Who Is Gabriel? What the Lost Texts Say

In 1 Enoch

In 1 Enoch, Gabriel looks down from heaven with Michael, Uriel, and Raphael and sees violence and wrongdoing on earth. The text gives Gabriel responsibility for Paradise, the serpents, and the Cherubim, and power over all authorities and forces. Gabriel also appears with Michael, Raphael, and Phanuel among holy angels entering and leaving a glorious dwelling.

In 2 Enoch

In 2 Enoch, the Lord sends Gabriel, one of His great archangels, when Enoch falls on his face in distress. Gabriel speaks gently to Enoch, tells him not to fear, and asks him to stand and follow. The text also describes Gabriel swiftly lifting Enoch as though he were a leaf carried by the wind.

In Luke

In Luke, Gabriel identifies himself as an angel who stands before God while answering an old man. Another passage says that God sends the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a city in Galilee.

Where Gabriel appears

What the texts say, in their own words

“Gabriel is responsible for Paradise, the serpents, and the Cherubim. Remiel has been chosen by God to watch over those who will rise again.”

1 Enoch · The passage names the things for which Gabriel is responsible. · Read it in The Complete Books of Enoch

“Gabriel spoke gently to me, saying, “Be at peace, Enoch. Do not be afraid. Stand up and follow me, for you will always remain before the Lord.””

2 Enoch · Gabriel speaks gently after the Lord sends him to Enoch in distress. · Read it in The Complete Books of Enoch

“It called out, “Gabriel, help this man understand the vision.” So he came near to where I was standing.”

Daniel · Gabriel comes near after being called to help explain the vision. · Read it in The Complete 88-Book Ethiopian Bible

“I am an old man, and my wife is also very old.” The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stands before God.”

Luke · Gabriel identifies himself while answering a man who says he and his wife are very old. · Read it in The Complete 88-Book Ethiopian Bible

Questions

Who is Gabriel?

In Luke, Gabriel is an angel who says he stands before God. In 2 Enoch, the Lord sends him as one of His great archangels.

What does Gabriel do in Daniel?

Gabriel is called to help a man understand a vision and comes near him. Another passage calls him the man Gabriel and describes him flying quickly and touching the speaker during prayer.

How does Gabriel help Enoch?

Gabriel reassures Enoch, tells him not to fear, and asks him to stand and follow. He also swiftly lifts Enoch as though he were a leaf carried by the wind.

Where is Gabriel mentioned in the lost texts?

Gabriel appears in 1 Enoch, 2 Enoch, 3 Enoch and Apocalypse of Elijah, in The Complete Books of Enoch; Daniel and Luke, in The Complete 88-Book Ethiopian Bible; The Holy Book of the Great Invisible Spirit, in The Nag Hammadi Scriptures.