The word epiphany
has the modern usage of a great insight or understanding, or a holiday
celebrated due to the Magi visiting Jesus. There is a definition that we don’t
realize exists. It is the “above appearing”, the “above manifested appearing”,
of Jesus. Jesus appeared as a baby, and the Magi saw him. Jesus was recognized
as the Messiah at his baptism when God spoke and the Holy Spirit descended on
Him. Jesus will appear again in the clouds when he calls for his church. He
will also appear again on the Day of the Lord. There are other times Jesus
appeared or manifested, as well as another time he will gather the 144,000
mid-tribulation; but this word is only used for two future categories, the
gathering, and the Day of the Lord. And while all people on earth will also see
the wrath of the Lamb during the 6th seal being opened, epiphany is not used there either.
Clearly, when a word is used in specific instances rather than every instance,
we should take special note of that word. Also we have to keep in mind who used
this word, and to whom it was to be communicated. Epiphany is used in Pastoral
Epistles which tells us that there is specific direction given to the
church. Paul used it 8 times, Luke used
it three times.
Jesus told his disciples that he was going to go away, and then
he was going to come back. He mentioned it as recorded in John, twice. If Jesus
told people he would come back, we should probably pay attention to what he was
saying. While Jesus himself didn’t use the word epiphany, he is telling us
something important, he’s coming back.
John
14:2-4 In my
Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I
go to prepare a place for you.3 And if
I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto
myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.4 And
whither I go ye know, and the way ye know KJV
If Jesus goes to prepare a place, he will come
again and receive those he is making a place for. This is special, just as a
bridegroom would prepare a place by adding on a room to his father’s house for
his bride. Jesus is preparing a place for his bride. We know from Revelation
that Jesus’ bride comes back with him on the Day of the Lord; the bride is
wearing white and has made herself ready. Jesus is making an addition to His
Father’s house for those he is coming to gather, harpazo. Just as the
bridegroom would surprise his betrothed bride when he finished the room
addition, Jesus will surprise his church.
John
14:28-31 Ye have
heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go
unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.29 And now
I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might
believe.30 Hereafter
I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath
nothing in me.31 But
that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me
commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.KJV
Jesus told his
disciples that he was going to prepare a place for them/us. They weren’t quite
sure what that meant. But Jesus says, I’m telling you ahead of time so you will
remember what I said. Looking back, we understand this, as well as his next
sentence.
Jesus then tells them
not to worry, because the prince of this world has nothing in Him. In hindsight,
we can see that the devil had no true hold on Jesus; he could not be put into
hell. As we studied previously, the righteous dead prior to Jesus’ death were
in a place called Abraham’s bosom, or more accurately, Abraham’s bay or creek.
This was a place in Hades separated by a chasm from the fires of Hades. Satan
was to let the righteous redeemed dead go to Paradise, but he held them as
prisoners (Isa 14:17). The gates of hell could not hold Jesus, because as Jesus
said, satan had nothing in Him, there was no legal right to hold Jesus because
Jesus had no sin. Therefore the Old Testament saints were looking, as David
did, to the day when their souls would be let out of hell.
Acts
2:25-33 For David speaketh concerning
him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that
I should not be moved:26 Therefore
did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest
in hope:27 Because
thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to
see corruption….31 He seeing
this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in
hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.32 This
Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.33 Therefore being by the right hand
of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy
Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.KJV
Jesus did not leave David’s soul in hell, nor any of the
other redeemed. Jesus was not left in hell either. David saw this ahead of time,
and Peter reminds everyone of what David said. Remember, Jesus told the
disciples many things that they would understand later after they happened.
Jesus told John that
He has the keys to hell and death. Jesus won the keys to hell and death because
he could not be held by satan.
Rev 1:18 I am he
that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have
the keys of hell and of death.KJV
But there
was another thing that Jesus told his disciples, He told them he was going to
come again. Not simply in his resurrected body, because he was only on earth
for forty days and then he left. Jesus was leaving to prepare a place for his
disciples. Why? So that his disciples could be with Him. What did the angels tell the disciples who
saw Jesus leave earth?
Acts
1:5-11For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized
with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.6 When they
therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at
this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?7 And he
said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the
Father hath put in his own power.8 But ye shall
receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be
witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and
unto the uttermost part of the earth.9 And when
he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud
received him out of their sight.10 And while
they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by
them in white apparel;11 Which
also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus,
which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have
seen him go into heaven.KJV
The disciples were still looking for an earthly
kingdom in Israel. That will happen at the millennial reign, after the
tribulation period, and the Day of the Lord. They didn’t understand that there
would be an age or time period of the Holy Spirit first. That is what Jesus was
just telling them. First, the age of the Holy Spirit where his disciples would
be witnesses to the uttermost part of the earth. While the disciples stood,
mouths open wide in shock, watching Jesus be taken up in a cloud, the angels
said ‘this same Jesus’, not a different one, or someone else in Jesus’ stead,
but this same Jesus shall come in like manner. They saw him go up into a cloud,
and Jesus is coming back in a cloud. This appearing is called Epiphany.
