Gabriel (Messenger)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Gavri’el (“God is my strength”), indicating divine empowerment for his message-bearing role.
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period (in the Gospel narratives before Jesus’ public ministry).
• Main References: Luke 1:11–38.
• Key Connections: Zechariah (priest), Elizabeth, Mary, John the Baptist, Jesus.

Who was Gabriel (Messenger)?

Gabriel is an angelic messenger sent by God in the opening chapters of Luke.
He identifies himself as one who stands in God’s presence and delivers authoritative announcements.
In the Gospel narrative, his role is to communicate God’s plans concerning John the Baptist and Jesus.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Appeared to Zechariah in the temple to announce the birth and mission of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11–20).
• Event 2: Struck Zechariah mute as a confirming sign after unbelief regarding the message (Luke 1:18–22).
• Event 3: Visited Mary in Nazareth to announce Jesus’ conception and royal identity as David’s heir (Luke 1:26–38).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Gabriel’s appearances in Luke highlight that the beginnings of Jesus’ mission were initiated by God’s revealed word and received in faith.

Key Verse

"And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.”" — Luke 1:19, ESV