Why the Heavenly Powers Are Called Angels and Archangels

For no one doubts that the same titles of rank are given to the better sort not without cause or reason, and that they are names of office and of worth or dignity. It is plain that they are called angels, that is, messengers, from their office of carrying messages. And the fitness of the names teaches that they are called “archangels” because they preside over angels; “dominions” because they hold dominion over certain others; “principalities” because they have some to rule over as princes; and “thrones” because they are so near to God, so intimate and close to him, that the divine Majesty rests in them in a special way as in a divine throne, and in a sense surely reclines on them. [a]