Rev 1:7 Behold,
he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced
him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.KJV
One time he will come in the clouds, another time,
later, he will come to earth, which is the day of the Lord. The Epiphany is his
appearing on both occasions, one time he comes for the church, another time he
comes with his church who are now His armies.
Definition of epiphany in
English Syllabification: (e·piph·a·ny) Pronunciation: /iˈpifənē/ noun (plural epiphanies) (also Epiphany) the manifestation of Christ to the
Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12). 1)
the festival commemorating the Epiphany on January 6. 2) a manifestation of a
divine or supernatural being. 3) a moment of sudden revelation or insight.
The first
definition of Epiphany is a holiday to commemorate two events, Jesus’ first
manifestation as a baby, and Jesus’ Baptism. The birth of Jesus, as we have
studied, was in the fall of 3BC. It took the Magi over a year to visit Jesus.
This was a huge process because these three Magi had many people in their
households to bring on the journey. The journey was not simply three guys and
their camels; it was three wealthy men, plus families, servants, livestock;
which came to about one thousand people. The entire city of Jerusalem was
troubled because it was like an entire city from the east coming for a
visit.
Matt
2:1-12 Now when
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold,
there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,2 Saying,
Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the
east, and are come to worship him.3 When
Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with
him.4 And when he had gathered all the
chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where
Christ should be born.5 And they
said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land
of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall
come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.7 Then
Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently
what time the star appeared.8 And he sent
them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and
when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him
also.9 When they had heard the king,
they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them,
till it came and stood over where the young child was.10 When they saw the star, they
rejoiced with exceeding great joy.11 And when
they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother,
and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures,
they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.12 And being warned of God in a
dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own
country another way.KJV
Here are more details
on the birth of Jesus.
The
second event people celebrate as a holiday regarding Epiphany is Jesus’ baptism. To many people, this is a significant
event because we have the Holy Spirit descending as a dove, and the voice of
God the Father announcing Jesus as His beloved Son.
Matt
3:16-17 And
Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the
heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a
dove, and lighting upon him:17 And lo a
voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased.KJV
Mark 1:10-11 And straightway coming up out of
the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending
upon him:11 And there
came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased.KJV
Luke
3:21-22 Now when
all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized,
and praying, the heaven was opened,22 And the
Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came
from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.KJV
John
1:32-34 And John
bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and
it abode upon him.33 And I
knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me,
Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same
is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.34 And I
saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.KJV
The
second modern definition of Epiphany,
is the biblical definition, which is Jesus appearing. The word epiphany is made
up of two words, epi [1909] which is above, and phaino [5316] which is to shine
or show. It is an above showing, and above manifestation; an above appearing. Here
are the corresponding words in the Greek.
NT:2014 epiphaino (ep-ee-fah'-ee-no); from NT:1909
and NT:5316; to shine upon, i.e. become (literally)
visible or (figuratively) known: KJV - appear, give
light.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with
Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc.
and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:5316 phaino (fah'-ee-no);
prolongation for the base of NT:5457; to
lighten (shine), i.e. show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative):
KJV - appear, seem, be seen, shine, think.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive
Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary.
Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible
Translators, Inc.)
NT:2015 epiphaneia (ep-if-an'-i-ah); from NT:2016; a
manifestation, i.e. (specially) the advent of Christ (past or future): KJV -
appearing, brightness.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and
Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006
Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:2016 epiphanes (ep-if-an-ace');
from NT:2014; conspicuous, i.e. (figuratively)
memorable:(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with
Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc.
and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Jesus is
an epiphany. The thought or realization that Jesus is the Messiah is itself an
epiphany to people. Jesus is the only atonement we have for sin, that is an
epiphany as well. Jesus’ time on earth, as a baby, and in his baptism, is a
manifestation of the Messiah. He has appeared in the flesh on earth. We are
looking for Jesus’ above appearing, his manifestation, his epiphany, when he
comes in the clouds.
Titus
2:11-15 For the
grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared [2014]to all men,12 Teaching us that, denying
ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly,
in this present world;13 Looking
for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing [2015]of the great God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ;14 Who gave
himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself
a peculiar people, zealous of good works.15 These
things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise
thee.KJV
Paul’s
letter to Titus reminds us that we are looking ahead for his above appearing,
the manifestation of the Messiah, and that Jesus would redeem us; and this is
what we are to tell others. Titus is a pastoral epistle, giving practical
advice for the church. Both Timothy and Titus were instructional letters
regarding the running of the church, and we see that predominantly, epiphany is
spoken of here as a message to the church. This message was to be taught to the
body of Christ; that is Titus’ instruction.
