Holy Bible Online 
Gabriel is a divine angel mentioned in the Bible. The word "angel" means messenger, and the name Gabriel means "valiant one of God."
This supernatural being was created and sent by God on at least three important occasions in biblical times to communicate divine messages. Gabriel is always in the presence of God.
Like all angels, Gabriel did not exist from the beginning. He was created at the onset of creation, when the universe was being formed by God. The heavens and all celestial beings, both visible and invisible, were made through Christ for the praise of God's glory (Colossians 1:16).
The Angel Gabriel is, therefore, a creature of God, like us. However, he is much greater than human beings in strength, intelligence, and moral and spiritual discernment. Like all angelic beings, Gabriel is a ministering spirit, sent by God to assist those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14).
Thus, not possessing a physical body, Gabriel normally cannot be seen in his activities. However, on three special occasions, God allowed Gabriel to be seen by certain individuals. The Bible recounts that Gabriel communicated directly with Daniel, Zechariah, and Mary.
Appearances of Gabriel in the Bible
Message to Daniel
During the exile of Israel (in the Old Testament), the angel Gabriel brought a message from God to the prophet Daniel. Israel was going through a difficult period in its history. Daniel had several visions, but many things were beyond human comprehension. So, God sent the angel Gabriel to explain the vision to him.
Gabriel’s strength and splendor are extraordinary but also overwhelming! Just Gabriel’s approach made Daniel terrified, causing him to fall prostrate on the ground. And when Gabriel began to explain that the meaning of the vision referred to future events, Daniel fell unconscious to the ground.
Endowed with great intelligence and wisdom, Gabriel lifted him from the ground and provided the explanation of Daniel's vision (Daniel 8:16-17).
Announcement to Zechariah
In the time of King Herod, Gabriel appeared to the priest Zechariah. He was married to Elizabeth (a relative of Mary), and both were advanced in age. They had no children because Elizabeth was barren.
One day, while he was serving in the Temple, offering incense in the sanctuary, Zechariah had a vision of the angel Gabriel. He had been sent to deliver the message that Elizabeth would conceive a son, to be named John.
However, Zechariah, afraid, doubted how this could happen since they were old and Elizabeth was barren. Gabriel told him that he had been sent to convey this good news, but as a consequence of his disbelief, Zechariah would be mute until the day everything was fulfilled (Luke 1:13, 18-20).
Visit to Mary
Finally, the Angel Gabriel appeared to the young Mary. Without a doubt, this was the most extraordinary message that Gabriel delivered in biblical history. The divine conception in the womb of a virgin was the most marvelous and unprecedented miracle in all of history, previously prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14).
Through this incredible event, God, in the person of the Son, would come into the world in an extraordinary way. It was God present, the promised Messiah, who would come in human form to save His people. For this purpose, He would use a simple young woman of faith: Mary.
Unlike the priest Zechariah, Mary did not doubt but was curious to know how this would happen since she was not yet married. Gabriel explained to her, saying, “For God, nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37). Mary believed the message and submitted to the will of the Lord.
The arrival of the Savior was an incredible message after so many years of waiting. Gabriel made this message of hope and salvation known to Mary and to the entire world. And thus it happened, in accordance with the word of God given through the Angel Gabriel to Mary.
What We Learn from the Angel Gabriel
In his appearances, Gabriel faithfully served the Lord Creator, always in His presence, communicating what God determined, thus giving Him glory. The most important lesson we learn from this story is that Gabriel serves, loves, and glorifies the Lord.
The focus is not on the Angel Gabriel or the recipients of his messages, but rather on God and His wonderful message of hope and salvation (see Hebrews 1 and 2).
We should be grateful to God for His transformative "Good News," for His goodness and protection, praising and obeying Him always, along with Gabriel and all His mighty angels.
Follow Gabriel's example and always remain in the presence of the Lord.
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