is venerated as a saint, and prayers may be directed to him for intercession, particularly in matters of health and protection.

Practical Implications for Christians

Discernment in Angelology

Christians are encouraged to exercise discernment in understanding the role of angels, focusing on the biblical portrayal of these beings as servants of God who carry out His will.

• Focus on Christ:
  • While angels are important in Christian theology, the focus of worship and devotion should always be on God, particularly on Jesus Christ as the mediator between God and humanity.
  • Colossians 2:18-19: “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.” This passage warns against the inappropriate elevation of angels in spiritual practice.

Encouragement in God’s Protection

The concept of angels, including figures like Raphael, can encourage believers in the truth that God provides protection, guidance, and healing through His heavenly servants.

• Trust in God’s Care:
  • Believers are reminded that God cares for His people and that He commands His angels to watch over them.
  • Psalm 34:7: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” This verse provides assurance of God’s protective presence through His angels.

Conclusion

From a Bible-believing Christian worldview, the figure of Archangel Raphael is primarily known from the apocryphal Book of Tobit, and his role as an archangel is recognized in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. However, he is not mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible recognized by most Protestant denominations, leading to different perspectives on his significance.

For Christians, the focus should remain on the biblical teachings about angels and their role as God’s servants. While the stories and traditions about Raphael may provide insight into broader religious beliefs, the ultimate authority for understanding angels and their role comes from the Bible.

Believers are encouraged to trust in God’s protection, care, and guidance, knowing that He commands His angels to watch over them. However, the central focus of faith should always be on Jesus Christ, the true mediator between God and humanity, and not on any angelic being.