Titus
3:3-7 For we
ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers
lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one
another.4 But after
that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared[2014],5 Not by works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;6 Which he
shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;7 That being justified by his
grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. KJV
Paul points
out that we are justified by His grace, and made heirs. This is a great
reminder for the church. We will show up with, appear with, Jesus in glory.
Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life,
shall appear [5316], then shall ye also appear with him in glory. KJV
In
Revelation, we see another example of the root word phaino, shine. Part of this
above appearing is shining like the sun.
Rev 1:16 And he had in his right hand
seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his
countenance was as the sun shineth [5316] in his strength.KJV
The word shineth, is the same word as appear, Jesus’ countenance appeared
bright. Paul tells us in Timothy, another pastoral epistle, to keep these
commandments; follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience,
meekness, and to fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold of eternal life.
1 Tim
6:11-16 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.12 Fight the
good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called,
and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all
things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good
confession;14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable,
until the appearing [2015]of our Lord Jesus Christ:15 Which in
his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of
kings, and Lord of lords;16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no
man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour
and power everlasting. Amen. KJV
Paul says we are to keep those
commandments until the above appearing, the Epiphany, of Jesus Christ. Paul
then says again in 2 Timothy that at Jesus’ epiphany, death will be abolished,
and life and immortality will be given to the saved and called.
2 Tim
1:7-11 For God
hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound
mind.8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of
the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the
afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;9 Who hath saved us, and called us
with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own
purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,10 But is now made manifest by the
appearing [2015]of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath
brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:11 Whereunto I am appointed a
preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.KJV
Jesus’
epiphany, above appearing, does what 1 Corinthians tells, us, the dead in
Christ put on incorruption, and the living in Christ put on immortality. Therefore,
we have no reason to be in fear. Jesus will judge the living and the dead
twice, once at his epiphany, and again in his kingdom.
2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before
God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his
appearing [2015]and his kingdom; KJV
As we
have studied, the harpazo’d saints, the redeemed, are given rewards right after
Jesus is crowned in Revelation 11. At the end of the tribulation, people are
judged again according to their works. For those who love his epiphany, above
manifestation, there is another reward.
2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for
me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me
at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing
[2015]. KJV
At Jesus’
above manifestation in the clouds, there will certainly be people who love his
epiphany, and those who hate it. In the instructional epistles for the church,
epiphany is important for the saints to understand. Paul tells us there will be
a time that the anti-Christ will appear, and be manifest. Then, on the day of
the Lord, Jesus will destroy the anti-Christ. Sadly, many will be deceived by
the anti-Christ, but one day he will be revealed for who he really is.
2 Thess
2:8 And then
shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the
spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness [2015] of his coming: KJV
The
prophet Joel foretold of the Day of the Lord and Peter reiterated it; Luke
wrote the account in Acts. The word used here for notable, or as Joel used, terrible, is above appearing. This is the very scary Day of the Lord. What will
that look like to earthlings? Jesus wearing red, riding a horse, followed by
his armies who are dressed in white; if one has not confessed Jesus as Lord by
that time, it will be a terrifying site.
Acts
2:19-21 And I
will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and
fire, and vapour of smoke:20 The sun
shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and
notable [2016] day of the Lord come:21 And it
shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be
saved.KJV
The sun
will be dark, and the moon will look red before the great above manifested Day
of the Lord. When Jesus is manifest on the Day of the Lord, he will mean
business as Jesus comes to destroy the Beast. If we remember, the Beast
destroys Babylon and Jesus destroys the Beast. This epiphany is not a happy
manifestation for those who took the mark of the Beast. In contrast, the
epiphany in the clouds is a happy manifestation. We have the choice as to
which epiphany to be a part of.
Clearly, the word
used, epi-phaino, epiphany, means several things in our modern understanding,
such as an insight, or a holiday that celebrates either Jesus’ visit from the
Magi or Jesus’ baptism. But the biblical meaning is an above appearing or an
above manifestation. Written to the church, we don’t see epiphany used for
anyone else’ above manifestation. The Church is to know about, look for, and
prepare for, the above manifestation of Jesus in the clouds. If anyone left on
earth after the harpazo understands epiphany, it will be in the context of the
Day of the Lord. These are simple things the church is supposed to teach and
preach to the world. As we know, we are waiting on a number, the number of
Gentiles; not on a date, or a time. It is an encouragement to know that Jesus
is coming for the redeemed, because the redeemed have been atoned for. This is
the instruction to the churches that Paul concerned himself with. Timothy and
Titus were to make sure that the church would know about the above appearing,
the above manifestation of Jesus.
